Tian Tan Big Buddha

This is truly one of my favorite places on Earth. I first visited the Big Buddha in 2012, and was lucky enough to come back to it a few weeks ago. This is accessible by Nyong Ping 360, or by bus. I always take the cable cars because it is quicker and the view is amazing on the way. Big Buddha is located at the top of a mountain. After arriving you pass through a touristy village and into the real monks area outside the Buddha. There were cows and dogs roaming freely there during my visit. Lot’s of cow selfies happening with tourists. Inside there are monasteries and shopping from the locals shops, and lots of food on a stick. I tried the fish balls and they were amazing. I like to spend my money in this area and not the touristy Nyong Ping shopping area. About 200 stairs up is the big buddha, quite a hike but well worth it… the top is the most serene place i’ve ever been. The feeling of peace at Lantau Island is overwhelming. Inside the actual buddha there are shops, memorials to the dead and a relic of the actual Buddha, which you can visit only by buying an offering to leave. I always plan to spend a couple of hours here, because the beauty is astounding. If you are in Hong Kong this is a must do. Don’t miss it!

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.

This place is obviously crowded with tourists, but it’s still a fantastic experience and well worth the visit. Just be sure to be respectful of the areas marked «no photos» and particularly sensitive to those actually using the space for worship. I found it so untactful to see tourists practically begging monks for a picture and interrupting devotees for artsy incense photos. You can enjoy the experience of visiting the space without being an ugly tourist.
Be sure to allot most of the day to visit as the cable car line is lengthy if you don’t buy the fast pass, and you can spend a couple hours walking around the Buddha area itself and monastery.

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!

Schedule half a day to see the Big Buddha, especially if you’re like us and didn’t buy the cable car tickets online. Takes 30 minutes by subway from Hong Kong proper, and the line without pre-​bought tickets were almost an hour. We bought round-​trip tickets for the cable car, but I recommend buying bus tickets for the way up (especially w/​o on-​line tickets) since it’s faster, and buying a one way cable car ticket for the way down (no line and you don’t need to see the same view twice). There’s a lot of souvenir shops and restaurants before reaching the Buddha, and a place where you can buy incense to honor your ancestors. There are long flights of steps to the Big Buddha, which shouldn’t be a problem if you’re in shape.
The Big Buddha was pretty impressive– it’s not very old but the size makes up for it. I also loved the fact that it was situated in the mountainside so we were able to smell the clean air. It’s very peaceful, especially compared to HK proper, so I really liked it.

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.

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.

You love Buddha a lot, eh? Enough to walk 268 steps in the bright hot sun up to see him? Karmically, you know it’s the right thing to do. Physically — that’s another matter.
It’s not the largest outdoor bronze statue of Buddha, standing at only 34 meters (112 feet) tall (there’s going to be one in Bhutan that will be larger) and it’s not really an «ancient relic», having been erected in 1993 — but there’s something about walking up all those steps on a morbidly hot day without enough water, then reaching the top panting, doubled over and drenched with sweat, seeing all sorts of spots in front of your eyes… it’s almost an existentialist spiritually-​driven experience. The heat stroke, I mean.
While the Buddha is new the Po Lin Monastery nearby is not, being established in the early 1900s. The Buddha is flanked by six ladies, or «Devas», who represent the virtues of generosity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom.
I went around 9am, and was glad I did as the weather and the number of people increased incredibly by 10am. You can walk up the final few steps to the base of the Tian Tan Big Buddha, but you are not allowed to go inside the bowels of the Buddha himself, as the interior of the Buddha appears to be a place of worship for the nuns of the Po Lin Monastery.
The views from the top are also spectacular with a 360 view of the cable cars and surrounding hills and trees. If taking the cable car up to the Buddha, the view from the cable car is also spectacular, as Buddha looms ever larger as you approach the top of the mountain.
At the base of the Tian Tan, when facing the Tian Tan, there are two concessions — the one on the right sells tickets for a vegetarian meal located on the premises, the other concession sells Buddha swag. It’s a little confusing, as a sign indicates that the ENTRANCE to the Buddha is on the right, and you might confuse the vegetarian meal tickets for entrance fee to see the Buddha. THERE IS NO ENTRANCE FEE TO SEE BUDDHA. You pay enough by moving your stubby little legs 268 steps up to see him in 30C+ degree weather. However, the concessions blast welcomed A/​C as you approach it, so you might be lured to buy a meal ticket. Better the meal than a miniature version of Buddha on a stick, I always say.

