Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan >Hong Kong
Big Buddha
Located on Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, the Big Buddha (also known as Tian Tan Buddha) is the highest outdoor bronze sitting Buddha in the world. A magnificent Buddha which was completed after 12 years’ work, it represents the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong, security and prosperity and world peace. An important landmark in Hong Kong, the Big Buddha attracts many visitors and religious followers from both home and abroad.
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The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery

The remote Po Lin Monastery, hidden away by lush mountains, became a popular attraction when the extraordinary Tian Tan Buddha statue (informally known as the Big Buddha) was erected in 1993. Sitting 34 metres high and facing north to look over the Chinese people, this majestic bronze Buddha draws pilgrims from all over Asia. The eyes, lips, incline of the head and right hand, which is raised to deliver a blessing to all, combine to bring a humbling depth of character and dignity to the massive Buddha, which took 12 years to complete. Climb the 268 steps for a closer look at this remarkable statue, and to enjoy the sweeping mountain and sea views that can be seen from its base. Opposite the statue, the Po Lin Monastery is one of Hong Kong’s most important Buddhist sanctums and has been dubbed ‘the Buddhist World in the South’. Home to many a devout monk, this monastery is rich with colourful manifestations of Buddhist iconography and its pleasant garden is alive with birdsong and flowery scents. You can also enjoy a meal at its popular vegetarian restaurant.

How to Visit the Big Buddha in Hong Kong

You have finally reached the former world’s tallest outdoor bronze seated Buddha statue (I love the extensive explanation.) Hopefully the weather is in your favor and you can clearly see the statue and the surrounding land. Again, you have two options. You can purchase a vegetarian meal at the monastery and enter the museum portion at the top, or you can walk the stairs and enjoy the statue from outside. We just admired the view.

Hong Kong Big Buddha

The Hong Kong Big Buddha in Lantau Island is one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. It stands at 34 meters high (112 feet) and is one of Hong Kong's most popular sights. Tian Tan, as the Big Buddha is known, is made of bronze. The Big Buddha is not a "piece of history" but rather a fairly recent endeavor. It was unveiled in 1993 and ever since visitors have been flocking in numbers. In fact, the entire complex has a "newness" feel to it, and with the tourist crowds inevitably comes a bit of commercialisation. Getting to Ngong Ping Village and the Hong Kong Big Buddha with the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car is in itself an attraction and definitely the recommended way to get here to see the Buddha. As you traverse the Ngong Ping Village, the paths beyond will be well-marked, but not really necessary as you can always look up and see the majestic Hong Kong Big Buddha sitting atop the hill so all you have to do is head in that direction.

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1 You'll hear both names mentioned.. Big Buddha is the local nickname while the official name is the Tian Tan Buddha.

2 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 business end of any sightseeing list.

3 I’ve only been to the big Buddha, one of Hong Kong‘s top tourist attractions once.