Wellness starts on the inside, and in a city as busy as Hong Kong, taking the time to find a mindful moment to be reflective and self-aware is no easy task. But that doesn’t mean they can’t be found — the city is home to several tranquil temples and historic sites where you can immerse yourself in a slice of history while exploring your spiritual side. While many of these temples in Hong Kong are popular with sightseers, remember to be respectful as these places are used daily by worshippers.
Man Mo Temple
Its central location makes it one of Hong Kong’s most popular temples, but what it lacks in tranquility it makes up for in character. This Grade I historic building was erected in 1847, in dedication to Man (the god of literature) and Mo (the god of war). It is the largest of the Man Mo temples across Hong Kong. Today it sits amid the city’s art and cultural centre, surrounded by contemporary galleries and quaint cafes.
124-126 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong | man-mo-temple.hk | 2540 0350
Wong Tai Sin Temple
Wong Tai Sin temple is a multi-denominational place of worship, servicing the Taoist, Buddhist and Confucian communities. It is widely believed that the temple holds the power to make dreams come true.
2 Chuk Yuen Village, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon | siksikyuen.org.hk | 2327 8141
See also: 7 Luxury Meditation Retreats In Asia To Help You Destress & Refocus
Kwan Tai Temple
Kwan Tai Temple is a 600-year-old structure in the sleepy seaside fishing village of Tai O. Legend has it that Kwan Tai (the god of war in the Taoist religion) rescued the village from a raging fire. It began to worship him in gratitude and remains to do so to this day.
Kat Hing Back Street, Tai O, Lantau Island
10,000 Buddhas Monastery
Contrary to its name, the monastery is filled with 12,800 miniature Buddha statues with dozens lining the path that leads to it, and it one of Hong Kong’s quirkiest spiritual sites. It’s accessed by a short but steep walk, leading visitors to engage both body and mind.
Po Fook Hill, Pai Tau Village, Sha Tin, New Territories | 10kbuddhas.org | 2691 1067
See also: 5 Top Healers In Hong Kong To Keep You Holistically Aligned
Tin Hau Temple
One of many temples in Hong Kong built in tribute to the sea goddess Tin Hau, the Yau Ma Tei temple is unique in its location: landlocked. It serves as a reminder of Hong Kong’s constant urbanisation, as it originally stood on the waterfront.
56-58 Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon | ctc.org.hk | 2385 0759
Po Lin Monastery
This Buddhist monastery was built in 1906 by a trio of monks from Jiangsu Province in Mainland China. It sits next to the Tian Tan Buddha, known more popularly as the Big Buddha, one of Hong Kong’s most visited attractions.
Ngong Ping, Lantau Island | plm.org.hk | 2985 5248
See also: The Art Of Mindfulness: An Urban Retreat At Four Seasons Hong Kong
Chi Lin Nunnery
Chi Lin Nunnery lies surrounded by tranquil lotus ponds and vibrant flora, in one of the most picturesque parks in Hong Kong. Though it was largely rebuilt in the 1990s, the architecture is reminiscent of the Tang era.
5 Chi Lin Drive, Diamond Hill, Kowloon | chilin.org
