Po Lin Monastery, Hong Kong

Po Lin Monastery, Hong Kong

Highlights

Po Lin Monastery holds several Buddhist ceremonies throughout the year to pray for blessings and ward off disasters. Notable events include the annual Buddha's Birthday celebration in early April (lunar calendar) and the Guanyin Birthday ceremony in mid-September (lunar calendar). On the eighth day of the fourth lunar month, which is Buddha’s Birthday, a grand Bathing the Buddha ceremony is held. A bathing basin is placed outside the Mahavira Hall for visitors to bathe the Buddha and pray for blessings. Introduction

Known as the “Buddhist Kingdom in the South,” Po Lin Monastery is the foremost among Hong Kong’s four great monasteries. It is located on the Ngong Ping Plateau of Lantau Island, nestled between Phoenix Mountain and Maitreya Mountain. Originally built during the Qing Dynasty’s Guangxu era as the “Big Thatched Hut,” it was not until 1924, when the monk Ji Xiu from Jinshan Temple in Zhenjiang became its first abbot, that it was officially named “Po Lin Monastery.”

To the left of the temple are the Tian Tan Buddha, the Fa Hua Pagoda, and the Hua Yan Pagoda on Woodfish Peak, while to the right are Lotus Mountain and Lion Rock. Inside, there are structures such as the Skanda Hall, the palace-style Mahavira Hall, the Po Lin Pond, and the majestic Heavenly King Hall.

In addition, the monastery also has an Earthly Altar, modeled after Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, complete with the same acoustic principles. The natural scenery around Po Lin Monastery is also stunning, with Phoenix Mountain nearby being a great spot to watch the sunrise.

Tian Tan Buddha The world’s largest outdoor bronze seated Buddha. Located atop Woodfish Mountain, directly opposite the monastery’s main gate, the statue is cast in bronze. Construction began in 1990, and the Buddha was consecrated in December 1993. The Buddha’s head is covered in gold leaf, and the body consists of more than 200 bronze pieces welded together. The lotus throne on which the Buddha sits is designed in imitation of Beijing’s Temple of Heaven, hence the name “Tian Tan Buddha” (Temple of Heaven Buddha). Designed and constructed by China’s Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation, the statue stands nearly 34 meters tall and represents a fusion of religious artistry and cutting-edge technology. The base of the statue has three levels, including exhibition halls and a large bell engraved with Buddha images and sutras. The bell is computer-controlled and rings every seven minutes, 108 times in total, to help people “release 108 kinds of worries.” Dining / Accommodation / Shopping

1. Vegetarian meals are available at the monastery. Tickets are “Treasure Taste Vegetarian” at HK$60 per person or “VIP Vegetarian” at HK$100 per person. Both meal types are set menus determined by the number of diners and do not allow for à la carte ordering. Meal hours: 11:30 AM – 5:00 PM. 2. The monastery offers accommodation for visitors planning to watch the sunrise on Phoenix Mountain or for those seeking short-term spiritual retreat. Transportation

1. Take a ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo Pier, then take New Lantao Bus No. 2 from Mui Wo Pier to reach the monastery.

2. Take New Lantao Bus No. 23 from the bus terminal outside Exit B of Tung Chung MTR Station.

Address: Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping Road, Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Type: Temple

Recommended Visit Duration: 1–4 hours

Phone: +852-29855248

Official Website: http://www.plm.org.hk/sch/home.php

Opening Hours:

Po Lin Monastery: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tian Tan Buddha: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

Ticket Information:

Admission to the exhibition hall beneath the Tian Tan Buddha requires a ticket priced at HK$23, which includes vegetarian meals and vegetarian dim sum.