Wherever it is for spiritual reasons or simply the beauty of the decoration, I love to explore the temples of Hong Kong. Some are particularly impressive and big, others small but with an extraordinary atmosphere inside. Get to know my personal favorites in Asia´s World City.

Chi Lin Nunnery & Lan Nian Gardens

Close to Diamond Hill metro station, this Buddhist temple was erected in 1934 and is completely made of Cypress wood, without the use of any nails. Special Chinese architectural techniques hold the largest hand-made wooden building in the world together and make it an architectural highlight. Inside the Nunnery are several, impressive golden statues and beautifully crafted halls. Right adjacent lies Nan Lian Garden. A public park built in the style of the Tang dynasty. Its scenic garden is meticulously landscaped over an area of 3.5 hectares, in which every hill, rock, body of water, plant and timber structure has been placed according to specific rules and methods. One of Hong Kong´s best!

 

Kwun Yam Temple

Dedicated to the Goodess of Mercy, this Taoist temple is located in a less touristy spot of Hong Kong, the neighborhood of Hung Hom in East Kowloon. While the side streets are bursting with street vendors and a local market, the temple itself is a spiritual hideway from the hustle and bustle outside. Even if you can barely stand the heat and humidity inside during summer and the air is misty with smoke, it is particularly this combination and the intense energy flowing inside the premise that makes Kwun Yam such a special place.

 

Man Mo Temple

It is my all-time favorite! Surrounded by a concrete jungle of Hong Kong highrises, Man Mo is an eye-catching architectural jewel already from far away when approaching. Inside awaits a magic setting with the air full of inscent and a spiritual atmosphere. It is the oldest temple in whole Hong Kong and highly popular to visit to settle disputes or to pray for success when having examinations coming up. Simply beautiful!

 

Pak Tai Temple

A beautiful hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the Wan Chai district and absolutely worth seeing. Not only for the impressive lantern installation on the ceiling! The Pak Tai statue inside is over three meters tall and just about 400 years old! Surrounded by old trees, the complex emits a magic ambiance inside and outside.

 

Po Lin Monastery

Founded in 1906, the monastery has become today one of Hong Kong´s most important Buddha temples. One of the reasons may have been the completion of the nearby Tian Tian Buddha statue on top the Lantau hill. But even without it, Po Lin is a beautifully arranged worshipping place with a calm and tranquil atmosphere and scenic views.

 

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

It truly is a surreal piece of art and, in my opinion, definitely a must see when in Hong Kong. Just a few minutes walk from the Sha Tin railway station, the monastery lies a steep incline up the rock with a walkway piled with golden buddha statues. Prayer halls can be found on two different elevated levels, offering both amazing panoramic views as well as interesting and colorful architecture. To climb up, you must be in good physical condition! The view will pay off for the effort. Promise.

 

Wong Tai Sin Temple

The place where wishes shall come true. Just one metro station ahead of the Chi Lin Nunnery, Wong Tai Sin is an impressive and beautifully set up Taoist temple complex with a gorgeous little garden included inside the premise. The temple is very popular amongst locals as it is said that it features the most accurate fortune tellers, palm readers and soothsayers. Maybe you will find the answers to your questions, too!

 

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