In-Depth Hong Kong Tour｜Tsing Shan Monastery! One of Hong Kong's "Three Ancient Temples"! Exploring the Origin of Buddhism in Hong Kong (Part 1)…

Hong Kong has a hidden gem—Tsing Shan Monastery, one of the "Three Ancient Temples" and the birthplace of Buddhism in Hong Kong! Also known as Tsing Shan Temple, it is located on the mid-slope of Tsing Shan in Tuen Mun, standing alongside Yuen Long's Ling To Monastery and Ling Yun Monastery. Its ancient and solemn atmosphere makes visitors reluctant to leave.

Tsing Shan Monastery has a rich history dating back to the Liu Song period of the Southern and Northern Dynasties (420–479 AD). Legend has it that the eminent monk Master Bei Du once lived in seclusion here, which is why Tsing Shan is also called "Bei Du Mountain." Unfortunately, the original Buddhist temple was abandoned due to the Qing Dynasty's early "Coastal Evacuation Order," which forced coastal residents to move inland. It wasn't until 1829 that the Tao family built the Qing Yun Temple, and in the late 1910s, the abbot of Qing Yun Temple constructed Tsing Shan Monastery beside the Taoist temple.

Tsing Shan Monastery consists of several distinctive buildings. For example, the Main Hall enshrines Shakyamuni Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, and Medicine Buddha, while the Dharma Protector Hall is dedicated to Wei Tuo. The roofs of these two halls are decorated with Shiwan ceramics; the mountain gate, guest hall, and merit hall are adorned with finely crafted gray plaster.

The architecture of Tsing Shan Monastery holds significant historical value. In 2010, the "Xiang Hai Ming Shan" archway, Main Hall, Bodhisattva Hall, mountain gate, and Dharma Protector Hall were classified as Grade I historic buildings; the "Bu Er Fa Men" archway, dormitory, guest hall, layman’s quarters, and Guanyin Pavilion were classified as Grade II historic buildings; and the merit hall was classified as a Grade III historic building.

Source: "Hong Kong Free and Easy Fun in 18 Districts"

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Post by 曾夏 | Jun 22, 2025