TSZ SHAN MONASTERY

Hidden away from the crowds, it's one of Hong Kong's best-kept secrets. Leaving the skyscrapers of Hong Kong Island or Kowloon to find yourself, in just one hour, in Tai Po, in this splendid monastery surrounded by mountains and bordered by the sea, is magical. Few travelers venture here, yet we can't recommend it highly enough: it's one of the most beautiful spiritual sites in the territory, if not the most beautiful. You're sure to be amazed!

History. Before the monastery, the site was mainly an undeveloped natural area, surrounded by mountains and green hills. It was in 2015 that the monastery's founder, Li Ka-shing, a wealthy Hong Kong philanthropist, opened it to the public. Its development took over ten years and an investment of nearly HK$3.3 billion, in particular to integrate traditional materials and modern techniques.

Architecture. The monastery's architecture, inspired by the style of the Tang and Song dynasties, blends traditional Chinese elements with modern design. Admittedly, the monastery has the look and feel of a 5-star hotel. The buildings are surrounded by peaceful gardens with winding paths and ponds. The layout is designed to encourage inner calm.

The Guan Yin statue. It is above all this colossal, immaculately white statue that attracts visitors here. It's the largest bronze statue of this Buddhist deity in the world. It stands 76 metres high, overlooking the complex from its lotus-shaped platform. Guan Yin symbolizes compassion and wisdom, central values of Buddhism. By comparison, Lantau's already imposing Big Buddha is just 34 metres high. In the middle of the aisle, just in front of the statue, stands a large bronze water container, the Thousand Wishes Pond. Visitors making an offering of water to Guan Yin pour into it.

The Great Buddha Hall. Dedicated to Buddhist practices. This impressive hall houses three gold statues of the Buddha: Amitabha, Shakyamuni (the historical Buddha), and Bhaisajyaguru (the Medicine Buddha). Each statue embodies essential aspects of the Buddhist faith: wisdom, healing and compassion. With a bit of luck (or by checking the calendar of events on the site), you'll be able to witness a ceremony in which the monks pray, sing and play certain instruments, making the atmosphere of the place even more magical.

The Museum of Buddhist Art. Opening in 2019, this is Hong Kong's first museum dedicated to Buddhist art and relics. Located beneath the Guan Yin statue, it exhibits works, mainly sculptures, from Chinese, Tibetan and Theravada Buddhist traditions. Notable works include statues of bodhisattvas such as Samantabhadra and Manjushri, dating from the ^7th to ^12th centuries. There are also representations of Buddha from the Gandhara period (^2nd-3rd centuries), a style influenced by Hellenistic art. A visit to the museum is recommended, especially for history buffs, as it contains some rare and ancient artifacts. Please note that it is closed on Mondays and every day between 1pm and 2pm.

Activities. In the Buddhist Art Museum, you can learn Chinese calligraphy. It's free, and calligraphy masters will help you practise by copying ideograms. A fun and original activity to try. Every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday (10.15 a.m., 10.45 a.m., 2.15 p.m. and 2.45 p.m.), you can take part in a 1h30 meditative walk in the forest. Register at the Visitor Center at the entrance. Children will particularly enjoy taking part in a collection of prayer stamps throughout the visit to the monastery. These stamps, available at various locations around the monastery, depict Buddhist symbols and inspirational blessings. They can also be used to mark a visit booklet offered on site: a lovely souvenir. Finally, for a self-guided tour of the monastery, you can download the Svaha app, which provides live commentary in English on the precise location.

Practical info. The number of visitors per day is limited to preserve the serenity of the site, so it's essential to reserve a slot online in advance (on weekdays, there's always room, while weekends are often fully booked several weeks in advance). You'll also need to dress appropriately (arms and legs covered, shoes closed). Please note that the superb Buddhist art museum is closed on Mondays, so remember to come on another day.

How to get there. Take the metro (sky blue line to Tai Po Market), then minibus 20B or 20T to Tong Tsz Road (30 minutes), then walk 10 minutes, for a total of 1h30. Or take a cab from Tai Po Market to the monastery (15 minutes, HK$90).

Smart tips. Allow at least 2 hours to visit the entire site. Take something to cover up from the sun, as there are few shaded areas. Also bring water and a snack, as the Buddhist restaurant is only open to visitors on rare occasions.

In short, Tsz Shan Monastery is a true spiritual sanctuary, rare in a city like Hong Kong, and its tranquil atmosphere makes it a must-see.