Fo Guang Shan - Discovering Taiwan

Travelling to Fo Guang Shan

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Fo Guang Shan, a pretty good destination in Taiwan (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Fo Guang Shan and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Fo Guang Shan, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Taiwan, here's everything to know about Fo Guang Shan for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Fo Guang Shan

Fo Guang Shan is a Buddhist temple complex located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. It was founded in 1967 by Venerable Master Hsing Yun and is one of the largest Buddhist organizations in Taiwan. The temple complex covers an area of over 100 hectares and includes several temples, gardens, and museums. Fo Guang Shan is known for promoting Humanistic Buddhism, a modern interpretation of Buddhism that emphasizes the application of Buddhist principles in daily life. The temple is also known for its cultural and educational activities, including the Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum, which houses one of the world's largest Buddha statues.

What to visit in Fo Guang Shan

Fo Guang Shan is a Buddhist organization and temple complex located in Taiwan, and it has several tourist attractions. Here are some of them. 1. Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum: This museum is the largest Buddhist museum in Taiwan. It contains cultural relics, Buddhist art, and valuable artifacts from different parts of the world. The museum is situated on a hill overlooking the Kaohsiung city, and visitors can get a panoramic view of the city from the top.
2. Fo Guang Shan Monastery: This Buddhist monastery has over 2000 resident monks and is a center of learning, meditation, and Buddhist practice. Visitors are allowed to attend the daily morning chanting and evening chanting ceremonies. 3. Fo Guang Shan theme park: This theme park is specially designed for children and is situated near the Buddha museum. It contains a mini zoo, a butterfly garden, and an indoor play area.
4. Fo Guang Shan Sutra Repository: This repository contains Buddhist scriptures and texts from different parts of the world. Visitors are allowed to browse through the books and read about the different Buddhist teachings. 5. Fo Guang Shan Art Gallery: This art gallery displays Buddhist art and culture from different parts of the world. Visitors can see various artwork, paintings, and handcrafted items by renowned artists. 6. Fo Guang Shan Waterfall: This waterfall is located on the mountain range near the Fo Guang Shan temple complex. It is known for its natural beauty and is a popular spot for hikers and nature lovers. Overall, Fo Guang Shan is a unique and spiritual place that offers many tourist attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Taiwan, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Fo Guang Shan

The best time to visit Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan is during the fall and winter months from October to February when the weather is cooler and less humid. During this time, you can enjoy the beautiful foliage and attend festivals such as the Fo Guang Shan Buddha's Light Festival, which takes place in the winter. However, do note that the weather can be a bit unpredictable so it is best to bring appropriate clothing and accessories.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Fo Guang Shan

Fo Guang Shan is located in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Here are some options for getting there: 1. By Metro and Bus: Take the Red Line of the Kaohsiung Mass Rapid Transit System (KMRT) to Ecological District Station (R24). From there, take the bus #8501 or #8502 at the Ecological District Station and go to Fo Guang Shan. The journey should take around 40 to 50 minutes.
2. By Bus: You can also take a bus directly from Kaohsiung Main Station or Kaohsiung International Airport to Fo Guang Shan. The bus ride should take around 1 hour.
3. By Taxi: If you prefer to take a taxi, you can hire one from anywhere in Kaohsiung. The ride from Kaohsiung City to Fo Guang Shan takes around 40 minutes and should cost around NT$1000 (approximately $35 USD).
I hope this information is helpful for planning your trip to Fo Guang Shan.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Fo Guang Shan, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Fo Guang Shan

Fo Guang Shan is a Buddhist temple in Taiwan that is famous for its vegetarian cuisine. Here are some of the typical foods served at Fo Guang Shan and a short description for each of them: 1. Buddha's Delight (Luo Han Zhai) - A vegetable and mushroom stir-fry dish that is usually served over rice. It is a staple of the vegetarian cuisine at Fo Guang Shan.
2. Sweet and Sour Lotus Root - Thinly sliced lotus root that is battered, deep-fried and then coated in a sweet and sour sauce. This dish is crispy and flavorful.
3. Eight Treasure Rice (Ba Bao Fan) - A sweet rice pudding that is made with glutinous rice, red beans, lotus seeds, dried fruit, and other ingredients. It is served as a dessert.
4. Tofu Skin Rolls (Fu Pei Guen) - Large sheets of tofu skin that are filled with vegetables, mushrooms, or mock meat. It is typically served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce.
5. Braised Bamboo Shoots (Lu Zhu Sun) - Bamboo shoots that have been simmered in a flavorful sauce. This dish is typically served with rice.
6. Mock Meat - Vegetarian "meat" made from soy or wheat gluten. It is a common ingredient in many dishes at Fo Guang Shan, such as stir-fries and stews.
7. Stir-Fried Vegetables - Fresh vegetables that are quickly cooked in a hot wok with a flavorful sauce. This dish typically includes a variety of vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Overall, the food at Fo Guang Shan is healthy, nutritious, and flavorful. It is a great example of vegetarian cuisine that is enjoyed by many people around the world.
You can find general info about typical foods in Taiwan here.

