Also known as the Bamboo Forest Monastery, Chuk Lam Sim Yuen is a large multilevel temple complex built into the hills above Tsuen Wan. Featuring multiple halls and altars, the temple is known for its beautiful statues, including the three largest indoor golden Buddhas in Hong Kong, and offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Built in 1932 by an elderly monk and six disciples, Chuk Lam Sim Yuen is one of the largest temples in the area, with grounds that cover more than 400,000 square feet (37,161 square meters), spread over several levels.
The complex has multiple halls, including Heavenly Guardians Hall, Jade Buddha Hall, and the Hall of the Five Hundred Arhats, as well as altars to Buddha, Maitreya Buddha, Guan Yin, and numerous other Buddhist deities. Don’t miss the four-faced Brahma (Phra Phrom) statue from Thailand or three of the largest golden Buddhas in Hong Kong (only the Giant Buddha at Po Lin Monastery is larger). The top level of the complex offers panoramic views over Tsuen Wan.
Chuk Lam Sim Yuen is an active place of worship, so be respectful of worshippers.
It’s free to enter the temple, but donations are accepted.
The temple grounds are vast, so expect to spend one to two hours here.
The temple is not wheelchair accessible.
Chuk Lam Sim Yuen is located in the New Territories. Take the MTR to Tseun Wan (exit B1), then follow the footbridge over Castle Peak Road to Shui Wo Street. Take green minibus 85, which stops at the entrance to the temple complex.
Chuk Lam Sim Yuen can be visited year-round. It’s not usually busy here, though large celebrations are held during the Chinese New Year. The Lantern Festival, on the 15th day of the first lunar month, is also a popular time. Visitors can make a donation to obtain a lantern to set off into the air.
Two other temples in the Tsuen Wan area are worth visiting. The Yuen Yuen Institute is a very popular Buddhist, Confucian, and Taoist temple featuring a replica of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. The Western Monastery, located very close to the Yuen Yuen Institute, is known for its nine-story pagoda.
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