Tian Tan Buddha

Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) ★★★★★ The Tian Tan Buddha is an awe-inspiring sight! This massive bronze statue of Buddha is a must-see for anyone visiting Hong Kong. The statue is 34 meters tall and sits atop a lotus throne, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Climbing the 268 steps to the base of the statue is a rewarding experience. The views from the top are simply breathtaking. You can see for miles in all directions, taking in the beauty of Lantau Island and the surrounding waters. The Tian Tan Buddha is a peaceful and serene place to visit. It's a great place to reflect and appreciate the beauty of nature. The Buddha itself is truly awe-inspiring, both in size and craftsmanship. The peaceful atmosphere around Po Lin Monastery makes for a reflective and calming visit. However, be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season. It's best to visit early in the morning to avoid the busiest times. Overall, I highly recommend visiting the Tian Tan Buddha. It's a truly unforgettable experience.

We arrived just after it opened as it gets very busy from around midday. Such a beautiful, peaceful space with many highlights. Do not miss the temple of 10,000 Buddhas, stunning. A visit to the local fishing village of Tai O a must! If you can, take a boat trip to see the pink dolphins, worth much more than the 40HK$

Although the steps are well maintained, it is not the easiest to climb up, as it is steep. But it is definitely worth the climb up for the view. It can get very windy and cold during some months, so best to bring a backpack and jackets to layer on for warmth. Amazing view and I will definitely visit again.

busy place. but worth the trip. you can spend a entire day. the restaurants and gift shops, the cable car is on the expensive side. But assuming you’re spending a good amount of time, it might be consideres reasonable. This is close to the airport, takes around 1hr from airport Bus S21 to catch tram and reach the statue if there’s no wait time for entry. It took me almost 2hr on the queue to get out. If you are out here during transit, pls allow atleast 5-6hrs. If you have a trolley carrier, there’s a bag drop on the ground floor near the counter, will charge you 100HK$. i would advise to use the bagdrop, if you don’t have a bag-pack. I’ll suggest to get the two way ticket, it’s the easiest and probably quickest way out to get back to the airport.

I'd recommend going for an early morning hike in the surrounding mountains before coming here, and then end your exploration when it gets hot in the afternoon by taking the cable car (some wait required) to go back to the city. Makes for a more productive time spent in the area.

Worth seeing. Especially the monastery -super zen. The cows and doggies at the village are super cute. The walk up the stairs to get to the Buddha gets you sweaty in the 30+ degree heat. A bit hard for the elderly but it's do-able if they take short breaks going up. About 1.5hours from City to Ting Chung by train, then short walk to the cable car ride. The cable car return is much easier unless you want to trek it or bus it back down in the heat. We were there midday on Sat and que ups were okay but would advise buying tickets online for better pricing and convenience.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Amazing Tian Tan Buddha Experience with Stunning Cable Car Ride!” The cable car ride to Tian Tan Buddha is an absolute highlight! The views from the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car are breathtaking—you get to see lush green mountains, the South China Sea, and even the giant Buddha statue from afar as you ascend. The glass-bottom “Crystal Cabin” is especially worth it for an extra thrill! Once you reach the top, the walk to Tian Tan Buddha is serene and beautiful. Climbing the 268 steps to the Buddha is a bit challenging but the views of the surrounding area are well worth it. The Buddha itself is awe-inspiring, both in size and craftsmanship, and the peaceful atmosphere around Po Lin Monastery makes for a reflective and calming visit. The entire experience, from the cable car to exploring the village and the Buddha, is a must-do when in Hong Kong. Highly recommend the cable car for its stunning views and the overall convenience!

The Big Buddha, or Tian Tan Buddha, is an iconic and serene destination located on Lantau Island. The views are breathtaking, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it well worth the visit. The Big Buddha itself is free to visit, but if you want to access the inside of the statue, there is a small fee (about HKD 60 or €7). There are also plenty of small shops and vegetarian restaurants nearby that offer a taste of traditional cuisine. Getting there is part of the adventure, and there are a few options depending on your preference and budget. Getting There by Cable Car: The most popular and scenic way to reach the Big Buddha is by taking the Ngong Ping 360 cable car from Tung Chung. It’s a 25-minute ride with panoramic views of the island, the sea, and even the airport. The standard round-trip fare for an adult is HKD 235(around €28) or HKD 315 (around €37) for a glass-bottom “Crystal Cabin” if you want an even more unique experience. Tickets can be booked online or at the cable car terminal. Other Transport Options: 1. Bus: If you prefer a cheaper option, you can take Bus 23from Tung Chung, which costs around HKD 17-27*(around €2-3.50) one way. The bus ride takes about an hour and offers a scenic but less dramatic view compared to the cable car. 2. Ferry & Bus: For a more leisurely journey, you can take a ferry from Central Pier to Mui Wo (Lantau Island) for about HKD 15-30 (around €1.80-3.50) depending on the ferry type. From Mui Wo, you can then take Bus 2 to Ngong Ping, costing around HKD 18 (around €2.10). Keep in mind that the weather on Lantau Island can get extremely hot, especially during the summer months. Climbing the 268 steps up to the Buddha can be challenging in the heat, so make sure to bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and take breaks if necessary. If you're visiting during the cooler months, the climb will be more manageable, but it's always wise to check the forecast ahead of time. Overall, whether you take the cable car for the views or opt for a more budget-friendly bus or ferry, visiting the Big Buddha is a must-see for anyone in Hong Kong. The experience of standing before the enormous Buddha, set against lush green hills, is truly awe-inspiring.

Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) ★★★★★ The Tian Tan Buddha is an awe-inspiring sight! This massive bronze statue of Buddha is a must-see for anyone visiting Hong Kong. The statue is 34 meters tall and sits atop a lotus throne, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Climbing the 268 steps to the base of the statue is a rewarding experience. The views from the top are simply breathtaking. You can see for miles in all directions, taking in the beauty of Lantau Island and the surrounding waters. The Tian Tan Buddha is a peaceful and serene place to visit. It's a great place to reflect and appreciate the beauty of nature. The Buddha itself is truly awe-inspiring, both in size and craftsmanship. The peaceful atmosphere around Po Lin Monastery makes for a reflective and calming visit. However, be prepared for crowds, especially during peak season. It's best to visit early in the morning to avoid the busiest times. Overall, I highly recommend visiting the Tian Tan Buddha. It's a truly unforgettable experience.

We arrived just after it opened as it gets very busy from around midday. Such a beautiful, peaceful space with many highlights. Do not miss the temple of 10,000 Buddhas, stunning. A visit to the local fishing village of Tai O a must! If you can, take a boat trip to see the pink dolphins, worth much more than the 40HK$

Although the steps are well maintained, it is not the easiest to climb up, as it is steep. But it is definitely worth the climb up for the view. It can get very windy and cold during some months, so best to bring a backpack and jackets to layer on for warmth. Amazing view and I will definitely visit again.

busy place. but worth the trip. you can spend a entire day. the restaurants and gift shops, the cable car is on the expensive side. But assuming you’re spending a good amount of time, it might be consideres reasonable. This is close to the airport, takes around 1hr from airport Bus S21 to catch tram and reach the statue if there’s no wait time for entry. It took me almost 2hr on the queue to get out. If you are out here during transit, pls allow atleast 5-6hrs. If you have a trolley carrier, there’s a bag drop on the ground floor near the counter, will charge you 100HK$. i would advise to use the bagdrop, if you don’t have a bag-pack. I’ll suggest to get the two way ticket, it’s the easiest and probably quickest way out to get back to the airport.

