Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) & Po Lin Monastery
Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) is a 34-metre bronze statue sitting on a lotus throne overlooking Lantau Island. The statue and the adjacent Po Lin Monastery form one of Hong Kong's most important Buddhist sites and a popular cultural and scenic day trip. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views, climb to the Buddha, explore the monastery's halls and gardens, and stroll through Ngong Ping Village and the nearby Wisdom Path.
Location
Ngong Ping, Ngong Ping Plateau (Tian Tan Buddha & Po Lin Monastery), Lantau Island (Tung Chung / Ngong Ping area), Hong Kong
Duration
2–4 hours (typical visit). Half-day (4–6 hours) if combined with Tai O fishing village or hiking.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: October to December and March to April for clearer skies and milder weather. Best time of day: Early morning (before 10:00) to avoid peak crowds and get softer light for photos.
Pricing
Admission: Free to visit the Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. Transport costs: Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car (round-trip standard cabin): approximately HK$235 for adults, HK$115 for children (prices vary and subject to change). Crystal cabin (glass floor) is higher (approx. HK$320 round-trip). Bus 23 from Tung Chung is cheaper (single fare HK$10–20 depending on octopus card). Donations to Po Lin Monastery and temple areas are welcomed.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha): 34 m bronze statue, 268 steps to the viewing platform.
Po Lin Monastery: Historic Buddhist monastery with richly decorated halls and a peaceful vegetarian restaurant.
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car: Spectacular aerial views of Hong Kong International Airport, Tung Chung, and Lantau's mountains and sea.
Wisdom Path: Outdoor installation of wooden columns inscribed with the Heart Sutra — great for photos and a short walk.
Ngong Ping Village: Shops, cultural exhibits and local snacks; good for souvenirs and a relaxing stroll.
Itinerary
Travel to Tung Chung (MTR) and take Ngong Ping 360 cable car or bus 23 to Ngong Ping.
Buy cable car tickets online in advance to skip queues. Choose crystal cabin if you want a glass-floor experience.
Arrive at Ngong Ping, walk to the Tian Tan Buddha base and climb the 268 steps.
Take it easy on the stairs; there are viewpoints partway up for photos.
Explore Po Lin Monastery and the main halls (Grand Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas).
Observe quiet and modest dress; donations are appreciated. Try a vegetarian lunch at the monastery restaurant if open.
Walk the Wisdom Path and stroll Ngong Ping Village.
Short walk (15–30 minutes). Plenty of photo spots and souvenir shops.
Return to Tung Chung by cable car or bus; continue to Tai O (optional) or back to the city.
Allow extra time for cable car queues on weekends and public holidays.
Safety Requirements
Wear comfortable shoes for stairs and uneven paths.
Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and water, especially in summer.
Check weather and cable car operations on typhoon days — services may close.
Observe monastery rules: quiet behaviour, no smoking, modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees).
Keep an eye on children near viewpoints and staircases.
Tips
Buy cable car tickets online in advance to secure your preferred time and cabin type.
Visit early (opening hours) or on weekdays to avoid large tour-group crowds.
If on a budget, take bus 23 from Tung Chung instead of the cable car — it's cheaper though less scenic.
Combine with a visit to Tai O Fishing Village or a Lantau hike (e.g., Lantau Trail) for a full-day trip.
Try the monastery's vegetarian set meal for a culturally authentic experience (check opening hours).
Carry small change or an Octopus card for buses, small purchases and donations.
Respect photography restrictions inside certain monastery halls; always ask if unsure.
