Travellers in search of a 4 star hotel Hong Kong ranks among its finest rests should look no further than the Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong. Providing guests with an ideal base in the metropolitan city this stylish hotel pulls out all the stops when it comes to vacationing in style.

Tucked away within the serene confines of the Ngong Ping plateau, The Po Lin Monastery is no ordinary religious edifice in Hong Kong. Occupying pride of place in the heart of the city’s Lantau region this popular venue is a short train ride away from Tung Chung city. Easily reached via the Ngong Ping 360 cable car service the locale is a must-visit highlight for all visitors touring Hong Kong. Offering visitors a rare glimpse in to Hong Kong’s Buddhist culture as well as its proud heritage in architecture and art the venue also serves as a potent reminder of Hong Kong’s religious diversity.

Founded as far back as 1906 the Po Lin Monastery is over 100 years old and lays claim to an illustrious history that is as captivating as its outward appearance. Legend states that the monastery was set up by three priests from China’s Jiangsu province who were visiting Hong Kong Island in 1906.

Popularly known as the Big Thatched Hut during its heyday the sacred site adopted its current name as early as 1924. This simple monastic residence has evolved to become a religious institution in Asia with a large following among Buddhist devotees in the region. Some of the must-see highlights on a tour of the Po Lin Monastery include the Main Shrine Hall of Buddha. Containing three bronze sculptures of Lord Buddha this central worship hall is the chief attraction of the temple complex which also houses a Hall of Bodhisattva Skanda.

The Tian Tan Buddha on the other hand is found opposite the venue while the newly constructed Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddha’s houses 10,000 sculptures while also encompassing a Dharma Hall as well as a library for Buddhist scriptures.

The beautifully landscaped gardens of the Monastery are also worthy of exploration as the plateau affords panoramic views of tea plantations, lotus rocks and mist covered mountains of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can also enjoy a refreshing vegetarian meal prepared by the monastery’s own kitchen and relish a soothing cup of tea as well. Souvenirs such as wooden jewellery are also available as keepsakes while other activities near the monastery include a hike across the Ngong Ping Trail and a visit to the Path of Wisdom.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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