🇭🇰 Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) & Po Lin Monastery
天壇大佛·寶蓮禪寺 (Tian Tan Buddha) · 란타우섬 (Ngong Ping)
Location
Overview
The Tian Tan Buddha, seated on the Ngong Ping plateau of Hong Kong's Lantau Island, is a bronze statue about 34m tall including its base and one of the largest outdoor seated Buddhas in the world. Facing it stands Po Lin Monastery, one of Hong Kong's most famous Buddhist temples, where you can pay respects and enjoy a vegetarian meal. Though a fair distance from the city, it makes an easy full-day trip by cable car or bus.
A 34m bronze Buddha reached by climbing 268 steps, with sweeping views over the plateau and the South China Sea
The Ngong Ping 360 cable car (about 25 min, 5.7km) with standard cabins or glass-floored Crystal Cabins
Po Lin Monastery's grand main hall and incense-filled halls of worship
A set vegetarian (temple-style) meal at the monastery's dining hall, prepared in the Buddhist tradition
The Wisdom Path, a gentle loop (about 1.5km) lined with wooden pillars inscribed with verses of the Heart Sutra
Good to know
CautionBuy cable-car tickets only via the official Ngong Ping 360 website, its ticket offices, or authorized resellers (e.g. Klook, KKday). Tickets from unofficial sites or street touts may be refused or voided without refund.
MannersThe monastery is an active place of worship for monks and pilgrims. Dress modestly (cover shoulders and knees, no sleeveless tops or short skirts), keep quiet inside the halls, and avoid photographing monks or statues without permission.
SafetyReaching the Buddha means climbing 268 fairly steep steps. Pace yourself if you have knee issues or are with children or older travelers, and bring water and a hat in summer as there is little shade.
SeasonThe plateau is often foggy, which can hide the Buddha, and June–September is typhoon season when strong winds may suspend or alter cable-car service. No refund is given for poor visibility alone, so check the forecast first.
RulesThe cable car closes for scheduled maintenance several days a year, with the March overhaul lasting roughly 20 days. The Buddha, monastery, and Ngong Ping Village stay open then; use New Lantao Bus route 23 or a Lantau blue taxi instead. Confirm the latest closure dates before you book.
SafetyThe mountain road from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping is winding, so Bus 23 can cause motion sickness; take the cable car if prone to it. For taxis, use the official Lantau (blue) taxis and confirm the metered fare.
Practical info
Entry is free (the exhibition hall under the Buddha and the vegetarian set meal are ticketed). The Buddha is generally open ~10:00–17:30 and Po Lin Monastery ~8/9:00–18:00; the vegetarian hall runs lunch into the afternoon (extended on weekends/holidays) and can sell out, so go early. An Octopus card is handy for both cable car and bus—always reconfirm fares, hours, and closures on official channels before visiting.
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