There are several temples in Hong Kong — almost one in every neighbourhood — but only a select few are known for their remarkable architecture and exciting history. Embodying the rich cultural legacy of the city, these temples encourage you to experience the artistic grandeur that characterises Hong Kong’s sacred treasures, featuring exquisite designs and peaceful atmospheres.
Before visiting these iconic temples, plan your trip with our guide to the most incredible things to do in Hong Kong.
Visit these beautiful temples in Hong Kong
Sha Tin Che Kung Temple
Also known as Che Kung Temple, the shrine honours the namesake military leader of the Southern Song Dynasty. Legend has it that 300 years ago, the villagers built a temple in honour of the leader to stop the local epidemic from spreading. The day the temple was completed, the disease disappeared. Hence, the temple was built to house Che Kung in Sha Tin. You will see a huge statue of the commander at the centre of the temple. Locals traditionally beat a drum and turn a fan-bladed wheel of fortune for good luck. You can try it too for a great experience of temples in Hong Kong.
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm.
How to reach: Che Kung Temple Station on the Tuen Ma line is the closest to the temple.
The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery
One of the top things to do in Hong Kong is to visit the Tian Tan Buddha, also famous as the Big Buddha, besides the picturesque Po Lin Monastery. Located on Lantau island, the two destinations can be visited together since they are located next to each other.
Founded over 100 years ago, Po Lin Monastery faces the Tian Tan Buddha and is a fine example of Buddhist culture and architecture. The complex has the Hall of Skanda Bodhisattva, Main Shrine Hall, Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, Bell Tower, Drum Tower, Hall of Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, Meditation Hall, Dining Hall and Sangha Hall. The temple also has a vegetarian restaurant offering soulful food.
Timings: Po Lin Monastery is open from 9 am to 6 pm; Tian Tan Buddha is open from 10 am to 5:30 pm.
How to reach: Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to reach the top or take Lantau Bus #2 or #21.
Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden
Though not exactly considered as temples in Hong Kong, the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden are popular attractions. The Tang dynasty-style monastery and garden are next to each other in Diamond Hill. The Nunnery was once a mansion. In 1994, it was redesigned as a traditional Chinese ‘7 halls monastery’, following the principle of Chinese construction of interlocking wood beans without using a single nail.
The Nan Lian Garden complements Chi Lin Nunnery’s timber architectural beauty and follows the Chinese classical garden. The only Tang landscape garden currently utilising its original layout was constructed in 1934. It boasts one of the city’s best-kept, perfectly manicured gardens. The complex also houses the Chi Lin Vegetarian, offering Chinese delicacies prepared with seasonal vegetables.
Timings: Chi Lin Nunnery is open from 9 am-5 pm; Nan Lian Garden is open from 7 am-9 pm.
How to reach: Diamond Hill MTR Station on the Kwun Tong line and Tuen Ma line are the closest.
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Book your stay at Ramada Hong Kong Harbour View via Agoda
Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
Hidden away in Sha Tin’s hills is the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. Although the name suggests 10,000 Buddhas, this temple in Hong Kong contains over 13,000, with over 500 statues located on the way to the monastery. Another distinctive feature is that this monastery is managed by residents rather than monks; hence, in a strict sense, it is not a monastery. Also known as the Man Fat Sze, the complex features five temples, four pavilions and one tall pagoda. However, the beauty of the temple lies in its many statues. The temple also hosts a vegetarian restaurant.
Timings: 9 am to 5 pm.
How to reach: Sha Tin station on the East Rail line is the closest.
Man Mo Temple
There are many Man Mo Temples in Hong Kong, but the one on Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan is the biggest and the most iconic! Built between 1847 and 1862, this ancient temple is regarded by the Hong Kong Antiquities Advisory Board as a Grade One Historical Building. It is not in the classic Siheyuan architectural style that most Chinese temples adhere to, but it does follow the layout of a Chinese temple.
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm.
How to reach: Sheung Wan Station on the Island line is the closest.
Wong Tai Sin Temple
Established in 1921, the Wong Tai Sin Temple was built under the guidance of Master Wong Tai Sin and is now home to three religions — Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. This beautiful temple in Hong Kong has a unique prayer custom that has made it famous among tourists — Kau Sim, the Chinese fortune-telling practice. The temple’s traditional Chinese-style architecture is emphasised through the ornate red pillars, ornamental carvings, and grand gold roof.
Timings: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm.
How to reach: Wong Tai Sin Station is the closest.
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Book your stay at Dorsett Wanchai, Hong Kong via Agoda
Tsz Shan Monastery
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Another stunning temple in Hong Kong is the Tsz Shan Monastery. Known for its naturally beautiful location and magnificent architecture, its highlight is the world’s largest bronze statue of Guan Yin. Standing 76 metres tall, it is twice the size of the Big Buddha. The temple’s backdrop of the lush Pat Sin Leng mountain range and the pristine Plover Cove Reservoir on the front make it extremely picturesque. The tang-style architecture temple complex has several gardens, grand halls, a ‘brilliance pond’, and the Buddhist Art Museum. Entry to the monastery is free but limited. Visitors will need to register online. Book your slot through their official website.
Timings: 9:30 am to 5 pm.
How to reach: Tai Po Market Station is the closest.
Tin Hau Temple
Lose yourself in the beauty of the Tin Hau Temple in Causeway Bay. Established by the Tai Clan in the 18th Century, temple members continue to manage it. It is home to several ancient relics that narrate tales of different dynasties and the community that lived around the bay. The outside of the temple is just as beautiful as the inside, with features like the roof decorated with fish and dragons to honour the Goddess of the Sea.
Timings: 7 am to 5 pm.
How to reach: Tin Hau Station on the Island line is the closest to the temple.
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(Feature image credit: king Ho/Pexels)
This story first appeared here.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Entry to all temples in Hong Kong is free and requires no entrance fee. However, Tsz Shan Monastery requires you to book time slot before coming.
Places of worship, like the temples in Hong Kong, require visitors to wear respectable clothes. Avoid wearing see through or short clothes.
Po Lin Monastery, Chi Lin Nunnery and Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery have vegetarian restaurants.
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Priyaja took her love for reading to the next level by majoring in English and minoring in Journalism at Lady Shri Ram College For Women (DU). She is extremely curious about the world and wishes to visit all the countries once in her life. She identifies as a foodie and loves to spend her free time exploring different cuisine and curating new dishes. As a former Food Writer at NDTV, she can help you find the best places to eat in Delhi!
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