1. Overview of the Ngong Ping Cable Car
2. Exploring Ngong Ping
3. The Big Buddha Experience
4. Costs and Packages
5. Getting to Ngong Ping
The Ngong Ping Cable Car is one of Hong Kong’s premier attractions. This 5.7-kilometer (about 3.5 miles) ride offers breathtaking views over the thick green peaks of Lantau Island and the shining South China Sea. At the end of the ride lies the custom-built Ngong Ping village with its shops and the impressive 112-foot Tian Tan Giant Buddha, which is one of the biggest Buddha statues in the world.
The Ngong Ping Cable Car
The Ngong Ping is a gondola cable car that travels 5.7 kilometers between Tung Chung Town Centre and Ngong Ping Village on Lantau Island. The journey takes around 25 minutes. As you ride in the transparent gondola cars, the 360-degree panoramic views are truly stunning. This ride provides a unique opportunity to appreciate Hong Kong’s often overlooked green countryside.
However, the Ngong Ping village at the end of the ride leaves much to be desired. It is meant to be a culturally themed village, featuring a tea house and theater, but it mostly consists of a collection of shops. Nonetheless, children will enjoy the street entertainers, and everyone will appreciate the special events during Chinese festivals.
The Big Buddha Experience
Past the village, you will find one of Hong Kong’s most remarkable attractions. The Tian Tan Buddha stands tall at an impressive 112 feet and weighs over 200 tons. This makes it one of the largest Buddha statues globally, attracting pilgrims from across Asia. Visitors can climb the 268 steps directly to the feet of the bronze figure.
Moreover, the statue is part of the expansive Po Lin Monastery complex, where you can wander through beautiful gardens and join the robed monks in their vegetarian canteen. If you wish to delve deeper into Buddhism, consider attending the “Walking with Buddha” multimedia attraction back at Ngong Ping village. This 20-minute presentation features videos and interactive displays that narrate the story of Siddhartha Gautama on his journey to becoming Buddha.
From the peak, you can also access a variety of walking trails that allow you to explore the lush countryside. The Tian Tan Buddha is just a short distance from the fantastic 70-kilometer Lantau Trail, which winds its way through the peaks.
Costs and Packages
A round trip on the cable car costs HK$235 for adults and HK$110 for children up to age 11. Additionally, there is a package deal known as the “360 Fun Pass,” which includes entrance to attractions at the Ngong Ping Village, priced at HK$290 for adults and HK$180 for children. Entrance to the Tian Tan Buddha is complementary.
Furthermore, separate pricing options exist for one-way tickets and upgrades to the “Crystal Cabin,” which features a glass bottom, or for a private car. Note that operations of the cable car may be suspended during typhoons or high winds. Therefore, checking the website for updates prior to your visit is advisable. Scheduled maintenance may also result in temporary closures, which will be communicated on the website.
Getting to Ngong Ping
If your primary goal is to visit the Tian Tan Buddha, you can opt for the local bus service from Tung Chung, which is a more affordable alternative to the cable car. The Ngong Ping 360 main terminus is conveniently located within Tung Chung Town Centre, a shopping mall on Lantau Island. The upper Ngong Ping 360 terminus is situated at Ngong Ping Village and is significantly less accessible. Therefore, almost all visitors prefer the cable car starting from Tung Chung Town Centre.
The simplest way to reach Ngong Ping Tung Chung Terminal is by utilizing the MTR. The Tung Chung line (Orange) operates directly from both Hong Kong Station and Kowloon Station to Tung Chung Town Centre, with a journey time of about thirty minutes from Central (Hong Kong Station). Upon arrival at Tung Chung, you can access the Cable Car Terminal via exit B of the MTR.
If you have arrived at the airport and wish to travel directly to the Ngong Ping Cable Car, a blue Lantau taxi can provide a convenient ten-minute journey. Alternatively, if you wish to begin your adventure at Ngong Ping Village, the Number 23 bus from Tung Chung Town Centre or the Number 11 from Tai O Ferry Pier can transport you there comfortably.
