Lantau Island
The remote Po Lin Monastery, hidden away by lush mountains, became a popular attraction when the extraordinary Tian Tan Buddha statue (informally known as the Big Buddha) was erected in 1993. Sitting 34 metres high and facing north to look over the Chinese people, this majestic bronze Buddha draws pilgrims from all over Asia.
The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery
The Buddha statue faces north towards Mainland China. It sits 26.4 metres atop a lotus throne and is 34 metres high, including the base. The statue cost HK$60 million.
The eyes, lips, incline of the head and right hand, which is raised to deliver a blessing to all, combine to bring a humbling depth of character and dignity to the massive Buddha, which took 12 years to complete. Climb the 268 steps for a closer look at this remarkable statue, and to enjoy the sweeping mountain and sea views that can be seen from its base.
Opposite the statue, the Po Lin Monastery is one of Hong Kong’s most important Buddhist sanctums and has been dubbed ‘the Buddhist World in the South’. Home to many a devout monk, this monastery is rich with colourful manifestations of Buddhist iconography and its pleasant garden is alive with birdsong and flowery scents. You can also enjoy a meal at its popular vegetarian restaurant.
Information
- MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B, then take Ngong Ping Cable Car, which takes around 25 minutes. Then walk for around 10 minutes to the monastery; or,
- MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B, then take New Lantao Bus 23 from Tung Chung Town Centre, which takes around 45 minutes. Then walk for eight minutes; or,
- catch ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, then take New Lantao Bus 2 to Ngong Ping Village, which takes around 40 minutes.
Ngong Ping 360
Ngong Ping 360 is the ideal springboard to exploring Lantau Island. Your journey begins with a 25-minute cable car ride from Tung Chung. Give the amazing Crystal Cabin a try. Its glass bottom offers an astonishing bird’s eye view of the magical deep blue sea and lush green mountainside underneath your feet. As you step out of the cable car, you will be greeted by the culturally themed 1.5-hectare Ngong Ping Village, where a wide array of shops and eateries in Ngong Ping Village offer a delightful shopping and dining experience. Also, don’t miss the Walking with Buddha multimedia presentation.
360 Sky-Land-Sea Day Pass
The renowned Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping Piazza and Wisdom Path are only a five-minute walk from Ngong Ping Village.
Conclude your Lantau Island day-out with a breathtaking sunset view as you take the cable car back to Tung Chung.
Venture out to the other parts of Lantau Island by taking a bus at Ngong Ping’s Public Transport Interchange located right next to Ngong Ping Village. Ngong Ping 360’s '360 Sky-Land-Sea Day Pass' comes with all transportation for your exploration of Lantau’s aerial, land and water fun. Take the bus for an excursion to Tai O fishing village. From there, you can take a boat to see Hong Kong’s unique stilt houses and Hong Kong’s ‘pink’ dolphins.
Guided and self-guided packages
Ngong Ping 360 offers guided and self-guided packages for your one-day Lantau Island adventure. From romantic getaways to group get-togethers, these packages include cable car, bus and boat — all the transportation you will need to explore the amazing Lantau Island.