I'd recommend going for an early morning hike in the surrounding mountains before coming here, and then end your exploration when it gets hot in the afternoon by taking the cable car (some wait required) to go back to the city. Makes for a more productive time spent in the area.

Worth seeing. Especially the monastery -super zen. The cows and doggies at the village are super cute. The walk up the stairs to get to the Buddha gets you sweaty in the 30+ degree heat. A bit hard for the elderly but it's do-able if they take short breaks going up. About 1.5hours from City to Ting Chung by train, then short walk to the cable car ride. The cable car return is much easier unless you want to trek it or bus it back down in the heat. We were there midday on Sat and que ups were okay but would advise buying tickets online for better pricing and convenience.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Amazing Tian Tan Buddha Experience with Stunning Cable Car Ride!” The cable car ride to Tian Tan Buddha is an absolute highlight! The views from the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car are breathtaking—you get to see lush green mountains, the South China Sea, and even the giant Buddha statue from afar as you ascend. The glass-bottom “Crystal Cabin” is especially worth it for an extra thrill! Once you reach the top, the walk to Tian Tan Buddha is serene and beautiful. Climbing the 268 steps to the Buddha is a bit challenging but the views of the surrounding area are well worth it. The Buddha itself is awe-inspiring, both in size and craftsmanship, and the peaceful atmosphere around Po Lin Monastery makes for a reflective and calming visit. The entire experience, from the cable car to exploring the village and the Buddha, is a must-do when in Hong Kong. Highly recommend the cable car for its stunning views and the overall convenience!

The Big Buddha, or Tian Tan Buddha, is an iconic and serene destination located on Lantau Island. The views are breathtaking, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it well worth the visit. The Big Buddha itself is free to visit, but if you want to access the inside of the statue, there is a small fee (about HKD 60 or €7). There are also plenty of small shops and vegetarian restaurants nearby that offer a taste of traditional cuisine. Getting there is part of the adventure, and there are a few options depending on your preference and budget. Getting There by Cable Car: The most popular and scenic way to reach the Big Buddha is by taking the Ngong Ping 360 cable car from Tung Chung. It’s a 25-minute ride with panoramic views of the island, the sea, and even the airport. The standard round-trip fare for an adult is HKD 235(around €28) or HKD 315 (around €37) for a glass-bottom “Crystal Cabin” if you want an even more unique experience. Tickets can be booked online or at the cable car terminal. Other Transport Options: 1. Bus: If you prefer a cheaper option, you can take Bus 23from Tung Chung, which costs around HKD 17-27*(around €2-3.50) one way. The bus ride takes about an hour and offers a scenic but less dramatic view compared to the cable car. 2. Ferry & Bus: For a more leisurely journey, you can take a ferry from Central Pier to Mui Wo (Lantau Island) for about HKD 15-30 (around €1.80-3.50) depending on the ferry type. From Mui Wo, you can then take Bus 2 to Ngong Ping, costing around HKD 18 (around €2.10). Keep in mind that the weather on Lantau Island can get extremely hot, especially during the summer months. Climbing the 268 steps up to the Buddha can be challenging in the heat, so make sure to bring plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and take breaks if necessary. If you're visiting during the cooler months, the climb will be more manageable, but it's always wise to check the forecast ahead of time. Overall, whether you take the cable car for the views or opt for a more budget-friendly bus or ferry, visiting the Big Buddha is a must-see for anyone in Hong Kong. The experience of standing before the enormous Buddha, set against lush green hills, is truly awe-inspiring.

I am so glad that I came here. I came here because of my mom. My mom wanted to come here for a long time, but she never got the chance. Now she is 78. I enjoyed riding the Ngong Ping 360 to seeing the view and along the way they have "Ding Dong" cartoon statues, gifts store, restaurants and etc. Then, the exciting part is walking up to the Big Buddhist. I had a great time and good experience with it. :)

Loved our last day in Hong Kong exploring Lantau Island with Liz from This Is Asia Tours which started out as a last-minute request to visit the Tian Tan Big Buddha on our way to the Hong Kong Airport What a wonderful morning visiting the Tian Tan Big Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery. The Big Buddha was commissioned to bring in tourism and generate revenue for the monastery. It is constructed entirely of bronze with a height of 112 feet and weight of 250 tons. It is built out of 202 bronze pieces. The Big Buddha is enthroned on a lotus flower pedestal situated on top of the 3-platform altar. The 3 floors within the altar are known as the halls of the Universe, Benevolent Merit and Remembrance. It is one of the largest seated Buddhas in the world. You can go inside to climb to the base of the buddha. Surrounding the Tian Tan Buddha are six beautiful bronze statues known as "The Offering of the Six Devas. The six smaller bronze Devas symbolically offer gifts to the Buddha. The Devas offer flowers, incense, lamp, fruit, ointment and music. These six gifts represent the six perfections of Buddhism that are necessary to reach enlightenment - morality, patience, generosity, zeal, meditation and wisdom. The destination is named after the "Altar of Heaven" (Tian Tan) in Beijing, China. This is because the Big Buddha rises above a three-level platform, similar to the Altar of Heaven. As a result, the Big Buddha is appropriately named the "Tian Tan" Buddha. Nice to be able to drive directly to the gates leading to the Big Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery as This Is Asia Tours have permits to drive on Lantau Island. Climbed up and down 280 steps to get to the Buddha. So beautiful and the views are stunning. Took the Ngong Ping 360 Crystal Cable Car back down the mountain and then had a 15-minute drive to the airport. The cable car ride was so scenic as we left the mountain. Definitely book the crystal car. Highly recommend the Lantau Island tour with This Is Asia Tours to visit the historic Tian Tan Big Buddha. So beautiful and awe inspiring.

One of the tourist highlights of HK. The Buddha itself is majestic as you get close to it, but there are a lot of other sights to see, with 12 Chinese zodiac generals statues guarding the walkway to the Buddha, or the Po Lin monastery nearby. Just FYI, the vegetarian restaurant is highly overpriced and mediocre so bring snacks. I suppose it's a way to donate as well though. It's about a 10-15min walk up to the buddha about 20 flights of 16 steps each, so if you can't do stairs, make sure to rest (and get some pictures in). You can go inside the buddha for about two floors, where there's a gift shop and a small museum. There aren't really any better or closer views of the Buddha except from the top of the steps, but you can get near its/his forearm from the top of the gift shop exit. Just be respectful of people praying as it's an actual religious site, despite all the gawking tourists (including myself), as well as any "do not enter" or "no camera" signs. It seems a bit irreverent to take pictures at such a sacred space with others communing with the divines nearby.

Sacred, serene, solemn. Despite the hoards (and I do suggest you go earlier in the day to minimize them), there is just an aura of tranquility in this place. The hike up a steep staircase to get to the Big Buddha gets your heart rate rising. But once you get to the top and stand at the base with the gentle breeze in your face and the glorious blues and green all around that frame the Buddha gold, the heartbeat slows down into peace.

