Asia
Taiwan
Kaohsiung
Dashu District
Dashu District Attractions
Fo Guang Shan
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Fo Guang Shan

See all things to do
See all things to do
Fo Guang Shan
4.5
657 reviews
#1 of 9 things to do in Dashu District
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
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8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
At the north-east point of Dashu Township in Kaohsiung county, South Taiwan, Fo Guang Shan Monastery (literally translated as Buddha’s Light Mountain Monastery) sits on a bamboo hill on the left bank of the Gaoping river. Here you will find the headquarters of a prominent Buddhist order, established by Master Hsing Yun and his disciples. The architecture of the buildings within the monastery complex is characteristic of the traditional Buddhist monastery, but one may be pleasantly surprised with the array of visitor-friendly amenities on offer. The southeastern face of Fo Guang Shan Monastery features the prominent Great Buddha Land, which is home to a standing Buddha image of 48 metres in height, and 480 smaller Buddha images that surround it. English-speaking visitors may find information and maps in English at the Reception, and prior contact via email can be made to discuss free tour options.
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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Restaurants
17 within 5 kms
Guan-pei Red Bean Cake
1
0.5 kmDessert • Asian • Taiwanese
Hi-Lai Vegetarian Restaurant - Buddha Hall Store
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0.9 km$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Asian • Vegetarian Friendly
Starbucks
1
0.9 kmCafe
Fo Guang Lou Yi Di
22
1.3 km$ • Vegetarian Friendly
Wei Xiang Shan Seafood Restaurant
7
1.3 km$$ - $$$ • Seafood
Hong Ji Fresh Food
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1.5 kmAsian • Taiwanese
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4.6 km$$ - $$$ • Thai
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4
4.5 kmJapanese • Grill • Central Asian
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4.5 kmJapanese
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See what other travellers are saying
  • benjambment
    Denton, Texas62 contributions
    Massive, educational, and easily worth the trip to Kaohsiung
    This was our second time here and though we spent most of the day walking around, we still didn't see everything. It was more overrun with people this time, but that's to be expected of such a place. A lot of it is various exhibits, museums, and gift shops, but that's because a long time ago this was just a monastery that people loved so much it became a major tourist attraction, but that interfered with the lives of the monks (who were, you know, trying to be monks), so they closed it to the public. There was so much public and governmental outcry that they built the visitor center, which is what we're allowed to visit. The monastery portion is still there and is re-opened, but it's sort of a walk and there isn't as much to see and do there. If you do make the trek there, please be respectful of the quiet and stay out of the way of the monks. This place is pretty open to the various schools of Buddhist thought and has statues and displays to most of them, which, if you know anything about Buddhism, is pretty cool. It's some distance from the travel hubs in Kaohsiung / Zuoying. We took the subway to Daliao and then an Uber to Fo Guang Shan, because it was the best hybrid of short travel times and price (side note - if you buy a subway card in Taibei, you can use it here). If you're looking for a way to Kaohsiung, try to get the HSR (high speed rail) from Taibei or Taoyuan (depending on where you're starting from), not the normal train.
    Fo Guang Shan
    Thank you for your detailed feedback. The monastery offers a tranquil environment for visitors to come and spiritually recharge. There are many spiritual experiences open to the public.
    Written 12 January 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited December 2019
    Written 3 January 2020
  • PaulSiow
    Petaling Jaya, Malaysia2,731 contributions
    Big monastery area
    We took a bus to Fo Guang Shan from Zuoying HSR Station and the journey was less than an hour. Fare was reasonable and journey was comfortable. Fo Guang Shan is a big area to walk with many beautiful buildings and statues. It also give a sense of calmness and serenity. On the day of our visit, the weather was hot and sunny. The place was quite popular judging from the number of tourists and locals visiting. We saw many students on field trips here. The entire area is quite well laid out and well maintained.
    Fo Guang Shan
    Thank you for your feedback.
    Written 11 November 2020
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2019
    Written 20 October 2020
  • Google Rinpoche
    Jiaoxi, Yilan226 contributions
    Best Buddhist Experience in Taiwan
    Fo Guang Shan, or Fo Guang Mountain, is the best Buddhist Abode in the Republic of China. It has a great view of a Gigantic Buddha, and also hosts the best Sutra Recitation sessions and Meditation sessions. The newly opened Shing Yun Calligraphy Hall is a must-see, and every year millions of people come to this beautiful place. Nowadays, because of COVid19, people are more worried than ever, and it is a great time to be there, praying for peace and harmony in this tumultuous times. Namo Amidhaba
    Visited September 2020
    Written 22 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
657 reviews
Excellent
448
Very good
164
Average
29
Poor
11
Terrible
5
TheOExpress🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿🇭🇰
Hong Kong, China4,470 contributions
Breathtaking interior!
Aug 2023 • Solo
The inside of the main building here compares favourably to the most impressive religious buildings I have ever seen, whether Catholic churches in Rome, Krakow and Vienna; temples in Thailand, Laos and Japan or mosques in Turkey, Oman or Brunei. It’s truly amazing, but no photos allowed! The vast interior is covered in statues of Buddha, as well as three beautiful large ones, and I can believe the thirty thousand number quotes by the super accommodating volunteer guides. The exterior is pretty incredible too and well worth seeing all of.
Written 21 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ROCruiser
Claremont, CA4,634 contributions
Impressive
Mar 2023
This was the main attraction on our port day in Kaohsiung when I organized a group tour in a chartered bus for 34 passengers on our cruise. All our group members were excited and enjoyed their visits at this location. The Great Buddha was definitely attractive and the museum provided plenty of information for all visitors about the place. It was relaxing just wandering around even under the heat and ended with a lunch at the vegetarian restaurant.
Written 8 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
pianocello
Shah Alam, Malaysia1,354 contributions
Great place
Apr 2023 • Family
There is actually two parts - the older Monastery and the newer Great Buddha Land otherwise known as Foguangshan Museum. Most people just visit the Great Buddha Land but you really need to allocate one whole day to visit both.
Written 26 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StotheN
Stockholm, Sweden547 contributions
Very good
Nov 2022
I was here yesterday as part of my pan-Taiwan tour. There was a prayer going on in the main hall and the chants were resonating around the monastery. It was astounding. The ambience. The atmosphere. The people. The monks were so kind - women wear black and men wear brown. This is also a university campus with halls and dedicated prayer rooms. It was so nice to walk around the massive place to see the different people engaging in their daily monasterical activities. The key piece is the massive golden statue of Buddha himself surrounded by many little ones. I could spend a day here and still come off wanting more. It is around half-anhour drive from the city.
Written 29 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia13,413 contributions
Buddhist centre welcomes visitors
Apr 2022
Fo Guang Shan is one of the largest Buddhist organisations in Taiwan. "Fo Guang Shan" means "Buddha's Light Mountain." The monastery is abour 40 minutes drive from Kaohsiung City. It is a famous Buddhist centre, and it welcomes visitors.
Written 25 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Google Rinpoche
Jiaoxi, Yilan226 contributions
Best Buddhist Experience in Taiwan
Sep 2020
Fo Guang Shan, or Fo Guang Mountain, is the best Buddhist Abode in the Republic of China. It has a great view of a Gigantic Buddha, and also hosts the best Sutra Recitation sessions and Meditation sessions. The newly opened Shing Yun Calligraphy Hall is a must-see, and every year millions of people come to this beautiful place.

