Traveling down the winding roads of the countryside of Tai Po, a white figure seems in your line of sight, tall as well as straight like a cucumber tree. This figure is a Guan yin, a 76-meter-tall statue made up of Bronze in Tsz Shan Monastery. It is one of the famous Buddhist divinities, a symbol of mercy and protection. Usually depicted as a young woman having a flowering robe floating on a lotus flower with a small jar of pure water in her hand.
The monument offers city dwellers a moment of calm and serenity, among the lush green traditional temple structures that remind the Tang Dynasty. If you planning your trip towards Tsz Shan Monastery here is a complete guideline through which you can explore each corner as a tourist without any difficulty. So, keep in touch by encouraging us with your support.
Background
Tsz Shan Monastery took almost 20 years to complete its construction and finally, it was opened publicly in 2015. The establishment of a monastery was made by Li Ka Shing, the wealthiest man in Hong Kong. The building is located on an area of 46000 sqm. The construction of a monastery was made for research and a spiritual place where Buddhism would be taught. The museum is another sight where you will find Buddhist art.
Things to do at Tsz Shan Monastery
Tsz Shan Monastery architecture draws a little bit of inspiration from Tang, with a design that integrates with the natural terrain. Along the central axis, three main buildings including the main gate, Maitreya Hall, and Grand Buddha Hall are located. Another axis leads from the grand courtyard to the universal gate and Guan Yin figure.
Guan Yin statue
No doubt, the Guan Yin statue is the seeing attraction of the Monastery which is 108 meters tall and flanked by 18 Buddhist pines on either side of the path which is stretched between the universal gate hall and the statue. It features a small image of Amitabha which is a symbol of blessings and protection.
Tsz Shan Monastery Buddhist Art Museum
The Tsz Shan Monastery Buddhist Art Museum is a true treasure of Buddhist art and culture. For the first time, it was opened to the public in 2019. Nestled amidst serene surroundings, it offers a profound and immersive experience for visitors seeking spiritual enlightenment and a deeper understanding of Buddhism and its history. With its remarkable collection and tranquil ambiance, the museum stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Buddhist heritage and appreciation of Buddhist art. It is a place where art, spirituality, and nature converge, leaving visitors with a sense of peace and enlightenment that lingers long after they leave its hallowed halls. The museum is located beneath the Guan Yin Statue.
Reservation
Tsz Shan Monastery is a well-defined destination for tourists as well as locals. It is estimated that the monastery allows just 400 visitors a day. So, book your tickets in advance through the online portal before starting your journey. As the places are spiritual, so beware about the dressings. Try to wear respectful dress otherwise monastery will lend you a cloth for wrapping.
Transportation
The monastery highly encourages public transportation to reduce global warming. But locals use their vehicles. If your trip is between Monday to Friday, there is best opportunity of 20T minibus that directly carries you from Tai Po station and leads to the entrance of the monastery.
Tours Guidelines
As Tsz Shan Monastery is a spiritual place, tourists should follow the rules during this experience.
- Speak in a low voice during the visit so as not to disturb others
- Dress properly keeping in mind the ethics of spiritual places
- Keep water bottles in your hand to keep yourself hydrated
- Do not carry Alcohol, cigarettes, meat, and other things like this in the monastery’s ground
- Inside the monastery hall photography and videos are forbidden
- Don’t touch anything like statues, religious items, or plants lying inside the monastery hall
Keep in mind all these things before starting your journey towards Tsz Shan monastery. Tourists must follow these rules during their trip to any religious place.