Had a 12 hour layover in Hong Kong so it was imperative that I make the most out of it. Most of the free time was going to be dedicated to Tian Tan Big Buddha. When we first arrived, we were ravenous, so we got a bite to eat at the vegetarian stand. The food was AMAZING. Most likely, the BEST vegetarian food I've ever had. Special shout out to the ladies working in the front who were so accommodating and helpful with our orders. The mixed vegetarian option is a must try! After eating, we began the 15-20 minute walk to above to see the Big Buddha, which was a surreal breathtaking sight. The aurora was unmatched. It was truly an awesome experience being afoot something so amazing and symbolic. There are numerous shops around that offer goods that have been blessed. After, we walked a bit into the shopping area to take the sky cable car back to our airport. The sky cable car offered amazing views of the city, and I definitely recommend it if you aren't afraid of heights. You can choose from a clear floor or a regular floor, the clear floor is pretty clear and lets you see all the trees and water you go across as you get to your destination. Overall, a successful adventure!

Maybe if you check out all the surrounding activities offered, for example the pink dolphins, etc. Then I can see going to Lantau Island and checking out the giant Buddha. But purely based on visiting the Buddha statue and taking the Ngong Ping gondola lifts, this site offers minimal satisfaction. Sure the statue is big as hell. Like any of the statues like Statue of Liberty, Cristo Redentor, etc. But really it's a big tourist trap from the food to the souvenirs being sold here. For example I bought a soda and it was way over-priced and on top of that, I was shorted on the change handed back to me but by the time I realized it, I already left. Based on Buddhism, these vendors are gonna be reborn as dung beetles. Only way I'd come back is if Giant Buddha jumped off that mountain and ate all the vendors selling crap. Now that would be a sight to see!

Leg days, don't miss a leg day! With the amount of steep, stairs you'll be climbing to get to the top, you'll for sure get a good workout in. Booked this on Klook, they have deals all the time. This was one of the historical landmarks that you must see when visiting HK. We took the cable car up, which isn't for the faint-hearted if you have a fear of heights, you'll be flirting with acrophobia for a bit as the ride is 20+ mins to get across the water! A lot of people here, the only attraction isn't the big buddha but they also have a lot of small shops to get snacks and buy gifts from. We came towards the evening and were the last group to leave the island, I recommend coming earlier so you're not rushed because you don't want to miss the cable car ride back. I mean, even if you did, there is always the taxi. But no one wants to pay a hefty taxi ride back! It's a very beautiful place with tons to see. Just be ready for lots of walking and climbing.

The Big Buddha is magnificent! It is grandiose! Be prepared, there are many steep steps up to the Buddha, but worthwhile to get a closer look at it, even though it is tourist central. You can walk all the way around the Buddha, and underneath, where they sell souvenirs. Unfortunately, I could not capture a single photograph that didn't have someone in the shot. People disregarded the signs that stated not to travel to the top rung near the base of the Buddha, where they whipped out their selfie sticks sticking out, all over the place. Regardless, this Buddha is worth visiting at least once.

#WayBackWednesday - Remembering Hong Kong... Whether you're a Buddhist or a person of different faith, the Tian Tan Buddha, a.k.a. the Big Buddha, is a must-see when in Hong Kong. From the gondola ride between Tung Chung and Ngong Ping Village to climbing the 268 steps to reach the monumental bronze statue, this was, for sure, one of the highlights of our HK visit. We took the morning MTR from Mong Kok to Tung Chung then followed the signs that led us to the Ngong Ping 360 Tung Chung terminal. There were bus lines and taxis that go up to Ngong Ping Village, but we decided to take the cable car for a more scenic route. The 25-minute ride was an adventure in itself as we got to get a glimpse of the majestic Buddha on the way up. Panoramic views of the land and water at Lantau Island were amazing. We had a lovely stroll through Ngong Ping Village as we took some time to check out some of attractions and shops in this "traditional Chinese cultural-themed village." The excitement began to build up as we passed by the Pai Lau (entrance gate) with the Bodhi Path leading to the Di Tan (Earth Temple) which faced the Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha. 268 steps appeared tough, but that's what we came here for. We just had to take it one step at a time... literally. The stairs are not that wide, but stepping to the side to catch a breath or two was normal. I did manage to snap some photos along the way, making sure I was not obstructing foot traffic. The Buddha kept getting bigger and bigger as we got closer and closer. The view at the top was marvelous, but it was this massive statue that was the centerpiece. Yes, this is a tourist spot, but everyone was mindful that this is also a place of religious significance. Having that in mind helped bring this feeling of serenity. The Po Lin Monastery website has a section dedicated to the Big Buddha (https://www.plm.org.hk/eng/buddha.php) and I found it to be a very interesting read - the history, design, assembly, inauguration, and more. It mentioned that every aspect of the statue carried a religious meaning - from the face to the hands to the palms to the lotus throne... Completed in 1993, it may have benefited from modern-day tools and technologies, but those should not negate the amount of work, effort, and dedication that was spent to build this landmark. We continued to marvel at the immensity of the Buddha as we walked around it. It is huge, but it is not intimidating. It is an architectural beauty - peaceful and inspiring. After a few more photos here and there, we started to prepare for the trek down. We still have to visit the monastery and then have lunch before riding the cable car back to Tung Chung. It was a wonderful experience to witness the Tian Tan Buddha up close - one of those life moments where you just have to stop for a minute and take it all in. It might be a long way from the city, but it was the perfect escape from its hustle and bustle. It was worth every step of the way - all 268 steps up and 268 steps down the stairs...

No matter the weather, the Tian Tan Big Buddha is a wonderful site to visit! I visited it on a misty and foggy morning, but that did not bother me as there were far less of a crowd and it really brought out the mystique of the island. For those looking to figure out how to get here, spend the money and take the cable car, easy to and from (Whether HK or Lantau Island). Easy stroll from the village down below, but I'd suggest taking your time and exploring the area as Lantau Island really has a lot to offer. No need to rush up the stairs as there are quite a few and can be a workout if not in shape. You can always take a break and admire the stunning views depending the weather. Once at the top, there is not a ton to view outside of the Buddha itself, but it does offer a great vantage point for photos of the surrounding island. Back to the weather, this place can get hot, so be prepared as there is not much shade. All and all, well worth a visit as the only cost is getting to the island and or village.

Worth it. We traveling up via cable car through monsoon conditions to see the Buddha Loved the zodiac themed soldiers leading the way to the Buddha steps. Found both the Mr & my animals & read their interesting stories. Very picturesque scenery & the temple was serene and beautifully decorated Be sure to make any purchases inside the temple grounds as all profits will go to the monks. Purchases made outside the temple entrance go to the cable car company

As much as I hate the Ngong Ping 360 cable car experience (queues and all) and the incredibly tourist-trappy village, the eventual lead into the Tian Tan Buddha somewhat makes it all worth it in the end. The grand attraction is the world's largest outdoor sitting Buddha. Right off the gondola and/or bud ride, the Buddha is clearly visible through the mountains and welcomes you to a spiritual side of Hong Kong. The scenary around is a spectacle in itself with vast mountain ranges and a peek into the ocean waters beyond. The Buddha does require hiking some steps to reach but along the way you are able to stop, admire, and snap a photo or two. Inside the Buddha itself is a small artifact museum which details how they constructed the grand structure, and a gift shop of Buddhist charms. Whether you make a visit in sunny or chillier weather, it is worth the trek to see this Buddha at least once in your lifetime.

