The founder, Reverend Yuet Kai, died in 1965, and his body was preserved and gilded to be displayed in the main temple.
The complex covers an area of approximately eight hectares across a steep hillside.
Construction of the site took roughly 15 years to complete, with the founder and his followers manually carrying building materials up the slope.
The monastery is not a registered religious institution under the Hong Kong Buddhist Association and operates as a private entity.
Every individual statue along the path is unique in pose, facial expression, and attire.
The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a sprawling complex situated on a hillside in the Sha Tin district of Hong Kong. Despite its name, the site houses over 13,000 Buddha statues of varying sizes, materials, and expressions. Founded by Reverend Yuet Kai in the 1950s, the monastery was constructed without the use of official religious order support. Visitors reach the main temple area via a steep, concrete path lined with hundreds of life-sized, gold-painted arhat statues. The main hall features walls entirely covered in small, individual Buddha figurines. The grounds include several pavilions, a pagoda, and a crematorium housing the preserved remains of the founder. It functions as a non-residential religious site rather than a traditional monastery with a resident monk community.
The nine-story pagoda offers a vantage point overlooking the Sha Tin valley.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes as the ascent involves hundreds of steep steps.
Bring your own water, as the path and temple grounds have limited facilities.
Carry sun protection, as much of the steep, exposed path lacks shade.
Attempting the steep hike during extreme heat or heavy rainfall; feeding the wild monkeys that inhabit the hillside.
The site may close temporarily during extreme weather conditions such as typhoons or black rainstorm warnings.
Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees; maintain a quiet demeanor near the main hall and shrines.