Lantau island is a great experience when visiting Hong Kong! Must experience the cable car ride because this is the only fastest way. It took about 25 minutes. There’s an option to ride the glass bottom for additional cost. About 35 U.S. Round trip. The regular way is about $ 20. Tho lines can be very long. We went on June 4. And it wasn’t that crowded. Other transportation is by bus starting from Tai O Village. You can see the big Buddha when from far when riding the cable car. Overall it was great experience.

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.
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.
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.
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!

I found this more enjoyable than Victoria’s Peak. This Buddha is HUGE!!! It’s def a touristy thing but a must see because it’s so unique. Awesome picture opportunity. Take the crystal tram (tram with a see thru floor) at least one way. It’s a bit more expensive but so worth the shorter wait and also the view. It makes your ride a bit more breathe taking and memorable. Temples around big buddha are worth a quick browse but not the main attraction. There are random dogs and cows roaming around too btw. They are also famous here for the films they do. forgot. crouching tiger hidden dragon? ok I really don’t know but picture opportunities :) Lovely view of the mountainous areas of HK. Theres also a few souvenior shops closeby with cheap items. Good activity for the afternoon time, takes about 3 – 4 hours.

I honestly expected more from this place. For one it took forever to get here from central. After we arrived to at Tung Chung, of course the cable cars are having maintenance for a couple days.
We were forced to take the bus 23 that costed $ 27 on a Sunday to get up to the village. The village was pretty much a tourist trap and stray dogs everywhere.
I loves though how there was the temples in the back where you can pray and burn incense. Finally to the Buddha! You pretty much walk up a butt Load stairs until you reach to the top. Holy cow there was so many people! I know I went on a Sunday…
I pretty much was over it when after two photos and wanted to leave.

This is a must see tourist attraction in Hong Kong. It is the tallest outdoor bronze Buddha in the world. You will be impressed! I promise!
Do NOT make the mistake of thinking that it is by the airport so you’ll be able to see it before you catch you flight. The cable car that takes you there is a good 20+ minute ride. There are 268 steps to the top of the mountain where the Buddha is. There is a tasty vegetarian restaurant with dishes cooked by monks. The restaurant used to be better because the veggies were all grown by the monks on site. However, they’ve been inundated with too many tourists lately so the food is now sourced from a grocer. You will spend the entire day here.

Wow! What a neat experience!
The Big Buddha was an awesome sight, but what I didn’t expect was the cable car ride to the Big Buddha. The view from the cable car ride (we purchased the clear view one) was spectacular. MUST TRY if this is your first time!
There are already lots of review on this venue, so I will leave it here.
I would LOVE, LOVE to hike to the Big Buddha next time :)

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).

Biggest bronze Buddha in the world! Third largest overall Buddha in the world. It can be seen from a far. Its quite impressive when you’re on the approach to the Buddha and monastery. I heard you can also see it from the airplane. The airport is nearby…
There are steps going up to see the Buddha up close and personal. You can’t really touch it. The highest you get touch is the base… it really is something to see up close. It will have you in awe… you can walk around and see it from all angles. Also you can see all the surrounding areas. Its quite relaxing.
The sun is best shining on the Buddha in the afternoon… if not your pictures may come out dark… but still impressive.
The monastery is also a must see. That is where you can provide offerings to the big Buddha. And you can have most amazing vegetarian food. Try it all. Find the deli that seems to be hidden on the side. And just try it all. :) you’ll find something you like. Sweet or savory!