This is definitely a very cool bronze statue. However it's fairly modern and built in the 90s. There's two way to get to the top where the Buddhist sits. The staircase from the monastery, or a windy road behind the statue. The day we were there there was a marathon running event, and so the front staircase was closed and we have to go from the back. And because of the marathon we couldn't get a straight shot of the Buddha. So I could only get a photo of the Buddhist behind. There is a gift shop on the first floor of the statue that sells different little trinkets and souvenirs. The view is quite nice.

Highly touristic spot with lots of people all year long. But worth every step. The ride to get to this mountain is a gondola for 30 mins. Try the glassfloor round trip. This will avoid heavy queues. The view is just breathtaking. You won't feel the time. Suddenly, you will arrive and start walking through a path with a lot of shops. Then the stairway comes. Steps aren't steep. You can get great photos all the way up. But try not to bother people that are coming up. At the top, you can keep climbing through the inside of the Buddha paying a fair. It is really an outstanding viewpoint! A must when coming to Hong Kong!

This is a Must See here in Hong Kong! Pretty easy to get to and the ride to and back is about $30 minimum, the cable ride is about 25 mins each way and on the top you have big Buddha, a temple and lots of food spots and shops. You can also hike here! There's a trail for those who wanna get some exercise in, def recommend some shorts/work out attire.

Statues of the twelve divine generals, warriors representing each of the Chinese zodiac signs and different times of the day, lined the path to the foot of the stairs leading to Buddha. The stairs are not as bad as they seem, especially when stopping every so often to capture a picture of Buddha looking down at you. Most of the areas on top of the Buddha were free, but there was a part that you have to pay extra to access. You also get access to this area if you buy a meal ticket. The area included a chamber surrounding a large bell with intricate designs and the top balcony just below the lotus leaves. There were also several statues surrounding Buddha that were impressive as well. Most were facing towards Buddha making an offering of some sort. The top balconies also provided great viewpoints for the surrounding islands and countryside. Back at the base of the stairs there were several areas to pray including a large area for burning incense. Vendors were selling incense sticks with some being as large as a baseball bat. Praying could also be done at the monastery where you can also observe the monks chanting. The vegetarian restaurant to claim the meal ticket was nearby the monastery. Toilets in this area were mostly squatters.

(Visited 01/05/19 SA @ 1:30pm): That was one gigantic bronze big buddha! A friend and I had a long layover in Hong Kong and wanted to experience some of the famed landmarks on Lantau Island which was relatively close to the airport with the aid of some additional transportation, so we decided to see the iconic Tian Tan Buddha statue which took 12 years to erect, was completed in 1993, and purposely faced north towards Mainland China. Was this cultural attraction worth the effort and time or was it a big bust!? ATTRACTION Total time spent - 1 hour: An awe-inspiring image in the far-away distance that got greater in size and scope as your cable car approached the exit station at the top of Lantau Island https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=8E_vCKXvPSjmfc39rkmRSg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw, once you stepped off the landing platform and walked out into the open area, your first impress was "WOW" as you took in your total surroundings while "The Big Buddha" seemed like only a stone's throw away. Once you made your way through the fabricated Ngong Ping Village below, you braced yourself for the straight climb up a total of 268 steps for a more intimate connection https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=otuTp_msBbiBs5w6lGbuIQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. You fought throught excessive crowds and selfie-takers as you got closer to the ultimate destination https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=O7uCected7NLJjoWJaf6QQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Having finally reached the lower tier base, you were greeted by several Bronze Bodhisattva Statues and their offerings https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=OdYa5jEEiiLRCGoUEMODZw&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Turn around and you found yourself directly beneath The Big Buddha perched on a lotus throne and all its glory which drew an automatic pause https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Rk5Y9q49fOu_sWoOa_NxVg&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. Satisfied with your pilgrimage and absorbed all the wondrous mountain and sea views, it was time for the downward trek as contemplation filled your thoughts https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=Pk20hDGGM_yKMGxOSUZkoA&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. SERVICE There really was none to speak at the attraction itself unless you went into the souvenir shop. Explicit "No Photos" signage was posted everywhere within the few interior sections you were able to walk through. Simply be respectful, please. PARKING (Varied; N/A this instance) The two main modes of transportation to Lantau Island and specifically this attraction was either the cable cars or buses. I honestly couldn't recall any cars but saw parking lots where numerous buses parked, so I imagined there was parking for smaller vehicles, too. ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE Situated in a lush mountain locale in the great outdoors, you were surrounded by plenty of foliage with scenic views in all directions as well as the Po Lin Monastery and Ngong Ping Village below. Your greatest concern was the varied weather patterns like fog, rain, or the burning hot sun, so best to be prepared in any situation https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=5qrZ-yXMOGWF8A-nGx0xMQ&userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw. ATTIRE Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops. OVERALL It was a beautifully spiritual time at Tian Tan Big Buddha and would definitely visit it again. Everything from the journey there on the cable car to the general area and then a quick visit to the nearby Po Lin Monastery made for a relaxing afternoon. If anything, be prepared for the glut of visitors and have plenty of patience. I found exceptionally good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around 0.00 HKD/0.00 USD BEFORE any discounts and/or tip). And, at the souvenir shop they accepted my credit card of choice...AMEX! 5.0 STARS

Seeing the Big Buddha in its towering glory as you approach on the grand staircase is, without a doubt, an amazing experience. I'm not sure I was as amazed as the lady behind me though who (for real) fell to the ground, and then got up, shaky and flushed, proclaiming she's been spiritually enlightened. Well...to each their own. Best way to see the Buddha is to approach on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. It's quite a long ride (~20 mins) and you get to see the beautiful mountain and catch glimpses of the Buddha slowly approaching. Other options include taking the bus, which may not be as comfortable nor as scenic. The 30 metre Buddha itself sits atop a giant staircase with small breaks in between so you can rest, avoid the other tourists, and take a selfie. If you decide to take the tram, remember that it unfortunately stops running at 6:30pm so plan your trip wisely as there are a lot of cool things to do nearby: Ngong Ping Village, Po Lin Monastery, many many trails, and Tai O fishing village which you can spend half a day at alone (and has many shirtless, buff, tanned men who spend their days doing manly fishing things...). TIP 1: If you buy the package, you get to skip ALL THE LINES. If you pay extra to do the glass floor tram, the line's even shorter! Just say: "Hi, I'm interested in the package" and you'll be ushered past literally hours of lines to the booth that sells package deals. The package includes things like shows and tours (I wasn't that interested), but still worth it to bypass all the angry people wondering why you're so special. TIP 2: When you're at the base, you have the option to pay HKD$30 to go inside and climb up the Buddha. I suggest you do it. Not only is it a cool look at history and Buddhism, but the ticket also comes with a bottle of water and ice cream cone...or so it says in English. In Chinese, it says you can redeem it for a plate of fried noodles, 2 pastries, and a bowl of tofu pudding at the vegetarian place near the Monastery. So yeah...do that instead. (95/100) - 2016

I'm visiting from Canada and wanted to see the historical landmarks of Big Buddha and the Hall of Great Hero / Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas. To get here, I took the Ngong Ping 360 cable car up; it's a breathtaking view too. It's amazing and serene (if you can zone out the tourists around you)! These sites and the car ride is definitely worth the price of admission.

