Between the bustling pulse of southern Taiwan with its high-speed trains and the bright lights of Kaohsiung, lies Fo Guang Shan Taiwan, a sanctuary where time slows down. As the largest Kaohsiung Buddhist temple, it stands not just as a religious site, but as a deeply spiritual place where every step feels softened by serenity.
Different from other tourist hotspots, Fo Guang Shan Monastery offers a unique take on spiritual tourism in Taiwan: peaceful, majestic, and full of contemplation.
1. Directions to Fo Guang Shan
If you want to visit Fo Guang Shan from Taipei, there are many means of transport but Taiwan High Speed Rail (THSR) is the fastest and most convenient option, saving time and helping you experience Taiwan's modern journey.
If this is your first time in Taiwan, you should try the high-speed train once (Photo source: collected)
🚄 From Taipei to Kaohsiung by THSR
- Route: From Taipei Main Station to Zuoying Station in Kaohsiung.
- Travel time: About 1h30 – 2h, depending on the type of train.
- Ticket price: About 1,445 – 1,490TWD (economy seat).
- Frequency: Trains run regularly from 06:00 to 24:00, with intervals ranging from a few minutes to an hour.
- Booking: You can book tickets online via THSR 's official website or via platforms like Klook
🛕 From Zuoying Station to Fo Guang Shan Monastery
After arriving at Zuoying Station , you can continue your journey to Fo Guang Shan Monastery by the following means:
- E02 Harvard Express Bus (哈佛快線) : Departs from column 2 at Zuoying Station, travel time is about 35–45 minutes, fare is 70TWD.
- EdaBus 8501: Departs from column 3 at Zuoying Station, travel time is about 45–60 minutes, fare is 65TWD.
- Taxi: Travel time is about 30–40 minutes, estimated fare is about 377TWD.
Bus is a convenient means of transportation for tourists from Kaohsiung station to Fo Guang Shan (Photo source: collected)
Tips:
- Use EasyCard (悠遊卡) for convenient payment.
- Install the Kaohsiung iBus app to view real-time bus schedules.
- Opening hours: 09:00–18:00 daily (The museum may be closed on public holidays).
- Drop-off point: “Fo Guang Shan Buddha Memorial Hall” Station.
2. Where architecture and spirituality converge
Founded in 1967 by Master Hsing Yun, Fo Guang is spiritual hub of one of the largest Buddhist organizations in the world. What began on a remote hillside has evolved into a 100-hectare Buddhist complex, a cornerstone of spiritual tourism in Taiwan.
Map of Fo Guang Shan Temple in Kaohsiung (Photo source: collected)
Bodhi Path and the Eight Stupas
After passing through the main gate, begin your spiritual journey on the Bodhi Path, a walkway 240 meters long and 100 meters wide, lined by eight towering stupas. Each stupa represents a different Buddhist virtue, guiding visitors on a symbolic path to enlightenment. This architectural marvel is a highlight for anyone exploring a Kaohsiung Buddhist temple.
The Bodhi Path at Fo Guang Shan, with eight stupas on either side and a giant Buddha statue at the end (Photo credit: collected)
Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas
Here, you can behold the colossal Amitabha Buddha statue, standing 108 meters tall – the tallest bronze sitting Buddha in the world. Its tranquil presence, meditative mudra, and compassionate gaze make it a highlight of any Kaohsiung Buddhist temple visit.
3. Experiencing Buddhist culture
Statue of Manjushri Bodhisattva on display in Fo Guang Shan Museum (Photo source: collected)
More than just a place of worship, this Kaohsiung Buddhist temple is a modern hub of Buddhist culture, seamlessly blending tradition and innovation.
- Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Museum: The most modern building with 8 stupas, a large square, an area displaying precious artifacts and a crystal stupa containing the relics of Buddha Shakyamuni. The quiet, solemn space displays hundreds of multicultural Buddhist artifacts and paintings. Visitors can sign up for a guided tour to gain a deeper understanding of each area.
- Cultural experience area: Where you can try tea meditation, calligraphy, make vegetarian cakes, learn to chant, or simply sit under the shade of a tree, listen to the ringing bells, and feel the serenity.
- Libraries, academic centers and monasteries: Areas for research and study of Buddhism, some open to visitors for sightseeing, reading, or registering for short-term classes.
Underground palace inside Fo Guang Shan, displaying Buddhist historical artifacts (Photo source: collected)
The harmony between the majestic architecture and the quiet space makes Fo Guang Shan a special destination, whether you are a Buddhist or simply want to find a precious moment of peace in the midst of a busy life.
4. A gentle journey for the soul
In today’s noisy, high-speed world, Fo Guang Shan Taiwan offers something truly rare - silence. You don’t need to be a Buddhist to appreciate it. Just walk slowly past the towering stupas, listen to the bells, and you’ll feel it: the peace, the depth, the healing. Whether you stay an hour or an entire day, you’ll leave feeling lighter. Not because you’ve gained something, but because you’ve let something go.
Fo Guang Shan Temple in Kaohsiung – Taiwan (Photo source: TeeHoang)
Fo Guang Shan is not only a destination, but also a journey back inside, where every step is a letting go, every breath is a healing. When you leave, you may not bring anything clear, but your heart will be lighter, more peaceful, as if washed away from daily disturbances.
Because sometimes, peace is not far away, just a quiet enough place, a deep enough moment.
