Tsing Shan Monastery, also known as Tsing Shan Temple, nestles on the hillside of Castle Peak in Tuen Mun. The Monastery and Ling To Monastery and Ling Wan Monastery in Yuen Long are “The 3 Ancient Temples in Hong Kong”.
The history of Tsing Shan Monastery can be traced back to Lau Song Dynasty (420 - 479) of the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Legend has it that an accomplished Buddhist monk, Master Pui To (water-crossing on a cup), lived in seclusion in Castle Peak during the Lau Song Dynasty, earning Castle Peak another name of Pui To Mountain. It is said that the original monastery was desolate as residents moved inland in compliance with a relocation order in early years of the Qing Dynasty (1636 - 1912). In 1829, the To clan built a Taoist temple named Tsing Wan Kwun. In the late 1910s, the then abbot of Tsing Wan Kwun built Tsing Shan Monastery nearby the Taoist temple.
Tsing Shan Monastery is composed of building complexes full of distinctive architectural features. Of them, the ridge of Tai Hung Po Din is decorated with Shiwan glazed ceramic opera figurines, while Mountain Gatehouse, Guest Hall and Hall of Merit are decorated with mouldings with exquisite craftsmanship.
The building complexes of the Monastery have considerable heritage value. In 2010, “Heung Hoi Ming Shan” Pai-lau, Tai Hung Po Din, Bodhisattva and Ksitigarbha Hall, Mountain Gatehouse and Hall for the Protection of the Law were rated Grade 1 historic buildings; “Absolute Gate of the Law” Pai-lau, Dormitory, Guest Hall, Devotee’s Forest and Kwun Yum Pavilion were rated Grade 2 historic buildings; and Hall of Merit was rated Grade 3 historic building.
Transport
To plan your journey to Tsing Shan Monastery, visit the "HKeMobility" website (https://www.hkemobility.gov.hk) or mobile application developed by the Transport Department, and insert your starting point to search for routes of different transportation mode. Alternatively, you may click the “Journey” button in the Google Map below.
The information provided in this website is for reference only, and is subject to change in accordance with the announcement of relevant Departments or organisations. The Government does not make any express or implied warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy, reliability or timeliness in relation to such contents, and will not be liable for any errors in, or omissions from any such information. Before planning your journey, please pay attention to the latest announcements of relevant departments or agencies, or contact them for enquiries of the latest opening status and opening hours of the attractions.
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