Nowadays, because of COVid19, people are more worried than ever, and it is a great time to be there, praying for peace and harmony in this tumultuous times.

Namo Amidhaba
Written 22 January 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Larry-Calif
San Francisco, CA377 contributions
ENLIGHTENMENT
Dec 2019 • Friends
Our tour stopped in the afternoon at Fo Guang Shan Monastery for a guided hour by a English-speaking monk. It was a wonderful journey into the land of Buddha.

I learned that Fo Guang Shan Monastery is the largest Buddhist monastery in Taiwan. This organization is one of the largest in Taiwan with many branches around then world.

Great Buddha Standing Statue:
The Great Buddha Standing Statue is the highlight of Fo Guang Shan Monastery.
It is located up a short hill once you enter the monastery. The Great Buddha Standing Statue (36 meters high) is a huge statue of a standing Buddha that is surrounded by 480 small Buddhas statues. The statue is the most popular sight at the monastery and it is very impressive.

The Main Shrine and the Way to Buddhahood Path:
The Main Shrine is the main shrine at Fo Guang Shan with three sitting Buddha statues. The interior four walls are filled with stone niches enshrining 14,800 more statues of the Sakyamuni Buddha surrounding the shrine. It is an incredible sight to see.

The Great Compassion Shrine:
The Great Compassion Shrine contains a 6-meter-high statue of Guan Yin in 8,600 square feet garden symbolizing the light of Buddha encompass all people. It is a nice garden with peace and tranquility.

