Yuen Yuen Institute

It is located in Sam Dip Tam in the Tsuen Wan district, from the Tsuen Wan MTR station, there is a network of flyover where you can get down to the ground and take a mini bus. However, I would not recommend anyone try to do that unless you know the area well and/​or speak Cantonese. If you take the mini bus, it only cost HK$ 4.90, that is just about approximately 50 cents in US dollar, or just grab a taxi.
The Yuen Yuen Institute was founded in the 1950’s to spread the principles of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, uphold the eight virtues (filial piety, respect, loyalty, fidelity, propriety, justice, honesty and honour) and promote social welware.
The place is tranquil, there are temples, pavillions, monasteries and prayers halls dedicated to these three religions, which located among gardens and ponds.
In Chinese customs, some Chinese like to place their ancestor’s ashes in one of the cubic hole in the institute, it cost way over HK$ 600,000 (over US$ 77,000) to buy one of these little cubic hole. You will see a picture of the deceased. The cubic hole is the permanent resting place. You might also encounter nuns or monks chanting in one of those halls, which is the equivalent of saying prayers for the deceased.
There is also a Chinese vegetarian restaurants in the place. If you go during week day, you do not need to book, there is a la carte menu. However, if you go during the weekend, you better make a reservation.

This is possibly the complex of temples that has impressed me the most in Hong Kong so far. It took us a while to get there from Wan Chai (MTR to Tsuen Wan Station and minibus uphill to the Institute, last stop). For a weekend, it wasn’t busy at all and we were almost the only tourists. Most other visitors were locals that headed over there to pray. We could enjoy a peaceful time up there while observing the scenery. It didn’t feel like Hong Kong anymore.
This institute was established in the 50s by Chinese monks and it’s dedicated to Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism, the only temple in Hong Kong to gather these three religions.
At the entrance you’ll find the Arches of the Three Religions followed by Yuen Shun Temple and finally the Great Temple, a replica of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing. Every single building is decorated with figures and sculptures of such richness, it’s just difficult to describe. After this, we decided to walk down to the Western Monastery, preceded by a grand entrance. There, we asked for some information about it but no one was able to speak English (that little touristy is it?). We walked up a flight of stairs and arrived to a temple where monks were singing. That was it, the monks, and us. Such an inspiring time! I was especially enchanted by the Millions Buddha Tower a nice storey tower. Every bit we discovered surpassed the previous one in beauty and we left the place honestly amazed.
I just wonder why this isn’t promoted as one of Hong Kong’s most important touristy spots but, actually, it may be better to keep it this way.