It's worth all the effort in getting there! I recommend buying the cable car tickets beforehand, if possible, but my boyfriend and I were able to buy tickets in person without any problems or having to wait long in the line. The cable car ride itself was fun, especially if you get the crystal cable car! The ride up is about 20-30 minutes with nice views of the mountains and glimpses of the Big Buddha approaching. However, if you are afraid of heights or just the idea of taking a ride up via cable car freaks you out, don't worry, there are other ways of getting up to the mountain such as the bus and taxi. Once you arrive, you have a little bit of walking to do. As you walk through the Ngong Ping Village, there are restaurants and shops along the way with many photo ops. The restrooms were also fairly clean. As you make your way to the Big Buddha, don't let the stairs up discourage you. With 200+ steps, you will get tired, but I promise it's not that bad and it will be worth it at the end! The Buddha is one of the greatest things I have seen in my life. The pure size of it is breathtaking. Although it is a touristy spot, I found the landmark still to be peaceful and relaxing. A must-see when in Hong Kong!

What a wonderful place to visit. It was on our list and it was awesome. The clouds rolled in about noon and created a beautiful view of the Buddha and the entire area. Make sure this is on your list of spots to visit. Easy to get to from the port on the #2 bus at $17.50 per person.

Yelp 1400!!! Tian Tan Buddha is probably one of the greatest things I have ever seen in my entire life. The Buddhist version of Christ the Redeemer. You are just in awe of how large this statue is. It is just one of those sites you see and you are at lost for words. As you walk up the stairs, it just gets bigger and bigger and finally you see how massive it is. One of those sites I will never forget. I am not Buddhist or religious at all but I had chills the entire time. Located right next to the Hong Kong Airport. You can take the Ngong Ping 360, cable car, which is the quickest way there but is pretty expensive. The bus is a longer more time consuming route but a lot cheaper then Ngong Ping 360. I took Ngong Ping 360 round trip and it was a really nice cable car ride. Good mountain views. About a 10 minute walk from the Ngong Ping 360 drop off location. The stairwell walking up to Tian Tan looks crazy but it really is not that bad. Entry is free. If I had to recommend one thing to do in Hong Kong, this would be it!!!

Worth a visit. The gondola ride up there is stunning. Long line up but it moved quickly. The village is a bit (understatement) touristy but has places to grab a bite to eat or a coffee.d The Buddha itself is spectacular and worth the 280 steps it took to get up to it. From there we walked down to the monastery where we had lunch. You can certainly find a better and less expensive lunch elsewhere however it supports the monastery and was part of the experience. The monastery itself is beautiful. Definitely worth a visit.

"In Buddhism, Patience is an Act of Self-Compassion that Gives Rise to Equanimity." ~ Toni Bernhard The one virtue you'll need to draw upon by the truckload when visiting is p-a-t-i-e-n-c-e. Breathe! (1) The cable car ride over comes with a very long queue on most days, so be mentally prepared for that. (2) The area in and around the statue, including the stairs, is extremely busy, so you'll need to bring your calm and wait for the opportunity to take THAT shot. (3) The tourists milling around are not spatially aware and could not care less about your experience, so expect a lot of noise, bumping and pushing in and let it go. This is WHY you are here... To remember above all else that patience is an act of self-compassion. One, that when mastered, gives rise to Equanimity.

If you have a half day to spend in Hong kong, this should be one of the spot to check in out. It is located in the same island as the airport but up in the mountain. I had about 8 hour layover in HK so I checked out this place. Took the cab feom airport to the cable cart Ngong ping 360 (about 25 HKD). Got in line for the cable which opened at 10AM... And there was already a long line. Took almost 45 min to get through the ticket line and then the cable cart... If you have a big group, it probably will take even longer... So get your ticket online. I would definitely recommend to take the cable cart at least once. The view of the island is breathtaking! It took about half an hour to get to the town. It is very touristy with starbucks, shops, souvenirs, etc. There are many people hiking up the steps to the Big Budha... But you can certainly find a good spot for selfie! It is worthy to get to the top. The view is quite nice, breezy... There is an ice cream cart at the top... You're deserved it! The Po ling temple is in the same vicinity and is a nice shaded place for picnic. I took the cab back since I did not want to wait in line again for the cable cart. The drive is interesting through the winding road. It took half hour to get back to the airport and costs about 100 HKD (20+ USD). Overall, it was a well-spent 4 hour layover! Total cost was approximately 300 HKD or about 50 USD!

Highly recommended. This was a totally unplanned trip for me, but I needed to kill some time while having a 10 hour layover in HK. After eating and exploring some of the downtown area, I figured, why not visit the Big Buddha. I've never seen it, and it's close to the airport should I need to hurry to get back. And due to the heavy rains, I knew the visibility would be difficult at Victoria Peak. Without having done much research, I had seen in some brochures at least 2 options: Bus 23, or taking the Ngong Ping cable car. Not really knowing the difference besides the cable car being much more expensive, I'm glad I took the cable car. Although they temporarily stopped rides for about 10 minutes due to thunderstorms, the cable car ride still took longer than I expected! About 25-30 minutes. And as I was observing the beautiful views, sometimes blocked by clouds due to all the rain, I noticed the windy roads to get to the Buddha and breathed a sigh of relief, realizing that taking Bus 23 would have taken much longer, and not wanting to run the risk of missing my flight, cable car was definitely the way to go. Being such a rainy day, I thought I wouldn't get any good pictures out of the trip, but it was beautiful. It was nice, though touristy, to walk through the little town leading up to the buddha, and then climbing 200+ slick steps to reach it, got some good exercise in, thoroughly soaked with sweat on the inside of the jacket, and drenched on the outside from the rain. I decided to add the vegetarian meal to my trip (otherwise, this portion of the visit would have been free). It wasn't worth the price (about 100 HKD?), but I figured it was a donation to the monastery. The food was okay, and there was way more than 1 person could possibly eat. The neighboring monastery was ornately painted in classic colors of gold, red, and green. Overall, I'd recommend coming here if you have several hours to spend. I would have spent more time outside walking the trails, but with the rains, I ended up heading back to the Tung Chung MTR station to get dry inside the shopping mall there.

Very nice tourists spot with plenty of selfie/picture opportunities. The stairs are not steep and although there are many steps the terk up to the big Buddha is not too bad. While on your way up, make sure to take a picture half way up as taking a picture from the very top the buddha is a little too big for really good shots. Also make sure you take a shot of the guardians to rue left and right of the big buddha at the top. While there, make sure to stop at the monastery to the right. It is free to go in the grounds and go into the temples but be aware of the fact that it is an active religious site so pictures within the shrines are not allowed. The temples themselves are very beautiful, there is 2 main temples and 3 smaller shrines. All very lovely.

What a fantastic place! So beautiful and enchanting. I cannot recommend this place enough. When you get to the top... it's a great place to find a spot and just reflect on life and take in beautiful views. Once you're back at the bottom, I suggest getting a lunch ticket and eating in. Table full of many dishes if you and three others get a ticket. Temples are absolutely gorgeous. Colorful and vibrant. There are also little walking trails on the side of the temples that will take you into the woods. Why not be adventurous and spend your whole day there exploring! On your way out there is an area to shop just before you get on the bus. It's a great ride and wouldn't recommend any other form of transportation!

