Po Lin Monastery, Hong Kong

Situated on the serene Ngong Ping Plateau of Lantau Island in Hong Kong, Po Lin Monastery stands as a cherished Buddhist sanctuary. Its origins date back to 1906 when three monks from Jiangsu Province in China established the monastery, initially known as "The Big Hut." However, in 1924, it was bestowed with the name it proudly carries today.

At the heart of the monastery lies the main temple, which holds significant spiritual treasures. Among them are three remarkable bronze statues representing the Buddha's past, present, and future lives, accompanied by an extensive collection of Buddhist scriptures.

A magnificent addition to the monastery is the Tian Tan Buddha, an awe-inspiring giant statue completed in 1993. Serving as an extension of Po Lin Monastery, this colossal Buddha stands as a symbol of spiritual enlightenment.

Nearby, the Ngong Ping 360, encompassing the Ngong Ping village and a scenic gondola lift connecting Tung Chung and Ngong Ping, was constructed, offering visitors a memorable journey. The monastery itself boasts impressive architectural marvels, including the distinguished Main Shrine Hall of Buddha and the Hall of Bodhisattva Skanda.

Furthermore, Po Lin Monastery is renowned for crafting exquisite wooden bracelets, which are exclusively available in the vicinity of the Tian Tan Buddha statue.

In 1918, three nuns who received ordination at this monastery established a private nunnery called Chi Chuk Lam on Lower Keung Hill in Lantau. This sacred place is dedicated to Guanyin, the revered Goddess of Mercy. While the nunnery was home to approximately 20 nuns in the 1950s, today, only a venerable abbess remains, upholding the nunnery's profound legacy.