If you’re the kind of traveler who enjoys little magical moments — the kind that makes you stop and smile — you might want to check out the Bodhi Wishing Shrine when visiting Ngong Ping 360. Whether you're superstitious or just a curious wanderer, it’s worth a pause, especially if you’re heading to Tian Tan Buddha or Po Lin Monastery, since the shrine is located right along the way, under what appears to be a serene, leafy Bodhi Tree.
🌱 A Tree with a Spiritual Backstory
The Bodhi Tree, also called the Bo Tree, is
not just any tree. It’s deeply rooted (pun intended!) in Buddhist history.
According to tradition, this is the same kind of tree under which Siddhartha
Gautama meditated and asked life’s ultimate questions:
“Who am I? Why am I here?”
And through that deep reflection, he eventually attained Enlightenment and
became the Buddha.
That’s why many believe the Bodhi Tree is sacred — a “Tree of Awakening.” And so, the tradition of making wishes under the Bodhi Tree lives on here in Ngong Ping.
💫 Make a Wish at the Bodhi Wishing Shrine
Legend has it that wishes made at the Bodhi Wishing Shrine will come true — as long as you write your heartfelt desire on a wishing card and hang it at the shrine.
But there’s a catch…
You’ll need to spend HK$150 or more at any Ngong Ping 360 Souvenir Shop to get a wishing card. (Yes, your wish has a price tag!) Once you’ve made a qualifying purchase, present your same-day receipt and redeem your wishing card at the designated booth or counter.
📜 Terms & Conditions:
- One wishing card per valid receipt
- Purchase must be from Ngong Ping 360 souvenir shops only
- Receipts must be dated the same day
- Activities are subject to change without notice
- Final decisions are reserved by Ngong Ping 360
💭 My Honest Thoughts
To be honest, I didn’t make a wish.
Not because I don’t believe in the magic of wishing — but because I didn’t find anything interesting enough to buy from the shops. And truthfully? I think you can make a wish or say a prayer from anywhere without spending a dime.
Also… slight spoiler alert:
That Bodhi Tree at the shrine? It’s not real. 😅
It’s an artificial tree — very realistic-looking, yes — but knowing it’s fake
kind of took away some of the magic for me. Especially after seeing the
towering, majestic real trees near Po Lin Monastery. I kind of
wished they used one of those living trees as the centerpiece of the shrine.
But perhaps it has to be a specific species to stay true to history and
symbolism.
🙏 Wishing with Heart, Not Just with Cards
If you’re into rituals, symbols, and moments of intention while traveling, go ahead and make a wish here — whether or not you buy something. Sometimes, it’s not about the card or the tree. It’s about that quiet moment when you pause, think of something your heart truly wants, and release it into the universe.
And who knows? Maybe your wish will find its way, Bodhi Tree or not. 💫
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Thanks for sharing !!
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