This place was absolutely beautiful. More like wow, I can't believe something like this exists in world (maybe it's just me who doesn't get our much, LOL). It blew me away that the Buddha was built in the early 90s not early early centuries as other large historical landmarks are around the world. Im not afraid of heights BUT taking the glass bottom gondola ride up to the top was bit scary but well worth it! They have 2 options...glass bottom and the regular metal non-see thru bottom. You literally ride through clouds, I've never been that high other than in a plane. They have a gorgeous trail around the bottom of the Buddha which takes you through tons of beautiful foliage on a paved road. The locals were having an "amazing race" event as we were there. They have a GORGEOUS temple on the grounds that has gold statues inside that are breath taking as well as the hand carved exterior walls of the building. And lastly, i will mention the cattle that is randomly roaming around. Super funny...so just imagine stray cats running around as if you were in a big NY style city but instead it's big huge cows. LOL!!

A must see attraction if you're in Hong Kong. The same time last year, I didn't get a chance to visit the Big Buddha this time around, I made sure that I had to come here! It was easy taking the MTR and taking the Ngong Ping up to seen it. The steps may look overwhelming but it honestly wasn't that bad. Seeing it in pictures and travel blogs and seeing it in person is totally different. You have to come see for yourself!

When planning our trip to Hong Kong, visiting the Tian Tan Giant Buddha was #1 on our list of must-dos. And it did not disappoint. Definitely one of the highlights of our trip. We decided to see the Giant Buddha as part of a tour package as it provided transportation to and from the Giant Buddha, as well as a vegetarian lunch at the nearby Po Lin Monastery and a cable car ride (Ngong Ping Skyrail) back down the mountain. The tour also dropped us off at the top so we didn't have to walk up the 260+ stairs to the Buddha, although a few of us went down the steps and up again just to get the full experience. The statue, itself, is quite spectacular. One cannot help but be impressed by its massiveness as well as the enormity of the task to fabricate, transport and assemble it in its current location. The exhibition hall beneath the Buddha features four large paintings illustrating the life of the Buddha. At the top of the exhibition hall, there are also relics (two small bones) of the Buddha (very cool). Note: no photography is allowed inside the exhibition hall. The site is quite crowded, but absolutely worth visiting (and photographing).

Visiting the Buddha annually is great to having some pilgrimage and feeling a connection to whatever your beliefs may lie. If you're a first timer, it's a must see if you're in Hong Kong. Best to come when it's nice and sunny. Take the 360 tram up, it's worth the extra cost to have unobstructed views as you ride along. There is a coach bus that takes you up, but be prepared to have motion sickness. Taking the bus is like a long sloooowww rollercoaster ride that never seems to end. I brought the package VIP package. The temple (Po Lin Monastery) is good vegetarian restaurant. I had private seating when you visit the temple for some awesome vegan food. The vegan food looks and mimics some meat, but yet it's all tofu and flour based. The veggies were awesome and tasty. The imitation duck was crispy. After eating my vegan food, take the long steps up to see the Buddha. It's a great sight to see. Make a donation and browse and sightsee the area around the Buddha. **Side note**The most expensive bathroom is located here according to some people. The plumbing cost a fortune. I believe it..especially since it crosses some of the toughest and steepest hills around.

Big Buddha aka Tian Tan Buddha. Cool Fact: 268 steps to reach the Buddha. It took me less than 3 minutes to run up and down!

Not really sure how you can review a landmark or why this place wouldn't have 5 stars. If you're ever able to come out here, you definitely should, it's an experience of a lifetime. The view is spectacular although it does take a bit to get to the top. We took the cable cars up here, which was awesome because when I first came here about a decade ago, there was no such thing. You had to take the bus and the journey was long. If you're not physically fit, you don't have to rush up the stairs to get to the top. Trust me, just take your time, the Buddha will still be there. It can get pretty crowded and you should definitely watch your step and hold the handrail. Enjoy your time walking up the steps and once you get to the top, stop and look ahead of you. I love the Big Buddha, it's one of my favorite HK destinations!

Despite being a recent addition to a financial city that is not famous for religion, Tian Tan Buddha is nonetheless a major symbol of Hong Kong! Placed prominently at a mountain peak, the bronze monument is impressive to behold. The Buddha is a bit far from the city, but it's definitely a must-see sight! Although Tian Tan (Sky Altar) Buddha is one of world's largest bronze statues, the details on the colossus were not skimmed for the sake of enlarged scale, and the monument is as beautiful as a smaller Buddha statue while retaining the majesty of its giant size. Thanks to the details, the Buddha's gentle face makes him appear benevolent rather than imposing to the significantly smaller visitors. Like with most masterpieces, you have to stand closer to admire the details! Don't let the picture of the stairs daunt you! It's actually a relatively easy climb with many spaces in between to take breaks. To climb to the Tian Tan is free, but to access the inside requires a fee. Whether you choose to see the supposedly true relic of Buddha inside, you will certainly find the climb worthy to see the grand Buddha as well as the statues of the devas with offerings that represent the Six Perfections. With the cable car Ngong Ping 360 literally designed for easy access to this monument, it's incredibly easy to reach Tian Tan Buddha! It is far from the city proper but all you need is ride to the Tung Chung MTR and transfer to the 25-minute cable car ride. If you have a long layover in HK, perhaps consider this as a destination as well because the cable car terminus is only a 15-minute bus ride away! Anyway, despite the distance, you have many options to access this impressive monument! Be sure to pick a nice weather and see the remarkable Tian Tan Buddha for yourself during your visit to HK. Seeing this in person is certainly an experience that cannot be matched by any amount of photos or videos. --- HOW TO REACH FROM TUNG CHUNG MTR 1) NGONG PING 360 cable car is the easiest and fastest transport to reach Ngong Ping Village where Tian Tan Buddha is in 25 minutes, as well as the most popular and the most scenic! Unfortunately it is also the most expensive especially as a group with one-way costing more than $125 HKD per person (and more if you choose the crystal floor cabin). Consider booking online which you must choose your outbound time but can ride on any inbound cabin, so you don't have to wait in the long line. 2) LANTAU BUS 23 is the cheapest method at a mere $13.5 HKD per person, but the ride is about 45 minutes long and the frequency is typically only every hour. Take this only if you want to save money or if the cable car is down, unless you can time the bus arrival right. 3) TAXI is actually the best for a group with the average fare of about $150 HKD per car and is slightly faster than the bus. Unfortunately you must first find the super rare blue-colored Lantau taxi first. Don't try Uber or the red-colored city taxi because they are not licensed to enter the area. --- tl;dr version: 1) Impressive monument to be witnessed in person 2) Easy to access especially with Ngong Ping 360

Huge Buddha that overlooks the city and one of the famous tourist attractions in Hong Kong. You can take the bus here and the road is quite bumpy as it goes up and down the hills. however, you have the chance to see wild cows on the roads. Or, you can take the Ngong Ping 360 and enjoy the beautiful scene of hills in Hong Kong, but get there a bit earlier because there is quite a long line, even when the Ngong Ping 360 opens in the morning. To get to this huge buddha, you have to climb up a massive staircase, but it gets you nice and close to the Big Buddha and in addition small figures located around the statue. In addition, there is a monastery that sells food and a few places that sell souveniers.