Is Fo Guang Shan an expensive destination for tourists?

Fo Guang Shan is a popular destination for tourists in Taiwan, but it's not considered an expensive destination. There are several affordable accommodations in the area and many free attractions to enjoy. However, the cost of transportation and food may vary depending on your budget and preferences. It's recommended to plan your trip in advance and budget accordingly to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

Where to find accomodation in Fo Guang Shan

To visit Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan, it is best to find accommodation in the nearby areas of Kaohsiung City and Kaohsiung County. The most popular areas to stay in Kaohsiung City are Zuoying District, Fengshan District, and Lingya District. In Kaohsiung County, the Hunei District and Meinong District are also good options. These areas have a good range of accommodation options, including hotels, apartments, and guesthouses, and are well-connected to the Fo Guang Shan temple by public transportation.
You can check hotel prices at Fo Guang Shan here:
Booking.com

Is Fo Guang Shan a safe destination for tourists?

Fo Guang Shan is generally a safe place for tourists in Taiwan. It is a popular destination for visitors who want to learn more about Buddhism, temple culture, and enjoy the scenic views. However, like any other tourist destinations, visitors should always remain vigilant and keep an eye on their belongings to prevent theft. It's also important to follow the local customs and respect the temple's rules and regulations.
Overall, Fo Guang Shan is a peaceful and welcoming place for tourists to explore and learn about Taiwanese culture.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Taiwan here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Fo Guang Shan.

What type of travelers will enjoy Fo Guang Shan the most?

Fo Guang Shan is a Buddhist monastery and temple in Taiwan that offers a unique cultural and spiritual experience. Visitors of all ages and backgrounds can appreciate its beauty and tranquility.
While it is not specifically tailored to a particular traveler type, those who are interested in learning about Buddhism, meditation, and mindfulness will particularly enjoy the experience. The temple also offers guided tours and events for visitors to learn more about the teachings of Buddhism and Chinese culture.
In terms of age groups, Fo Guang Shan is suitable for all, including couples, families, and young people. It provides a peaceful and educational environment for families with children to learn, and the serene surroundings can be a great way for couples to relax and rejuvenate.
Overall, anyone who is interested in experiencing a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere in the midst of a bustling city will enjoy a visit to Fo Guang Shan.

How to get around Fo Guang Shan

Fo Guang Shan can be explored on foot or by shuttle bus. It is a large complex with many temples, shrines, and gardens spread out over a hill, so having transportation is recommended. Fo Guang Shan provides a free shuttle bus service that runs regularly around the complex, making it easy to get around. There are also guided tours available on the shuttle bus that will take you to all of the different temples and attractions. If you prefer to walk, be sure to wear comfortable shoes as there are some long uphill climbs between the various sites.

What to see around Fo Guang Shan

Sure, here are some nice places you can visit in a day trip from Fo Guang Shan in Taiwan: 1. Lotus Pond: Located in Kaohsiung, Lotus Pond is a beautiful man-made lake with several pavilions and temples surrounding it. You can take a boat ride on the lake or walk around to see the many temples and pagodas.
2. Cijin Island: Also located in Kaohsiung, Cijin Island is a small island that offers beautiful views of the city's skyline. You can take a ferry across to the island and spend the day relaxing on the beach, trying some local street food, or visiting the Cijin Windpower Park.
3. Cheng Ching Lake: Another scenic spot in Kaohsiung, Cheng Ching Lake is a peaceful lake surrounded by lush greenery and hills. You can take a walk or bike ride around the lake, visit the nearby temples and pagodas, or simply relax by the water.
4. Fo Guan Shan Buddha Museum: If you're interested in learning more about Buddhism, the Fo Guan Shan Buddha Museum is a must-visit. Located just a short distance from Fo Guang Shan temple, this museum features a large collection of Buddhist artifacts, art, and literature.
5. Meinong: Located in Kaohsiung County, Meinong is a small town famous for its traditional Hakka culture and paper umbrella making. You can visit the local markets and shops, try some traditional Hakka food, or learn how to make a paper umbrella yourself.
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