Where to Find Your Zen in Hong Kong

One of the world’s most vibrant cities, Hong Kong never fails to excite. But should the stagger high rises, street bustle and 24-hour energy overwhelm, it’s easy to find some spiritual relief. Here’s where to find your Zen in Hong Kong.

Wisdom Path and the Big Buddha, Lantau Island

Few experiences are as rejuvenating as time spent in nature, and this is especially true of the aptly-monikered Wisdom Path. This paved, mountain-side track close to the Big Buddha at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island is beset with 38 wooden columns arranged in the infinite figure eight; each one carved with verses from the ancient Confucian, Taoist and Buddhist-revered Heart Sutra, and etched with the Chinese calligraphy of contemporary scholar Jao Tsung-I.

Alongside an opportunity for gentle contemplation, the path offers stunning vistas of surrounding peaks and seascapes. Tie it in with paying your respects to the Big Buddha, Hong Kong’s most famous spiritual attraction – aim to go early morning before the coachloads descend and disrupt the serenity.

Nan Lian Gardens and Chi Lin Nunnery, Diamond Hill

A patch of verdant green amid Diamond Hill’s towering concrete jungle, Nan Lian Gardens is not only a painstakingly crafted study in Tang Dynasty-riffing design, but an ode to classic, elemental Chinese tranquillity; every rock, lagoon, frond, flower, pagoda and pavilion is meticulously positioned to maximise natural balance, peace and simplicity.

Serene vantages appear with each step through the garden, while dedicated wooden buildings, bonsai trees and mineral formations are on permanent display. Secreted behind a moss-dappled waterfall is the garden’s vegetarian dim sum restaurant, offering blissful respite for palate and person. Feeling at one with nature, push on out and over the pedestrian bridge to the equally sublime Chi Lin Nunnery.

The Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, Sha Tin

Sad Buddhas, laughing Buddhas, hairy Buddhas, theatrical Buddhas, angry Buddhas, weapon-brandishing, accessory-rocking, and pet-handling Buddhas… in fact, hundreds of golden Buddhas, each representing a different path to enlightenment, greet you at this remarkable temple in Sha Tin. But wait, there’s more. Upon reaching the monastery itself, espy the motherlode of mini Buddhas lining the main hall from floor to ceiling. Climb yet further up the

nine floors of the pagoda, to be rewarded with staggering views of surrounding Sha Tin, and, you guessed it, myriad more golden Buddhas. Om.

Wisdom Path / Ngong Ping Fun Walk / Ngong Ping Rd / Lantau Island / discoverhongkong.com

Big Buddha / Ngong Ping Rd / Lantau Island / +852 2985 5248 / discoverhongkong.com

Nan Lian Garden / 60 Fung Tak Rd / Diamond Hill /Kowloon/ +852 3658 9366 / discoverhongkong.com

Chi Lin Nunnery / 5 Chi Lin Dr / Sheung Yuen Leng / Diamond Hill / Kowloon/ +852 2354 1888 / chilin.org

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery / Po Fook Hill at Pai Tau Village / Sha Tin / New Territories / +852 2691 1067