Didn't think we had time to visit the Big Buddha during our trip to Hong Kong, but so glad we did. It was definitely a big highlight of our trip! We opted for the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car -- though it was a foggy afternoon we enjoyed our trip up the mountain. Cable car gives you the beautiful view of Hong Kong airport and other parts of the island. The Ngong Ping village at the top is filled with small shops and restaurants. Plenty of clean public restrooms too, which was a plus. Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and the surrounding walking trails took us about a whole afternoon to explore. To get to the Buddha - you have to climb 250 steps to the top, which wasn't too bad of a climb. There were some instances where the entire mountain and the Buddha statue were covered in fog, where you can barely see anything. But it comes and goes. You need to be quick with your camera when the Big Bhudda becomes visible!

Unless you find some significance in these statues, the best part of being near Big Buddha is looking at the views around Bug Buddha. The experience was lackluster but luckily it wasn't the reason why we made the trip to Ngong Ping Village. Travel sites will hype up this attraction, but even on a clear day, this site will only be a footnote in your travels.

If you are in Hong Kong visiting, this is a must go landmark! It is pretty easy to go there. Take the MTR Tung Chung orange line and get off at Tung Chung. You can either take Ngong Ping 360 cable car up to the Ngong Ping market and the Buddha or the no. 23 bus. With jet lag, we arrived at Tung Chung very early and took the bus up. It is about a 45 mins bus ride. The cable car starts at 10am and usually have long line up. So be there a little early for the wait.The Buddha opens at 10am. We walked up to the top in less than 5 mins. It was a good work out! After visiting the Buddha, there are vegetarian meals available at the Po Lin Temple. Please remember to purchase your ticket for the vegetarian meal at the Buddha entrance. There are other restaurants in the Ngong Ping market if you prefer to try other choices. Or you can take a bus to Tai O and spend the rest of the afternoon there!

Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, is a large bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, and located at Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, in Hong Kong. It is a major centre of Buddhism in Hong Kong, and is also a popular tourist attraction. Follow my Yelp if you love my Yelping & welcome everybody to ask me questions about Hong Kong.

If you're in Hong Kong, have a few hours, and the weather is nice I'd rank Big Buddha as a "must do." GETTING THERE: The Ngong Ping 360 cable car is definitely the preferred way to get up to the Big Buddha, but if you're there when the cable car is undergoing renovations, your options are limited to bus ($25HKD from Tung Chung) or taxi (~$100HKD from Tung Chung). The bus and taxi both take the same, long meandering route all around the island, up and down, to get to the Buddha so the sights are the same but a taxi is a bit faster. The bus terminal is located at the Ngong Ping Village, which is a short walk up to base of the Buddha. If you're trying to squeeze in a trip on your way out of town, you can check your bags at the airport (or at the Hong Kong MTR station in-town) and then make your way to Tung Chung. BIG BUDDHA: Once you get up the mountain, the 100+ foot tall Big Buddha is free to visit. It's over 250 steps to the top but if you're in reasonable shape you can make it up without any problems. If it's hot and you need to catch your breath there are several landings on the stairway where you can stop and rest (or stop and take selfies). Don't mind the fact that the Buddha was built in the 1990s and don't mind all the gawking tourists (like yourself). Buddha is very impressive and on a clear day the views are gorgeous. There are some free exhibits and a little shop inside the Buddha, but to see all the exhibits you will need to pay. I'm not sure any of that is necessary as the main spectacle is Buddha himself and the surrounding views - enough to give you a natural high. OTHER ATTRACTIONS: If you take the cable car or the bus, Ngong Ping Village will be the first thing you see. While dressed up with traditional Chinese architecture, it feels super sterile and fake - sort of what you might find at Disney's Epcot Center. Heading toward the Buddha or the Monastery, you'll find a few ramshackle buildings selling cheesy souvenirs, snacks, and even a place selling hot food and meat products (which are unavailable at the Monastery). You may also come across roaming cows, dogs, and other animals. They are all harmless. The Monastery itself is also free, and I'd recommend it if you have time. It's peaceful, tranquil, and the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas is a real treat. It also houses a casual food stall/café and a sit-down restaurant.

I definitely recommend this trip! Riding the Ngong Ping 360 gondola is quite an experience. The views are spectacular. If you want to hike up the village, that's another amazing trip, I'm sure. On this visit, we opted to take the gondola. The village is tourists friendly with plenty of restaurants and shops. You might see a few loose dogs strolling around or napping. Or cows and cow dung. The staff are quick to clean up the cow dung though. Hahaa! These animals belong to the villagers. The Giant Buddha is quite a site to see! It's really amazing and going up the steps is a great work out. There's separated left and right sides for traffic control. Once you make it up to the very top, the views are exhilarating! With the views of the mountains, peaks and valley, along with the Giant Buddha, it is quite a moving experience. Beneath the Giant Buddha is a small shop and museum. Pictures are not allowed in the museum. The downside of the Giant Buddha landmark is that it's not handicap friendly. There's no railway up to the statue. I felt awful when I came back down to see a young boy in a wheelchair- unable to venture to the top. The steps are not wide enough for the wheelchairs to be pulled up. It would be too difficult. However, the monastery is more accessible. The monastery is pretty cool too. I've never seen a Giant incense before! Crazy! There are some cool statue to see. Beautiful chrysanthemums! There was a chanting session while we were there. That was pretty awesome to hear. I definitely recommend this visit! It's quite a cultural experience even for non-spiritual people. If you're not into either...the hike is awesome!

Hong Kong review #6 Another one of our "things you do as a tourist" stops was to go see this teeny, tiny little bronze Buddha that sits on top of a hill on Lantau Island. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/%E5%A4%A7%E5%B6%BC%E5%B1%B1-%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF?select=xYnkE8qoLM7SphmDLHsj0Q Oh wait, did I say tiny Buddha? I must have been thinking of another one. *smirk* This "Big" Buddha, is a made of bronze and stands 112 ft (34 m) tall. If you want to see the Buddha up close and personal (everyone does), then you have just a few steps to conquer first, 268 steps to be precise. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/%E5%A4%A9%E5%A3%87%E5%A4%A7%E4%BD%9B-%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF-3?select=A5znoCinU2JqA7okNbzv7Q Once you make the climb, you will not only see the giant Buddha, but also six smaller bronze statues, posed offering flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit and music (all necessary for enlightenment) to the Buddha. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/%E5%A4%A9%E5%A3%87%E5%A4%A7%E4%BD%9B-%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF-3?select=875ZmUIGN66oOcD0ZdOf6g http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/%E5%A4%A9%E5%A3%87%E5%A4%A7%E4%BD%9B-%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF-3?select=cDb54W_5cvXbzB2gFdmftg http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/%E5%A4%A9%E5%A3%87%E5%A4%A7%E4%BD%9B-%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF-3?select=ru7bdn9JRm-egDzZHrq55Q http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/%E5%A4%A9%E5%A3%87%E5%A4%A7%E4%BD%9B-%E9%A6%99%E6%B8%AF-3?select=hkV1oZwRjv1kd9WpKXvRYA Additionally you'll be rewarded with really great views of the surrounding areas and the nearby Po Lin Monastery. Interesting note: One unique thing about this Buddha is he faces north, all others face south. You can get to the Big Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery via taxi, bus or the MTR. They are open to the public from 10 am to 5:45 pm and it's free to walk around the outside the Buddha. You can go inside the Buddha as well, but they charge a fee for entry. OVERALL: Another very worthwhile tourist destination to visit while in Hong Kong!

