The Big Buddha was at the top of our list of must-see attractions while visiting Hong Kong. Located on Lantau Island, this iconic landmark is truly impressive and something you have to experience in person to fully appreciate. Although my husband and I chose not to climb the 268 steps to the statue, we were still in awe of its sheer size and presence. The surrounding scenery is beautiful, peaceful, and makes for some great photo opportunities. Whether you're interested in the cultural significance, the architecture, or simply taking in the views, it's well worth the visit. read more

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This is a must-see place when you visit Hong Kong. We are so glad we changed our schedule to visit Lantau Island on a sunny day. The morning weather was not hot at all. It was much better than the next week, which was rainy and cloudy. The Big Buddha is a giant bronze statue built in 1993. It is located at Ngong Ping, near the Po Lin Monastery. Even though this was not our first time visiting (our daughters' first time), it was still an unforgettable trip. After we rode the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, we arrived at the beautiful village. Then, we saw the Big Buddha right in front of us. The area felt very peaceful. We climbed up more than 250 steps to reach the bottom of the statue. From the top, we saw amazing views of the green mountains, the blue sea, and other smaller statues. If you want to avoid big crowds, I highly recommend going early in the morning! read more

天壇大佛 - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Hong Kong, HK

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I have visited Tian Tan Buddha in Lantau Island, Hong Kong in 1999, 2014 and 2025. Although this recently trip was not my first time, I'm still blown away as if I am seeing the Buddha for the very first time! If you have never been to Hong Kong, I highly recommend this in your itinerary. There are several ways to reach Lantau Island. You can take a bus, taxi or hike up. We took the scenic route, via Ngong Ping 360, which is a cable gondola lift in Hong Kong, connecting Tung Chung and Ngong Ping Village on Lantau Island. The ride is about 25 minutes each way offers stunning views. Unless you're afraid of heights, this is the best way to get there. Tip#1: Spend a little more money and purchase the Crystal or Crystal with glass-bottom cart because there is a separate line. During busy time, you will save a lot of time both ways. Not to mention the stunning views! Trust me! Tip#2: If you're in HK for limited days and you're arriving in HK before 12-1 pm, consider visiting Tian Tan Buddha from HK Airport. Assuming your hotel is in Kowloon or in HK, which is about an hour from the airport. I say this because you can catch a bus from the airport to Tung Chung. I think it was about 20 minutes bus ride. This way you can saving time and money and not have to make another trip back to Lantau Island. Also, they have luggage storage for $100 HKD ($13 UDS) per piece. Once you arrive to the village, there are small shops and food options before you climb 268 steps up to the platform. With a sprained ankle, I was able to climb up, so anyone can do this. Coming down was another story but worth it because the beauty and serenity of the 112 foot tall Buddha will take your breath away. read more

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Given all the food we've been eating. Visiting the big Buddha and walking up all those stairs was needed exercise. It's not too bad though. There are landings on the way up where you can stop and take in the surrounding views. The weather on the day we visited really helped in that it wasn't blistering hot or humid. Nice sun and light breeze so adjust your expectations according to the weather report. We came by way of the Ngong Ping 360 cable car so it was a scenic journey from the beginning. You have to buy tickets to take the cable car up to the village. Or you could take a bus for less money I believe. Once you arrive to the village at the base of the Buddha there are shops and eateries so plenty of options to rest and relax. Inside the Buddha is a memorial and historic displays to see. Beautiful vistas as you walk around the Buddha. read more

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And for my 1000th review, the lucky winner is, "Big Buddha". Holler!! Big Buddha is a huge Buddha statue along with its temple in a remote mountainous area in Hong Kong. It's in an area called Lantau Island. The adventure to get there for tourists at least, is the adventure of riding a cable car from the Tung Chung area, which is a nearby town that operates the 360 Ngong Ping Cable Cars. I know all these names are difficult to remember, because even I have trouble remembering these names. There are also local roads that also leads to the Big Buddha Temple. They have charter busses that can drive you thereas well. Probably, for people who are afraid of heights and/ or the natural environment going there might be a better option. But man, riding those cable cars is an experience and an awesome adventure where you'll get to see the spectacular city views while going into rugged terrain in fog and rain! Ideally, going there on a sunny day is much nicer. We didn't have a choice because of our busy schedule and limited time staying in Hong Kong. After getting off the cable car, you'll walk through a shopping area of Ngong Ping which leads to the grand entrance into the park. A large open walking area with statues of the Heavenly Generals who are supposedly the protectors of Buddha. There's a smaller temple on the way before the stairway leading up to Big Buddha. It's such a workout going up the steps. You'll certainly develop "glutes" after you get up there. I believe they said there's at least 1000 steps going up. I didn't count though. Lol. You'll be on sacred ground, so respect the area by keeping your voices at a lower pitch. More statues up there, the Big Buddha looks majestic! Gosh, I finally accomplished one of my bucket list goals visiting the big fella. You get to go inside underneath the Buddha which is a huge shrine with deceased family name memorials. There's a gift shop, more statues inside, and a bits of ancient artifacts on display. The whole area is old, but so clean and well kept. You may hear chants from monks, and you'll definitely smell the incense burning. Outside you could see more spectacular views of the ocean and mountains. But again, you're better off coming on a warm sunny day. Anyhow, simply an incredible experience! I think this place supercedes five stars for it's incredible views, the history, and the adventure. read more

