Exquisite Temples in Hong Kong

The Chi Lin Nunnery is a Buddhist temple complex on Diamond Hill in Hong Kong. It is regarded as one of the most majestic looking religious shrines in the country that combines exquisite wooden architecture, exquisite flora and greenery with the serene chanting of the nuns.

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, located in Sha Tin, is a 20th-century Buddhist temple housing around 13,000 Buddha statues. Though named as a monastery, there are no monks residing in the complex. The 400 steps to reach the monastery is lined with exquisite golden statues of Buddha, all in different poses.

Po Lin Monastery is a Buddhist monastery sitting in the lap of Ngong Ping at Lantau Island. The highlight of the monastery is the 3 Buddha statues in its premise, representing the past, present and future lives. The famous Tian Tan Buddha statue is an extension of Po Lin Monastery.

The Man Mo Temple located in Sheung Wan is a picturesque temple built to worship Man Cheong (the God of Literature) and Mo Tai (the God of Martial Arts). This has led to the temple being called Man Mo, where Man translates to the God of Literature and Mo, the God of War.

The Wong Tai Sin Temple, more commonly known as Sik Sik Yuen Temple, is a shrine dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, the Great Immortal Wong. Home to three religions - Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism, locals claim that every wish made here comes true, which makes it a significant religious attraction.

Pak Tai Temple, also popularly known as Yuk Hui Temple, is the largest temple in Hong Kong, located on the Cheung Chau Island. The temple is dedicated to Pak Tai, also known as the Water God, who is considered as an important deity for both the local farmers and fishermen. The cultural gem is a must visit place for people who love admiring artwork and architecture.

Situated in Lam Tei, the Miu Fat Buddhist Monastery is a vital centre for Buddhism via education, cultural activities, charity and festivals. Housing a decor style from the 1970s, this temple sites massive Buddha relics in gold. The Miu Fat Buddhist Monastery is sheltered by a roof which offers magnificent views of the Castle Peak and the Siu Hong-Sung Shui Kiu stretch. The pillars of this temple are characterised with coiled dragons and elephants.

Also known as the Castle Peak Monastery or Quingshan Chanyuan, the Tsing Shan Monastery is sited in Tuen Mun. Nestled amongst the three oldest monasteries in Hong Kong, this birth-site of Buddhism also makes a special appearance in the legendary Bruce Lee flick; Enter the Dragon. Founded by the Indian monk, Reverend Pui To, it is said that the Tsing Shan Monastery has been in the books of history since the 400s.

Fung Ying Seen Koon, a Daoist Temple located on Pak Wo Road is an iconic landmark that claims the skies of Fanling in the New Territories. Established in 1929, this temple, named after two fairy islands of Fung Lai and Ying Chau also houses a vegetarian restaurant within its premises. This orange-tiled traditional temple is supported with red stone pillars.

The present Ching Chung Koon Temple initially set up as a rural retreat in 1961 was further on moulded into a Taoist temple. Lying on the Tsing Chung Path, the temple also houses Chinese-styled gardens, a small artificial hill and fishponds. Ching Chung Koon is sectioned with storages for the ashes, photos and details of the dead devotees. The Ching Ming Festival and other temple festivals witness many grieving families reminiscing their deceased loved ones here.

Also known as the Che Kung Temple, the Che Kung Miu is said to have been originally built to contain an epidemic that was spreading across Sha Tin 300 years ago. Located on the Tai Wai premises, the temple houses a massive Che Kung statue at the altar of the main prayer hall. It is also one among the most touristy temples in Hong Kong.

One among the temples dedicated to Hung Shing, the Hung Shing Temple of Wan Chai began as a mere stone altar along the protective shoreline of the area. Listed among the Grade I historical buildings, this temple is set on the Queen's Road East. A comparatively smaller temple, the Hung Shing Temple is built with massive hill-side boulders. It houses a single hall characterised by a granite platform.

One among the many Tin Hau temples in Hong Kong is the Tin Hau Temple at Lam Tseun. This temple hosts many nearby wishing trees that have been attracting many devotees and visitors for over 700 years now. The temple is designed with two halls in the main palace which are dedicated to the God of Literature and the God of War respectively. Refrain from clicking pictures inside the temple.