Worth making the journey although you'll need to venture through a myriad of commercialized areas to get there by gondola (360 Degree shopping center at bottom of gondola ride and modern take on a village at the top). Breath taking views on the gondola ride, crystal gondola is usually every fourth gondola. Nice hike to the Big Buddha after getting off the gondola at the top of the mountain. Believe there are over 200 steps to the top. Impressive Buddha which you will see on the ride up and more impressive up close. No pictures inside the temple located at the base of the temple.

There is no way you can go to Hong Kong without taking a trip to the Big Buddha. I've visited this place twice now and it's remains to be one of the most spiritual places I've ever been to. Make sure to go EARLY and also on a CLEAR day! The temple closes at 5pm, so give yourself at least 3-4 hours to commute, eat, and explore. *** COMMUTE *** Because I already lived in Tung Chung, the commute here was easy. I highly recommend taking the cable cars to the Big Buddha due to the fact that the views you'll get are nothing short of breathtaking. If you want to splurge, you can always try the Crystal Cable Car ride where the floors are glass, too. The ride is about 10-15 minutes. You can see the bronze statue from miles away atop the mountain - absolutely beautiful! Going home, I suggest taking the bus if you want to save some money. The ride home will be longer (about an hour to Tung Chung) but it's more money in your pocket at the end of the day. *** SHOPS & FOOD *** Once you enter, there's a long pathway that's lined with all kinds of shops that sell souvenirs, trinkets, food, etc. That alone can occupy your time for an hour or so. There is also a food court near the temple. The food is yummy and cheap. Keep in mind that all foods served here are vegetarian (for the monks). *** BIG BUDDHA & TEMPLE *** There are 268 stairs going up to the Big Buddha. The steps themselves are not unsteady but make sure to pace yourself and hold onto the railings, if need be. If the cable car commute provided wonderful views, getting to the top of the Big Buddha is SO worth it. There's greenery for miles and there's nothing like breathing in mountain crisp air. Make sure to explore the inside of the Big Buddha, too. Personally, I think that's where the best souvenirs come from because they are already blessed by the monks themselves. The temple is not a far walk away from the Big Buddha (not counting the steps going down). It's a very holy place, as you can imagine, so it's definitely worth seeing the golden statues that adorn the inside, as well as the intricate carvings that cover the building itself.

If the weather is great you will have a majestic experience taking the Ngong Ping 360 cable car (you can pay with Octopus) from Tung Chung up the mountain and from there walk the stairs up to the Big Buddha. The cable car itself is a experience already with a glass floor so you can see the ocean underneath you. The Big Buddha is huge and up there you can see some temple, ocean and lot of mountains. Great for outdoor people.

My research recommended taking the cable car to visit Tian Tian Big Buddha. Unfortunately, it was closed for renovation during my visit so I had no choice but to visit it by bus which was a pretty comfortable ride (unless you are the unlucky few who have to stand which is unlikely to happen when the cable cars run again and fewer people take the bus). Upon alighting, we were greeted by interesting statues of generals posing with individual animals while walking towards the huge statue. It was misty at the start and part of the Buddha disappeared. There was a long flight of stairs but going up was manageable. Certainly worth a visit!

I recommend seeing this, the ngong peng village, and Po Lin monastery the first half of the day then head over to Tai O fishing village via bus (10 minutes ride) to enjoy seafood. The flight up was minimal, anyone healthy can do it! People who were praying kneeled and bowed on every step up to the top! It can be crowded but the view up top was nice. The cool breeze helped with the humidity. Pop by for lunch at the monastery downstairs. they only serve vegan food but it'll be fun to try! Flavor was very basic but don't knock it down until you try it. They have a restaurant and a deli down there but h food was very similar. I ate at both places. Before taking the bus back to the MTR station or to Tai O, walk down the ngong ping? Village. This is for tourist as all the shops sell souvenirs or food.

This hike is on Lantau Island, near the airport, and culminates at Tian Tian Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha. It is a 34 meter (112 feet) bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni that was completed in 1993. It is next to the Po Lin Monastery founded in 1906. Both are located in Ngong Ping, which is a highland on top of the mountains. The statue is a major tourist attraction. It is a magnificent statue that is worth visiting. Ngong Ping has tailored itself for tourism to capitalize on it. A cable car system has been built to carry tourists from Tung Chung station to Ngong Ping. Most visitors will take the tram. Once you get off the tram, you enter the village. It looks like a modern, upscale sky resort or outlet mall with plenty of shops and restaurants. After a long hike, I grabbed some gelato at Da Dolce in the village. It was decent but definitely tasted 10x better cause I was tired and craving something sweet. The restaurants had long lines so I decided not to get food. Outside of the main village and closer to the monastery, there are popup, outdoor Vitasoy shops with food stands and casual eats. I had some fried chicken with Ramen. The noodles were soggy but the chicken was very good. The hike is definitely very strenuous. It is long and steep with significant elevation change. It gets very steep about 25 minutes into the Rescue Trail but, by itself, is not too bad. However, there are three peaks. As such, you take a steep hike up, steep walk down, then take a steep hike up again. Three peaks equates to completing a steep hike up three times. For a moment, I thought there was going to be a fourth peak and almost wanted to cry. I was relieved there was not. Nevertheless, the hike is manageable for a moderately experienced hiker. I hiked Victoria Peak roundtrip and the Twins in the preceding two days before I hiked to Big Buddha from Tung Chung station. It was painful and took longer than usual because I had to rest a lot more but I never felt I was not going to finish. There are also number markers (e.g. 1, 2, 3, etc.) that mark off distances on the trail. Once you are in the 20s (around 25), another trail connects to the Rescue Trail. Make sure you read the side and continue on the path that notes Lantau and NOT Nei Lak Shan Country Road. The other trail is coming from Lantau Peak. It is an alternative route for hikers to get to Ngong Ping but the Rescue Trail is easier to get to from the Tung Chung station. It is 268 steps to get up to Big Buddha. If you do a long hike, it is nothing. If you take the cable car, it can seem like a hike. If you really want to have an epic hike, you can hike back to Tung Chung station. I did not even consider it because it is another 3 steep inclines and I was already exhausted. The other options to return to the station is the cable car or bus. I was returning near the end of the day. Accordingly, there was a massive line for the cable car. The estimate was 45 minutes just to a cable car. To return via bus, take the 23. When it is full, it goes straight to the station without stopping at any of the other bus stops. It will not drop you off right in front of the station though. Nevertheless, you will see the station and know when to get off. It can be difficult to get from the Tung Chung station to the beginning of the trailhead. I just turned on Google Maps and it made it easy for me. If you use it, direct it to bring you to the Tung Chung Outdoor Recreation Camp. Navigation basically takes you to Yu Tung Road. From there, you can follow all the signs for Tung O Ancient Trail. The trailhead is close to the camp. From it, you cross a wooden bridge then follow the path to the right. The beginning of the trailhead will be on your left. When you get out of Tung Chung station from the MTR, you are inside a mall. As such, you can get something to eat or drink before or after your trip. Of course, you can also shop. If you are visiting and planning a trip to Hong Kong and looking for recommendations, feel free to message me for my itinerary. You can also find the electronic copy through the link my profile.