I can see and feel the ENLIGHTENMENT... at the Fo Guangzhou Shan Monastery.
Written 29 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PaulSiow
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia2,731 contributions
Big monastery area
Nov 2019
We took a bus to Fo Guang Shan from Zuoying HSR Station and the journey was less than an hour. Fare was reasonable and journey was comfortable. Fo Guang Shan is a big area to walk with many beautiful buildings and statues. It also give a sense of calmness and serenity. On the day of our visit, the weather was hot and sunny. The place was quite popular judging from the number of tourists and locals visiting. We saw many students on field trips here. The entire area is quite well laid out and well maintained.
Written 20 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fo Guang Shan
Thank you for your feedback.
Written 11 November 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
YOUNG LEE
Seoul, South Korea367 contributions
Nice temple
Dec 2019 • Family
This temple is really stunning! It was super impressive i can’t really describe this temple well. But it’s must-visit place!
Written 3 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fo Guang Shan
Thank you for your feedback.
Written 7 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
OrderintheHouse
Brisbane2,801 contributions
This Buddhist Monastery, committed to promoting acts of goodness and giving to others, is well worth a visit.
Jan 2020
In January 2020 my wife and I included a 6 night Wendy Wu private tour of Taiwan as part of our 18 day Asian trip we arranged to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary. Our travels took us to Taipei, Taroko Gorge, Sun Moon Lake, Tainan and Kaohsiung.

A real highlight during our all too short time in Kaohsiung (just an overnight visit) was our experience at the Fo Guang Shan Monastery, the biggest Buddhist Monastery in Taiwan, located approximately 30 minutes from the city.

We began with a delicious buffet vegetarian lunch in the Baiweixuan Buffet Restaurant which we reached from the main entrance by an electric shuttle bus.

After lunch we undertook a very pleasant walk to the very impressive Buddha Museum. Before touring the Museum we were able to admire the centrepiece of the Monastery, a 50 metre high outdoor statue of Buddha that is 108 metres tall when you take into account its base. This makes this the largest bronze sitting Buddha statue in the world. The statue, made of 1,872 tons of bronze, is very imposing and dominates the surroundings. In front of the statue is the Way to Buddhahood path, made of stone and flanked by Eight Pagodas on either side. The symmetry on display here is impressive and the overall effect is simply awesome.

The Buddha Museum has to surely be one of the very best museums of its kind anywhere in the world. The extensive array of historical and cultural treasures on display provides a good insight into the Buddhist religion. One of the really interesting exhibitions we visited here was in the Museum of Buddhist Underground Palaces. The galleries exhibit artefacts from various Underground Palaces but predominantly from the one discovered beneath Famen Temple (located in Famen town 120 kilometres west of Xi'an, China).

What we found pleasing about this museum was that as Christians we were being educated about Buddhism without feeling in any way threatened or uncomfortable. The museum succeeds in its aim for non Buddhist visitors to have a better insight and understanding of the Buddhist religion through a visit here.

The museum has a wonderful philosophy inherent in its core values set out proudly on a display board at the entrance. Three core values revolve around acts of goodness – “Do Good Deeds, Speak Good Words and Think Good Thoughts”. Then there are four core values promoting giving – “Giving Others Confidence, Giving Others Joy, Giving Others Hope and Giving Others Convenience”. These are very laudable core values indeed.

One pleasing display we enjoyed was the depiction of the Venerable Master Hsing Yun, the Monastery’s founding Monk, sitting at his long table where he takes his meals, writes his calligraphy, has his meetings and greets people. The table has no drawers or locks. It epitomises his refreshingly simple and humble philosophy on life and his non dependence on material things. There is also a very good display promoting the “Cloud and Water Medical Team Spreading Compassion Throughout The World”. A superb exhibit has to be the large carved out piece of tree trunk with well over a hundred carved out Buddha figures - so intricate and a true piece of wonderful art. These are just three of many fine displays we encountered on this excellent tour of the museum.

We were so pleased to have had the privilege of visiting this wonderful Monastery and gaining understanding of its values, hopes and aspirations and to admire the cultural treasures and artefacts on display. It represented a very good reason for us to have included Kaohsiung as part of our Taiwan tour.
Written 3 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fo Guang Shan
Thank you for your comprehensive feedback, very much appreciated. We will continue to give the best of ourselves to our visitors.
Written 7 May 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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Fo Guang Shan, Dashu District

Frequently Asked Questions about Fo Guang Shan
Fo Guang Shan is open:
  • Sun - Sat 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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We recommend booking Fo Guang Shan tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 5 Fo Guang Shan tours on Tripadvisor