Laura A PEACEFUL PLACE TO VISIT.
| City | Hacienda Heights |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Parking | Free |
| Audience | All Ages |
| Visited | 12:30 pm – 2:30 pm |
| Gift Store | Yes |
| Dining Hall | Yes |
| Bathroom | Yes |
| Website | https://www.hsilai.us/ |
Our Visit
Jason, my husband, had visited Hsi Lai Temple many years ago and thought it would be a great idea for us to experience it together as a family. So, we took the kids on a little adventure to this beautiful and serene temple. The visit turned out to be a fantastic cultural experience for all of us. We explored the stunning architecture, learned about the rich history, and even participated in some peaceful meditation. It was a day filled with discovery and joy, and we all came away with a deeper appreciation for the beauty and tranquility of the temple.
Here are some reasons why we liked visiting this Monastery:
- Spacious Serenity: A peaceful escape from daily chaos.
- Scenic Strolls: Lovely walks among statues and plants.
- Aromatic Incense: Soothing fragrance near the shrine.
- Cultural Indulgences: Enjoyed the dining hall, bookstore, and tea room.
- Fresh Pastries: Irresistible freshly baked pastries.
- Meditative Moments: Calming to watch a monk lead meditation.
- Religious Observances: Insight into faith practices.
- Warm Hospitality: Friendly, English-speaking staff made us feel welcome.
Activities Offered for an Additional Fee
Dining Hall Highlights
- Price: $10 per plate, all-you-can-eat—a fantastic deal for a delightful vegetarian buffet!
- Sneak Peek: Check out food pictures and reviews on Yelp to get a taste of what awaits.
- Timing is Everything: Plan your visit by checking the open hours here.
- Souvenirs & Sips:
- Browse gifts in the Tea Room and Bookstore—perfect for finding a memento or a thoughtful present.
- Indulge in freshly baked pastries for just $2 each.
- Savor a refreshing Jamaica Tea for $5.
Unfortunately, we didn’t have the chance to visit the Dining Hall this time around. However, we’re already planning another trip out there soon to experience it firsthand. In the meantime, feel free to check out the Yelp reviews above to get a taste of the buffet offerings that we’re looking forward to trying!
We were lucky enough to try their freshly baked pastries, sold right outside the Dining Hall. Watching the bakers work their magic was a delightful experience. The enticing aromas and warm smiles only added to the charm. The pastries themselves were a treat, with two filling options: custard and red bean. After tasting both, we unanimously agreed that the custard filling was our favorite.
Details We Discovered
Parking Lot:
- The lot was packed during dining hall hours, making it a bit of a challenge to find a spot.
- We ended up parking in the charming neighborhood next to the Temple, which added to our adventure.
Dining Hall:
- Everyone entering the dining hall needs to purchase a plate and eat inside, ensuring a communal dining experience.
- The all-you-can-eat vegetarian buffet was a highlight, with a variety of delicious options to enjoy.
Hsi Lai Art Gallery:
- Masks are required and provided at the entry, ensuring a safe and respectful visit.
Community Activities:
- We noticed a range of involvement activities posted throughout the Monastery, offering something for everyone to engage with during the week.
Additional Information
Dress Code:
- They request no sleeveless shirts/blouses, tank tops, shorts, short skirts, or sandals.
- From our experience, shorts are fine to wear outside, but long pants are strongly encouraged for the Main Shrine.
Accessibility:
- While we did spot some elevators, be prepared for a fair amount of walking and using stairs to fully explore the Monastery.
Final Thoughts
The kids and I had no idea what to expect before we visited Hsi Lai Temples. We found this experience to be a memorable one for us all. The peaceful environment, pleasant smell of burning incense, as well as the pastries, were some of the highlights from our visit.
Have you been to Hsi Lai Temple?
If so, please comment below with your own personal experience. We’d love to hear the highlights from your visit.