At 34 metres, Tian Tan is the world’s tallest seated bronze Buddha statue. I just had to make sure I visited as I’m a sucker for world records.
After a MTR ride to Tung Chung, I caught bus 23 from the nearby station up the foothills to the site. You could opt for the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to take you up there and back again (25 minute journey). You’re dropped off at Ngong Ping Village which, to be honest, is filled with somewhat cheesy multimedia shows and shops.
The statue is reached by over 260 steps, so pack plenty of water, especially if it’s hot. You’ll definitely be surrounded by hundreds of people taking selfies on their phones, so keep your eyes peeled for those who decide to stop on the steps right in front of you!
Once you arrive at the top you’ll appreciate the jaw-​dropping scale of the statue sitting on a lotus throne on top of an altar. There are also six smaller bronze statues around the base known as ‘The Offering of the Six Devas’. I learned that the Buddha’s right hand is raised, representing the removal of suffering; whilst the left hand rests on his lap in a gesture of compassion.
After you’ve taken in the views from the top there’s an exhibition hall inside the pedestal, containing oil paintings and ceramic plaques of the Buddha’s life and teachings. It was an enjoyable day out — I took the cable car back down to tick it off my list and you can watch the planes land and take off at the airport as you descend.

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.

I used to come here with my parents at least once a year when I was little. I still recall years ago there was no cable cars to help with the ascent, instead, you could either walk your way up or take a coach. Of course, taking a coach was a popular option for most. As a kid, I got really bad motion sickness. I could throw up by taking the lightrail… so you would have imaged how horrifying for me to take the bus. The Big Buddha is located at the top of the hill and you would have imaged how bumpy the road could have been. And that way always resulted in me vomiting my entire way. Bravo.
Years after, I do not get motion sickness anymore and we now have Ngong Ping 360 for an alternative to visit the Big Buddha. It has changed a lot I admit. Defintiely more convenient for all. However to me, it seemed too easy. To me, I felt like going to the Buddha back then was like a pilgrimage, being religious or not. Because it was hard. It was not easy for everyone to make it on top. You had to put effort to it. Yet, the hard part is gone now. As a result, we have flocks of tourists. I have nothing against them but I do believe that it was better before. It was more of a spiritual experience for me to visit the Buddha but now it is just one of those checkpoints for some.
However, when you take a picture with the Buddha. Try doing High-​five! It works!

Every time I fly into Hong Kong (during daylight), I always spend a lot of the landing trying to spot the giant bronze statue perched on one of the many hilltops of Lantau Island. I’m still not sure if my failure to do so is because it can’t be done, or because my sense of direction is so rubbish.
I’ve done it in reverse, kind of– You can clearly see the airport as you ascend in the cable cars.
If you’re going to take the cable car, and I recommend you do, do yourself a favour and book in advance online. The queues from Tung Chung can be very long and you could spend a great deal of time going nowhere fast if you have to stand in line.
You have two choices of cable car cabin. The premium Crystal Cabins (glass floors) are great — as long as you like tree tops and your cabin isn’t too crowded, if you’re travelling with a pram don’t bother.
At the top, the area called Nong Ping 360, there are restaurants, shops and, at certain times, a martial arts show. The site is intended to be a reproduction of a traditional chinese mountain town, but it felt a bit kitschy to me.
If you’re not keen on the statue itself, there is a pretty temple (Po Lin Monastery) and good vegetarian restaurant run by the monastery which a are worth a look.
But let’s be fair, the main attraction is the giant statue of Bhudda staring out across the island.
It’s a bit of a hike up the scary looking stairs, but don’t worry, they sell ice creams at the top. Before you climb, you can also buy a ticket which gives you entry to the shrine directly underneath the statue that also contains a spiritual relic.
The views from up here across the South China Sea are incredible and well worth the sweat and the stairs.