The Big Buddha on Lantau Island

The Big Buddha on Lantau Island

The Big Buddha on Lantau Island is located at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island at an altitude of 520 metres. It is one of Hong Kong’s popular tourist attractions.

The Big Buddha is situated next to the Po Lin Monastery. Construction began in 1990, and it was consecrated in December 1993 before being opened to the public. The statue stands 26 metres tall and weighs

220 metric tonnes. It is seated on a three-tiered altar, making it the world’s largest outdoor bronze seated Buddha. Visitors can climb the 268 stone steps up to the altar. The solemn and dignified Buddha exudes a sense of peace and tranquillity, whether viewed from afar or up close. As you ascend the steps and reach the altar, the panoramic view of Lantau Island and the South China Sea is truly breathtaking.

Near the monastery is a teahouse, which is also the only one of its kind in Hong Kong. Visitors can enjoy tea here and may also choose to hike up to Phoenix Mountain—the highest peak on Lantau Island—at dawn to watch the sunrise. Phoenix Mountain stands at 934 metres, making it the second-highest peak in Hong Kong.

The government plans to build a cable car connecting Tung Chung to Ngong Ping, with completion expected in 2006. Once operational, it will allow more visitors to easily access Ngong Ping and admire the magnificent Big Buddha.

Beneath the Big Buddha is an information centre, which requires the purchase of a vegetarian meal voucher (entry ticket) at the entrance. The Po Lin Monastery is a renowned Buddhist site in Hong Kong, housing an extensive collection of Buddhist scriptures. The monastery also features a large vegetarian dining hall where devotees can enjoy vegetarian meals. The prestigious American travel and geography magazine 《National

Geographic

Traveller》 has also highly recommended the Big Buddha as a must-see attraction. The Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha are open daily from 10:00 AM to 5:45 PM, while vegetarian meals are served from 11:30 AM to 5:00 PM.