There is lot to do in Hong Kong which will take you closer to nature but very few moments might feel divine, serene and absolutely blissful. Experience this bliss right in corner of Hong Kong in Taipo. We recently visited Tsz Shan Monastery (Chinese Buddhist Temple) and were in complete awe of this divine place. Lying in between lush green mountains and reservoir this place is absolute visual delight. It trumpets the serenity and the divinity together. Guan Yin statue (they call Lady Buddha) is magnificent and Centre of attraction.
In this fast paced city life, if you wish to find some tranquility, find some peace or want to just stop the pendulum of mind which has tendency to go between past and future... this is the place for you. You will be in the present moment here. You will be in state of meditation throughout the time you will spend here. There is so much to do to help you to be in present moment. From water offering activity to zen calligraphy to walking meditations. It has all that you need right now to pause and just relax.
The Buddha statues and prayers offered to Buddha during specific prayer time is soooo melodius. It transmits one to different zone. Its must attend during visit there.
How to make reservations:
You have to book the visit 30 days in advance through their website -
https://www.tszshan.org/home/new/en/visit.php
Pro tip: one person can book only 6 tickets and the window for booking opens at 8.00 am and it is completely booked out within couple of minutes. But one trick is if you select 3 or 4 people at a time then chances of getting some slots are higher.
Do not forget to carry your HK ID card with which you might have registered the slot.
How to reach Tsz Shan monastery:
Easiest way to reach there is to reach Tai Po MTR and take a cab from there. It costs around 70HKD by cab. Do not reach too early or late - they are quite strict about booking timings
Where to eat?
The inhouse restaurant serves most amazing coffee and cheese cake absolutely free. So do not miss it. It is situated in remote location so you wont find many options around the monastery. Better carry you food. Couple of kms away there is beach and neighboring food joints so best to my understanding they are closest restaurants.
What to wear?
Since its a monastery, respect their culture and tradition and dress appropriately.
How much time is needed to visit the monastery?
So. you will get booking in slot and once you enter the monastery as per your slot given, you can spend as much time as you like there. There is so much to do and i bet you wont feel like leaving that place anyway :)
Is it kid friendly?
It certainly is kid friendly but since we visited with our toddlers I can say that there is not much to do for them and they may not let you spend quiet moment anyway :p However you must not miss this visit for sure!
Lastly, if its raining too much during your slot time, you can borrow these cane hats :) :) :)
Posts
.jpeg)
