Tsing Shan Monastery

Tsing Shan Monastery clings to the slope of Castle Peak above Tuen Mun and traces its origin to Pui To, a monk said to have arrived in the fifth century, which makes it by tradition the oldest Buddhist foundation in Hong Kong, though the buildings standing today are largely of the early twentieth century. It is a compound of halls, gateways, rock inscriptions and a pagoda spread up the hillside, parts of it restored and parts left weathered and overgrown, which gives it an atmosphere the tidier temples do not have and made it a favourite location for film crews. A steep trail continues from the monastery to the summit of Castle Peak at 583 metres.

History

According to legend an Indian monk who travelled in a wooden cup stayed on the spot and built a hut there for meditation, becoming known as the Reverend Pui To, "travelling in a cup", and his followers built a pagoda where he had lived. The monastery is counted the oldest of the temples in Hong Kong (Wikipedia, Tsing Shan Monastery).

What's there

• A foundation traced to the fifth century - by tradition the oldest here.
• Weathered halls and gateways - restored and unrestored side by side.
• Rock inscriptions on the slope - carvings around the compound.
• The Castle Peak trail - the steep continuation to the 583-metre summit.

When to go

October to April; the climb is hot and unshaded in summer. Two to three hours, longer with the summit. The approach road is steep and there is no transport up.

Things to know

The walk up from the light rail is long, steep and on tarmac. Parts of the monastery are closed, unsafe or under works. It is a working religious site with limited facilities. The Castle Peak trail beyond is eroded and exposed.

Nearby

Tuen Mun is below; Tai Lam Chung reservoir lies east.

Key facts