Tian Tan Buddha

Overview

The Tian Tan Buddha, commonly known as the Big Buddha, is a 34-metre-tall, 250-tonne bronze statue seated atop a hill at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island. It is one of the largest outdoor seated Buddhas in the world.

Highlights

• 268 Steps: Climb the stone staircase for close-up views of the statue and sweeping vistas of the South China Sea.
• Po Lin Monastery: Adjacent Buddhist monastery famous for its vegetarian lunch.
• Wisdom Path: A tranquil figure-eight arrangement of 38 wooden columns inscribed with the Heart Sutra.

History

Completed in 1993 after 12 years of construction, the statue was designed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation. Its base houses a museum of Buddhist art.

Visitor Tips

• Getting there: Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car or bus 23 from Tung Chung.
• Vegetarian lunch: Book the monastery's set meal.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.