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Tian Tan Buddha is one of Hong Kong's most iconic landmarks and an unforgettable experience, both spiritually and visually. Located on Lantau Island, the massive bronze Buddha sits serenely atop a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and sea. Reaching the statue is part of the journey. After arriving in Ngong Ping, which many visitors reach via the scenic cable car, you'll climb over 200 steps to the base. The staircase can feel long, especially in warm weather, but the view becomes more impressive with each step. Once at the top, the scale of the Buddha is truly striking, calm, majestic, and incredibly detailed. The atmosphere is peaceful despite the crowds. The nearby Po Lin Monastery adds cultural depth to the visit, with beautiful temple architecture, incense drifting through the air, and a sense of quiet reflection. It's a place where sightseeing and spirituality blend naturally. Whether you're interested in history, photography, or simply soaking in panoramic views, Tian Tan Buddha is absolutely worth the trip. Try to go earlier in the day to avoid heavier crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures during the climb. read more

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The Tian Tan Giant Buddha, situated within the mountain tops of Lantau Island, is a classic itinerary addition. The usual pursuit to this sacred, religious site is via the cable car which embarks from the station near Tung Chung MTR station. Buying roundtrip tickets saves you $$ and you can choose from various tiers of the the crystal cabin (private/ shared) or keep it simple with a standard cabin. We paid 390 HKD (standard) for a one-way trip for 2 people in Dec 2024 (this price has apparently increased since then). There are options to buy online beforehand, but you incur a service fee and are also are required to select one 4-hour time period. If not a holiday, I am told that tickets will never sell out therefore it's always best to buy in person to allow for max flexibility. When you alight from the cable car at the top, there's a somewhat commercialized Disneyland-like walkway filled with a multitude of shops and picture opportunities. The cows are also an iconic sight and they do seem unphased by the many a tourist snapping selfies with them. One may even wander over to a vegetarian restaurant on the grounds near the Po Lin Monastery. It is the only restaurant up there, otherwise, so be sure to eat beforehand or bring snacks. The behemoth, bronze Buddha is the obvious destination though. The myriad steps to climb up to it might tire the average person, but there are many landings to rest at, if you so choose. If this is the only means for you to see Lantau Island, it is a grand and worthwhile perspective -- and an easy one at that. Fog is a given around HK and surrounding territories so even if your view is obstructed by it, seeing the Big Buddha itself makes the journey rewarding enough. read more

An unforgettable amazing experience! It's a gift for those to witness this beautiful place. We were there for hours just mesmerized and soaking up all peace and beauty surrounding us. So much to appreciate and the intricate details of the buildings. All amazing!! Afterwards we enjoyed some mochi and it was delicious! read more

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We had a great view of Buddah and an awesome view of the Buddhist temple. We also had a great vegan lunch that was fantastic. Everything was just great. read more

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Tian Tan Buddha / Lantau Island (Hong Kong) -- For reasons I must've made up, I had thought the Big Buddha was built in the early Ming dynasty by laborers from Mongolia, but no, it was erected in 1993. I have socks older than that. I just knew that Jamie W and I needed to see it because I missed it on my first trip to Hong Kong about a hundred years ago. Now we had to figure out how to get there. It wasn't hard, just long. We walked from our hotel in Central to Hong Kong Station to take the orange MRT line to Tung Chung Station, just a half-hour ride twenty km west. We then walked over to the Ngong Ping 360 Station where we stood in line for another half-hour to ride yet another half-hour on an aerial cable car with a see-through floor. Like every other tourist, we arrived in Ngong Ping village where we walked about twenty minutes through a commercially developed path to Ngong Ping Piazza. Finally we arrived at last. There was a climb of 268 steps to get to the Buddha lined by the Twelve Divine Generals representing the animals of the Chinese zodiac. Coincidentally we had recently conquered a similar stepwise challenge at the Batu Caves in Malaysia, so we were ready (review: https://yelp.to/dWPAlK0t3s). The Big Buddha itself is 112 feet high sitting contently on a lotus throne of an ornately carved three-tiered altar. It's an impressive sight from any angle, though we didn't pay to go inside the Buddha. Pretty crowded with true pilgrims. However, we enjoyed the panoramic views from the base with an especially nice view of Po Lin Monastery, which turned out to be an even more enthralling experience to visit (review: https://yelp.to/unjbeh10QD). RELATED - Exploring Hong Kong? Here's my collection of places I've visited and reviewed: https://bit.ly/3AGgadg read more

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What a journey to get to the Big Buddha! After a 25 minute ride on the gondola (a must do) then a 10 minute walk, you arrive at the base and look up at the massive beautifully constructed structure and start the climb up. The views from the top are breathtaking and the journey to the top met with beautiful stops. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

天壇大佛 - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Hong Kong, HK

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. :) read more

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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! read more

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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! read more

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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. read more

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. read more

#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... read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

天壇大佛 - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Hong Kong, HK

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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! read more

天壇大佛 - The whole trip was amazing - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Hong Kong, HK

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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. read more

天壇大佛 - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Hong Kong, HK

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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. read more

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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. read more

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(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 read more

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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. read more

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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 read more

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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. read more

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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. read more

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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). read more

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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! read more

天壇大佛 - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Hong Kong, HK

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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! read more

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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 read more

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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. read more

"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. read more

天壇大佛 - The distant view, Tian Tan Buddha - Buddhist Temples Near Me - Hong Kong, HK

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. read more

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. read more

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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!! read more

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