Perched high on the hills of Lantau Island, the Big Buddha Hong Kong statue is one of the city’s most impressive sights and should be at the forefront of any sightseeing itinerary.
Tian Tan Buddha or Big Buddha?
You will often hear both names mentioned. Big Buddha is the local nickname while the official designation is the Tian Tan Buddha. Regardless of the name, this 34-foot tall statue of a seated Buddha is part of the Po Lin Monastery complex. Weighing over 250 tons, it is the largest seated bronze Buddha in the world and ranks among the world’s top ten Buddha statues by scale. Originally constructed as a place of inspiration and reflection, its magnificent size has transformed it into a tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year.
The statue is visible from various locations across Lantau Island and is arguably most captivating from a distance, where it casts a shadow over the hills. Visitors can climb part of the statue for free via 260 steps leading from the base. Along the route, you will encounter six Bodhisattva statues—saints who forgo their places in heaven to assist us mortals. At the summit, there is a small exhibition dedicated to the life of Buddha, along with breathtaking views over Lantau Island’s lush greenery and the glistening South China Sea, complemented by the sight of flights arriving and departing from Hong Kong Airport.
Additionally, the monastery itself is worth a visit for its remarkable craftsmanship and ornate decoration of the Great Hall. Right next door, you can recharge at the simple monastery canteen, which serves delicious vegetarian dishes. A meal ticket can be purchased from the counter at the foot of the steps leading to the Big Buddha.
When to Visit
This popular attraction can be visited year-round; however, it’s wise to avoid Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays when locals frequent the site. The ideal time for a visit is early morning on weekdays, although it tends to be less crowded throughout the week. If you plan to walk to the statue or explore the area, summer should be avoided due to high humidity levels.
One particularly memorable day to visit the monastery is on Buddha’s birthday. Although crowds gather, that enhances the experience as attendees witness the monks bathing the feet of all Buddha statues.
How to Get There
Located on Lantau Island, the simplest way to reach the statue is to ferry to Mui Wo from Central and then take Bus No 2 from the Mui Wo Ferry Pier. Alternatively, a more enjoyable route is via the Ngong Ping Cable Car from Tung Chung MTR station. The cable car offers remarkable views over Lantau Island, though tickets can be pricey. A recommended tip is to take the Ngong Ping Cable Car up to the Big Buddha and then walk back down to the Mui Wo ferry pier, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings.
