Hong Kong's Big Buddha

Visit Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery on a Hong Kong Vacation

Mar 25, 2009

Situated on the outskirts of Hong Kong is Tian Tan Buddha, the largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha in the world. A visit to Tian Tan is a perfect escape from the city.

Tian Tan Buddha, the big buddha of Hong Kong, and its surrounding attractions are a popular and worthwhile getaway for travelers who want to escape the bustle of the city for a few hours.

The Buddha is located on Lantau island, one of the many small islands that make up the greater Hong Kong area.

By the citywide MTR subway system, the island is about 30 minutes from downtown Hong Kong. Travelers can disembark at the Tung Chung Station and from there take a taxi, bus or cable car up the mountain to the big Buddha.

The cable car is the most impressive of these routes, soaring over the South China sea with views of outlying islands and the sea. The entrance to the cable car is a few minutes walk from the subway station.

When buying cable car tickets, visitors can choose to purchase a package that includes tickets to exhibits in Ngong Ping Village. These exhibits give an overview of the history of Buddhism and Chinese culture and are especially entertaining and informative for families visiting with children. Tickets to these attractions can also be bought in Ngong Ping Village, which also hosts many other things to see. Many visitors like to stop at the Ngong Ping Teahouse for a taste of traditional tea or mooncakes.

The main attraction of Lantau island is, of course, the giant Buddha himself. Tian Tan Buddha is seated atop a Lotus throne on an altar built to resemble the altar at the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.

To reach the Buddha, visitors climb 268 steps, where they have an unparalleled view of the surrounding area. While access to the Buddha itself is free, entry into the interior halls has a small charge. The entrance fee includes viewing historical items, including a relic of Gautama Buddha and a giant bell in the central hall. Also included in admission is a free treat or drink at the end of the visit.

Located adjacent to the big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery is a working monastery with monks in residence daily. Visitors can view statues of the Buddha in past, present and future depictions, have tea in the tea garden or enjoy a vegetarian lunch prepared by the monks. Purchase of the meal also includes a ticket to the halls beneath the Buddha.

For travelers in need of further spiritual immersion, a five minute walk from the Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha lies the Path to Wisdom. This path winds between tall wooden beams inscribed with the Heart Sutra, one of the most famous and meaningful Buddhist prayers. The 38 columns are arranged in a figure 8, the symbol of infinity. A walk along the Path to Wisdom provides a peaceful finale to a trip to Lantau island.

The copyright of the article Hong Kong's Big Buddha in Hong Kong Travel is owned by Bridget Coila. Permission to republish Hong Kong's Big Buddha in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.