Tian Tan Big Buddha & Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car

Tian Tan Big Buddha and Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car

The Tian Tan Big Buddha and Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car lets visitors knock out two birds with one stone. The cable car ride offers a remarkable panorama. Imagine yourself high above the mountains of Lantau Island. Right before your eyes is the spectacular view of land and sea. It would be 25 minutes well spent as you travel from Tung Chung all the way to Ngong Ping, the small town where you will find the Tian Tan Big Buddha.

Set atop the Muk Yue Mountain, the Tian Tan Big Buddha appears to watch over the city’s populace with its raised hand looking as if it is giving everyone a blessing. It is a symbol of Hong Kong’s strength, China’s affluence, and peace throughout the world.

Twelve years in the making, the facial appearance of the Tian Tan Big Buddha shows great character and poise that is symbolic of the religion. Hence, the respect it earns from the faithful and even non-believers. Moreover, its fine craftsmanship and majestic size attract visitors from near and far. The Po Lin Monastery is credited with the planning and construction of the Tian Tan Big Buddha.

The monastery itself is well-known to many as the Buddhist World in the South. In addition, it has a vegetarian restaurant. So, you can enjoy a nice healthy meal there too. Regardless of your faith, the Tian Tan Big Buddha is an amazing destination. The ride going up there makes it even more worthwhile.

tips

It is possible for visitors to have a close look at the Tian Tan Buddha. Be warned, the climb takes 268 steps. It is quite a stretch. Even so, you can take your time to enjoy the views of the sea and mountains to make it all worth it.
The handicapped are not left out of the experience. Staff at this popular tourist attraction are more than ready to help those incapacitated to take the small, winding access road to the top.
A visit to Lantau Island would take about half a day to a full day of sightseeing. The combination of the statues, the Tian Tan Big Buddha along with the Offering of the Six Devas, and the scenery provides a relaxing atmosphere for visitors.
You can take the experience of riding the Ngong Ping 360 cable car to the next level by choosing to take a crystal cabin. What makes it special is the fact that it has a glass bottom. Imagine yourself high above the sea and over the mountains with only a glass flooring underneath your feet. Unless you suffer from acrophobia, are you brave enough to go onboard?
You will find stray animals at Lantau Island. It is best to pass them by when you walk.
If you plan to take a vegetarian lunch or get refreshments at the Po Lin Monastery be sure to stop at the Big Buddha’s base before heading up the stairs to buy tickets.
Remember the destination is a religious site for devoted Buddhists. Hence, it deserves the utmost respect from visitors. Please be reminded of this.
Hiking is a popular option for visitors heading up to the Big Buddha. However, the trail is not for the faint of heart. The path is 43 miles long. Breaking the trek into sections could help make it easier to complete without losing your breath.

Ngong Ping Rd, Lantau Island

Free
(getting there by a 2 hour hike is the only way you can get there for free.
Otherwise you need to take the cable car which is around 300 HKD)
See cable car tickets here.