How to go to Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺. Very Serene Peaceful Place in Hong Kong

The Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺 in Hong Kong was one of my highlights during the recent trip to Hong Kong. It is a most amazing place where it is super peaceful and has a fantastic Feng Shui too. This article introduces Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺 and How to go to Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺.

I would even say that Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺 visit is THE HIGHLIGHT of my many many visits to Hong Kong. Not even a visit to TVB locations beat that :). Since this visit, I have been back a few more times. It has become a must do for my visit to Hong Kong.

I could have NOT made it there but for a very good stroke of luck. Which I would make sure to share the tip with you later in this blog. It was a last minute decision to visit Hong Kong and even more last minute memory that I should visit this place. Luckily I managed to snap a visit !!

Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺

For those who are not aware, the Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺 was completed and opened to public visitors in April 2015. Much of the monastery building funds were donated by local business magnate Li Ka-shing. This place is not to be confused with the The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery at Lantau.

Youtube video of Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺

How to book a visit to Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺

First, let’s get you a visit. Yes, each visit must be pre-booked in advance.

The booking site is here.

And here’s the MOST IMPORTANT tip.

In the screen to enter the number of visitors, please enter the number of visitors LESS one. That means it does not include YOU. The exact meaning of the words are “我將與X位同行人士參學” which is “I am visiting with “X” number of companions”. When I first reached this site, I was so excited that I just entered 2 (me and wife). Which means, to the system, they think there are THREE people (me and 2 people). They could not find me a slot for me. But when I tried a second time and make sure it is TWO people (me and 1 person), there was a slot at the earliest time ! So lucky !! I could finally visit the place !!

You can then book the timing slots. I strongly suggest early morning slots. I had the first slot and was the first to step into the temple. The tranquility of that place 慈山寺 in the morning and with very little visitors was simply unbelievable.

The earliest you can make a booking is one month before the date you want to visit. At 8am that day.

You will get an email after you register and please print the email. Also bring your identification document. Such as passport and/or IC.

Dress code to Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺

Please dress correctly too. No spaghetti top. No shorts. No mini skirts. Wear a shirt and jeans is the safest. Please respect this place as a very sacred place of worship.

How to go to Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺 from downtown Hong Kong

So how to get there.. there are instructions on the web site and there are ways like Bus, Mini Bus and Taxis.

But here’s my way. Take the MTR to MTR Tai Po Market Station. This, incidentally, is also the station which you can take bus to Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree 林村許願樹.

Exit the station.

When you exit the station, go to EXIT B and grab a GREEN TAXI. Yes, Patnotebook who loves mini buses in HK etc asked you to take a taxi.

Reason is that it is not expensive (see photo but I paid less than that) and it is really a long walk from the bus stop (if you even find the right place to alight). It is really worth it to just take a taxi. There are MANY green taxis available.

The journey by taxi takes about 15 mins and cost less than HKD 100.

You can see a glimpse of the temple and its magnificent Bronze Guanyin statue when your taxi comes close to the temple:

The taxi will align you at the temple entrance and you will show your email to the person. If you are early, you can queue and wait. It is worth to be the first.

Update in June 2018. I took this photo of the mini buses that go from MTR Tai Po Market Station to the temple. In case you don’t want to take taxi when you reach MTR Tai Po Market Station and have time to take a cheaper mini bus.

Photos of Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺

I will leave you with photos of the place. The Feng Shui at this place is so so amazing. Mountains. Water. Many open spaces for Ming Tang 明堂.

Feng Shui at Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺

明堂 at Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺

Water formation at Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺

Mountain range protecting Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺

I mediated at this place with a good direction (based on Qi Men charts). I was very lucky (fated ?) to visit at the right time to have such good formation in the Qi Men charts to mediate to.

Remember to do the water offerings as you approach the Guan Yin statue.

Guan Yin at Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺

The Big Guan Yin statue. Amazing. Beautiful. Walk around the statue too please.. mediating as you walk. Praying as you walk.

You can even spend time to write the Sutra scripts in one of the halls.

Going back to MTR from Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺

There is a bus to bring you back to the MTR if you so want to 🙂

In June 2018, it now costs $7.30 for adults and $2 for elderly. Use your Octopus card.

Or else depending on the time you leave this place, there are lots of taxi sending people to the temple and you can easily grab one back to the MTR.

My Future Visits to Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺

I have been visiting this beautiful, peaceful, serene Tze Shan Monastery 慈山寺 everytime I go to Hong Kong.

Due to Covid, my last visit to Hong Kong was back in 2020. Even then, I managed to go to the TZE SHAN Monastery for Chinese New Year celebrations. WONDERFUL. I hope you can make a visit to this magnificent place one day !!