Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a Buddhist temple complex in Sha Tin in Hong Kong’s New Territories, known for its large collection of Buddha images and statues and mid-20th century origins.

A steep, statue-lined stairway leads to the main complex and is the landmark’s principal feature. The site contains multiple halls for worship, a multi-storey pagoda and terrace areas with views over Sha Tin. The combination of thousands of Buddha images and the ornate stair approach is the main draw for visitors.

Construction and development were led by a local Buddhist monk in the mid 20th century, who established the complex and its distinctive statue-lined access. Over time the site expanded with halls, terraces and additional statues to form the present compound.

The monastery sits on a hillside above Sha Tin. It is reached from the town by road and then on foot up the stair approach, with views across the surrounding urban New Territories as you climb.

• Stair count: The approach includes 431 steps, so wear sensible footwear and expect a moderate climb to reach the upper halls.
• Not a residential monastery: Named for its large collection of Buddha images and statues rather than functioning as a residential monastery, with most activity centred on worship and visiting pilgrims.

What to See #

• Arhat staircase: A stepped approach of 431 concrete steps lined on both sides with life-size, painted statues of arhats that lead from the entrance up to the main monastery buildings.
• Main Hall and prayer halls: Main shrine complex containing multiple halls and a large Buddha image used for worship and ceremonies; the complex includes a covered main hall and several smaller prayer rooms.
• Pagoda and terraces: A multi-storey pagoda and terrace areas that form part of the upper complex and provide views over Sha Tin and the surrounding New Territories.