Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery Building

Address: Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, Pai Tau Village, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong

Hours: Daily 9:00am-5:00pm

Admission: Free

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.

From Sha Tin MTR Station (East Rail Line), take a short taxi ride of about 7-10 minutes or transfer to a local minibus/taxi toward Pai Tau Village and the monastery entrance. Walking from the town center takes about 25-35 minutes uphill along steep paths; the stairway leading up is the standard visitor route.

• Enter via Pai Tau Village to find the main stairway; the climb up the paved steps lined with gilded Buddhas is the ritual most visitors repeat.
• Go early (before 10am) to avoid coach groups and to catch the softer light on the statues; late afternoon is quieter for photography.
• Bring small change if planning to buy incense or offerings from the few stalls near the top-credit cards are not accepted.
• Respect the temple's rules: modest clothing, quiet in halls, and no smoking; photography is allowed but avoid flash in shrines.