Xianghai Lianshe Banchun Garden

　　Banchun Garden, officially known as Xianghai Lianshe Banchun Garden, spans over 2 million square feet and is the largest Buddhist garden in the New Territories of Hong Kong. Located in the northeastern part of the New Territories, it features scenic ponds, pavilions, and rockeries that are among the most magnificent Buddhist architectural complexes in Hong Kong.

　　Banchun Garden was built in the early 1930s, originally located on Kam Shan. It was constructed by a lay Buddhist named Wong Siu-wai on family-owned land for the purpose of meditation and retreat.

　　Also known as Wong Tak-wai, he ran the “Wing Lee Wai Winery” in Hong Kong, which primarily produced Wujiapi wine and rose wine, distributing them overseas. Later, Wong Siu-wai devoted himself to Buddhism and even traveled to Shanghai to become a disciple of Master Yinguang. In 1928, he established the “Duoduo Buddhist Society” in Po Kong Village. In the 1930s, he purchased the current site of Banchun Garden. In 1953, Wong Siu-wai relocated the “Duoduo Buddhist Society” to Banchun Garden to serve as a dharma center, adding landscaped mountain scenery and several halls. Among them, the “Mahavira Hall” houses the “Three Western Saints” Buddha statues transported from Jiangsu, with a pair of bronze qilin statues guarding the hall entrance. Some of the pavilions and towers built at that time still retain their original appearance.

　　In 1967, Wong Siu-wai’s widow, Wong Lo Siu-chun, handed over Banchun Garden to the management of Xianghai Lianshe. Established in 1933 by Tsang Pik-shan, Li Kung-tat, Chow Fat-wai, and others, the garden was renamed “Xianghai Lianshe Banchun Garden.” The “Mahavira Hall” and the Lotus Pond were renovated, and additional structures such as the “Ksitigarbha Hall,” “Guanyin Hall,” “Sutra Depository,” and “Hall of Remembrance” were subsequently built.

　　Transportation Guide

　　Location: 17 Shek Lin Road, Tai Po, Hong Kong

　　Getting There: Take New Territories Mini Bus Route 22K