Tsz Shan Monastery is located on a hilly site with an expansive sea view to the front. The core of the monastery consists of three main buildings placed along a central axis. Each building and associated courtyard is placed on platforms rising up the hill, well defined with surrounding corridors. On another axis branching off from the Grand Courtyard, devotees are led into the presence of the colossal image of Guan Yin, passing the Universal Gate.

Its style is inspired by the more solemn and elegant styles of the Tang, Northern Song, Liao and Jin dynasties, which existed over a period of about 600 years beginning in the 7th century. It creates a sense of calmness – both in the natural environment and in the atmosphere of the majestic monastery.