Man Fat Sze

Undoubtedly among the most revered sacred sites in Hong Kong, the Man Fat Sze (Monastery of 10,000 Buddhas) has justified its name with over ten thousand Buddha sculptures, ranging from miniature to life-size and more. This intriguing monastery must be reached via 400 steps up the hillside and climbing it can take a healthy and fit person at least 20 minutes. The path alongside the steps are lined with Buddha statues too. While it may seem like a lot of physical exertion to climb up so many steps to see a monastery, the Man Fat Sze is definitely worth it.

Man Fat Sze has a forecourt decorated with huge and varied sculptures of Buddhas and animals. The breathtakingly beautiful giant pagoda represents elegance and charm and although massive, doesn't overwhelm the rest of the temple. It's nine stories high and is located directly opposite the main sanctum. The dark red and white structure holding the golden Buddhas is strangely serene and induces a sense of inner peace. If you climb up the spiral stairway of Man Fat Sze's pagoda, you'll get a wonderful view of Sha Tin below.

The main sanctum has 13,000 small Buddha statues lining its walls from floor to ceiling. None of these statues are made to a similar pose and although they are of similar height, if you look closely, you'll notice the differences. The number of statues displayed are getting larger by the day, because both worshipers and artisans constantly contribute to this magnificent temple's beauty. The pillars at the sanctum's entrance display beautifully written stanzas in Chinese calligraphy.

Among the various pavilions containing deity statues, the most notable are th Vitasoka, the temple's guardian and Kun Yam, the Goddess of Mercy. The Amita Buddha temple (Ner Tor) houses a 45-foot gold Amita Buddha who supposedly guides worshipers to heaven after their demise. The monastery's founder is also laid to rest beside this pavilion. Other areas of interest include the Ancestral Worshiping Halls and Candi Buddha Temple (housing Candi, the mother of all Buddhas with 1000 eyes and Kwan Tei, the God of Righteousness). A vegetarian restaurant is located inside the Man Fat Sze monastery, offering pilgrims, worshipers and tourists a place to have a snack and relax.

Man Fat Sze is located on the outskirts of Hong Kong and visiting it will require a whole day. So, why not enjoy the temple's serenity and stay at a Sha Tin town's acclaimed hotel in Hong Kong. Hotel Jen is an excellent Hong Kong Island hotel option for anyone