Tsing Shan Monastery

Tsing Shan Monastery

Also known as Tsing Shan Temple, Tsing Shan Monastery is located at the eastern foot of Castle Peak in Tuen Mun District, New Territories, Hong Kong. Together with Ling Yan Monastery and Po Lin Monastery, it is referred to as one of Hong Kong’s “Three Great Ancient Temples.” To the east of Tsing Shan Monastery, the Tsing Shan Temple Path leads to Tuen Mun town center; meanwhile, the Filial Piety Path and Tsing Shan Path beside the temple lead directly up to the nearby Han Ling Pian Shi Pavilion at the mountain summit.

In 1985, Tsing Shan Monastery was collectively rated as a Grade I historic building. In 2005, authorities selected 1,444 historic buildings for in-depth assessment by an expert panel, which then submitted proposed ratings to the Antiquities Advisory Board for consideration and review. Within Tsing Shan Monastery, the Xiang Hai Ming Shan Archway, the Mahavira Hall, the Ksitigarbha Hall, the Mountain Gate, and the 0 Hall retained their Grade I historic building status. The Bu Er Fa Men Archway, the monastic and elderly residents' quarters, the guest hall, the dormitories, and the Guanyin Pavilion were rated as Grade II historic buildings, while the Gong De Tang received a Grade III historic building rating.

Tsing Shan Monastery consists of multiple architectural complexes clustered on the eastern foothills of Castle Peak, which stands 583 meters high. It broadly includes three main groups of structures: the entrance archway bears the inscription “Xiang Hai Ming Shan” (Fragrant Sea and Famous Mountain) on one side and “Turn Back and You’ll Find Salvation” on the other; the mountain gate is inscribed with “Tsing Shan Monastery,” and the temple doors are flanked by the couplet: “Ten li of pines and firs hide the ancient temple; a hundred layers of clouds and waters embrace Castle Peak.”

Tsing Shan Monastery

Must-visit reason: One of Hong Kong’s most famous ancient temples