Po Lin Monastery

Shannon
Oct 6
4 min read

A Sanctuary in the Clouds

Founded in 1906 by three monks from Jiangsu Province, Po Lin Monastery began as little more than a thatched hut hidden deep within the mist covered mountains of Lantau Island. Known then as the “Big Thatched Hut,” it was chosen for its isolation, a place where devotion could flourish undisturbed. The monks sought a life of meditation and simplicity, cultivating both the body and spirit amid the cool forests and circling mists. What started as a secluded hermitage would quietly evolve into one of Hong Kong’s most revered sanctums of Buddhist faith.

Traditional Chinese temple with ornate architecture and a red roof. Blue sky and mountains in background. Stairs lead to main entrance.

As Hong Kong’s cityscape grew and modern life accelerated, Po Lin remained a serene constant on the island’s plateau. Through the decades, its humble beginnings gave rise to sprawling halls, ornate pavilions and courtyards filled with incense smoke and the low hum of chanting. It came to be known as “The Buddhist World in the South,” a name that reflected both its southern geography and its role as a spiritual refuge for those seeking calm and clarity. For generations of pilgrims, its mountain air carried not only the scent of burning sandalwood but the essence of continuity, a reminder that in a world obsessed with progress, stillness remains sacred.

Large Buddha statue seated on a pedestal, hand raised. Stone steps lead up to it. Blue sky and clouds in the background. Pagoda nearby.

Po Lin’s influence, however, was never confined to the mountain. Guided by compassion and the Buddhist principle of enlightenment through knowledge, the monastery became an advocate for education and community development. Supporting China’s “development through education” policy, it helped establish over 280 schools across rural Mainland China under Project Hope. This quiet but profound effort embodied the monastery’s belief that true spiritual progress must also uplift society, nurturing both wisdom and opportunity for those most in need.

Traditional Chinese temple with ornate red roof, surrounded by lush green trees. Incense burner in foreground. Flowers line pathway.

While its mission expanded, Po Lin also became a living museum of Buddhist heritage. Its exhibition halls house sacred relics, ancient scriptures and ritual artefacts, preserving traditions that span centuries of Chinese history. Throughout the year, it hosts a rich calendar of cultural and religious events, from Buddha’s Birthday celebrations to the Ullambana Festival of ancestral remembrance, filling the monastery with chants, lanterns and colour. Each festival renews the monastery’s role as a meeting point between devotion, culture and community.

The most iconic symbol of Po Lin’s spiritual legacy is the Tian Tan Buddha, completed in 1993 after more than a decade of planning and construction. Rising 34 metres high and facing north towards Mainland China, this colossal bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha sits in meditative poise atop a three tier lotus altar. To reach it, pilgrims climb 268 stone steps, each one representing an ascent toward enlightenment. The Buddha’s gaze extends across the South China Sea, embodying harmony between man, nature and faith, a tranquil presence that anchors the landscape in quiet dignity.

Close-up of a large bronze Buddha statue face with a serene expression, ornate detail on hand, against a clear blue sky.

Yet beneath the serenity, Po Lin also carries the echoes of sorrow. During the 1930s and 1940s, as war swept across China, monks and refugees fled to Lantau seeking safety and solace within the monastery’s walls. Many never returned home. Their prayers and grief became part of the monastery’s spiritual fabric, lending a depth of compassion that can still be felt in its temples and courtyards. To this day, Po Lin remains a place of healing, a sanctuary not only for worship but for those burdened by loss.

Stone relief sculpture of serene deity on a seated elephant, surrounded by attendants. Intricate carvings, with detailed patterns and an ornate backdrop.

When the Cultural Revolution (1966 - 1976) engulfed mainland China, countless temples and monasteries were destroyed. Po Lin, protected by Hong Kong’s autonomy, survived untouched. During that decade, it became a guardian of Buddhist art, scripture and practice, preserving what others could not. Its endurance ensured that the living thread of Chinese Buddhism would continue unbroken. Today, surrounded by tranquil gardens and sweeping views of sea and mountain, Po Lin Monastery stands as both a monument to endurance and a living expression of peace. It's a reminder that even in times of upheaval, faith and compassion can outlast the storm.

Three bronze statues kneeling on a terrace overlook a lush valley with distant mountains and a red-roofed temple under a partly cloudy sky.

🗺️ Location

Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, SAR of China

🚆 How to get there

Getting to Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha is part of the adventure and surprisingly easy, even straight from the airport. From Hong Kong International Airport, it’s about 30 minutes to Tung Chung. You can grab a taxi (around HK$40–50) or hop on the S56 bus to Tung Chung MTR Station, which takes about 15 minutes and costs roughly HK$4–5. From there, you’ve got two main options. The first is to take New Lantao Bus No. 23 from the bus terminus next to the station. The ride up to Ngong Ping Bus Terminus takes around 50 minutes and costs about HK$20 - 25, winding through mountains and small coastal villages. The second (and way more scenic) option is the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, departing from the Tung Chung Cable Car Station beside the MTR. The trip takes 25 minutes, gliding over lush hills and open sea with views that get better by the minute. A standard round trip ticket costs about HK$295 for adults, while the crystal bottom glass cabin is around HK$365. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth or online. Once you arrive, it’s an easy 15 minute walk from Ngong Ping Village to the monastery and the Buddha. You’ll see it long before you get there.

⭐ Attraction Info

Tian Tan Buddha is open daily between 10am - 6pm, and you can climb the 268 steps to the base for free. If you want to explore the inner halls inside the Buddha, which house relics and symbolic offerings, there’s a small admission fee of around HK$20. Right next door, Po Lin Monastery is still a functioning temple, filled with incense, prayer halls and golden statues. Visitors are welcome, just remember to keep things respectful and wear modest clothing. There’s also a vegetarian restaurant inside the monastery that’s worth a stop. The set meals cost about HK$100 - 150, and it’s a great way to end your visit. If you’ve got a layover of five hours or more, you can easily fit this trip in. The airport to Tung Chung leg is quick and even a short visit gives you a peaceful escape and one of the best views in Hong Kong. If the weather is stormy, you will need to reconsider a visit completely. The cable car will stop operating during lightning storms and you do risk getting stuck up the top.

寶蓮禪寺