Summary
When we think of Hong Kong, the images that come to mind are skyscrapers, people, and air pollution.
So you can imagine our surprise when we explored outside the downtown core to discover that there is a lot of green on the islands. However, when it comes to the air pollution, the locals of Hong Kong tend to blame mainland China.
When the wind blows in the wrong direction, all the smog from the mainland drifts across to Hong Kong, upsetting many residents.
Hong Kong Day Trip: Tian Tan Buddha to Tai O Village
However, there’s not a lot that can be done about the pollution except to escape the city! And that’s exactly what we did. We took a taxi out to Lantau Island, where we caught a cable car to the mountain village of Ngong Ping.
The cable car ride is a thrilling adventure that soars for 5.7 km over rolling green hills above Tung Chung Bay. The 25-minute ride offers a bird’s-eye view of the stunning landscape.
For a unique experience, you can pay extra for the Ngong Ping 260 Crystal Cabin, featuring a glass floor to enhance the thrill of height. Since the queues can be long, this option allows you to bypass the line! Additionally, booking a private cable car provides exclusive queue-free service.
We had our own tour guide, which helped us skip ahead in line, a change we found completely worthwhile.
Prices are: HK $3,500 per standard cabin/ HK $4,500 per Crystal Cabin.
Upon arrival at the top, we were welcomed by the picturesque village of Ngong Ping, known as the spiritual home of the Tian Tan Buddha; yet, the atmosphere resembles an amusement park or themed village.
This area features a significant TV and movie entertainment zone, prompting our guide to clarify that Hong Kong’s movie studios are not nearby—it’s merely an attraction.
Exploring the Tian Tan Buddha
Attracting many visitors, the Tian Tan Buddha is a stunning giant seated bronze statue that impressively captures attention. Arriving early is recommended to avoid the crowds and appreciate its magnificent presence.
We were fortunate to witness monks chanting in the yard of Po Lin Monastery, a captivating experience even without understanding their words. After a short while, they quietly departed, allowing us to continue exploring freely.
Discovering Tai O Village
After taking in Ngong Ping, we boarded a local bus down to Tai O, a traditional fishing village by the South China Sea. With fishing slowly declining in Hong Kong, the village’s future remains uncertain as many young people migrate to the city.
Strolling through Tai O’s streets, we were greeted by numerous stalls selling dried fish. Although the abundance of dried fish raised questions about vendor sales, the real highlight of the village is its iconic stilt houses. These homes, built to cope with tides, create a picturesque atmosphere where the community is closely knit.
During our visit, we had the privilege of entering a traditional house, where we learned the processes for separating and drying goose eggs, and making traditional congee. The process for creating this unique dish involves laboriously grinding beans by hand.
We were pleasantly surprised by how spacious the houses are, extending deep into the back. The mild weather year-round invites open spaces, which likely aids in managing winter storms and typhoons.
Searching for Pink Dolphins
Our next adventure involved a boat ride to observe the rare pink dolphins. Trips are available throughout the day, with departures once the boat fills up. Fortunately, we were lucky enough to spot dolphins shortly after leaving the channel, despite them having been elusive in recent days.
Although capturing a photo of the dolphins proved challenging due to their speed, our delight stemmed from the captain’s respectful distance; there was no attempt to pursue the dolphins aggressively.
Instead, we approached carefully, ensuring their enjoyment and peace were prioritized over our photography desires.
A Perfect Duo Day Trip
Both Ngong Ping and Tai O can easily be visited in a single day, with close proximity to one another. After the cable car ride to Ngong Ping, a short walk leads to the parking lot to catch a local bus down to Tai O for a delightful lunch and shopping experience.
Our day spent enjoying Tai O and Ngong Ping was exceptional, offering a unique glimpse into traditional life away from the bustling city of Hong Kong. It felt as though we had stepped back in time, with Tai O exemplifying a life without the hustle and bustle.
However, there is a strong feeling that this culture is on the brink of disappearing. Thus, visiting soon is highly recommended. While witnessing the slow decline of the fishing industry is disheartening, it’s understandable why the younger generation seeks a better life in the city.
Who knows? Perhaps in the future, they will return to their roots in search of tranquility once again. Living amidst the city’s pressures can take a toll, and it’s likely that Tai O Village will continue to thrive for years to come.
For more information on travel to Hong Kong, visit Hong Kong tourism Canada.
