Lantau Island,Hong Kong
Lantau Island is Hong Kong's largest island and holds great natural, cultural and historical value. It is home to traditional fishing villages, important Buddhist sites such as the Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha), and areas of protected countryside including Lantau South Country Park. The island also hosts parts of Hong Kong’s maritime history and was historically a site for fishing and salt production. In modern times, Lantau plays a strategic role with Hong Kong International Airport and associated infrastructure on the northern coast.
Places to visit
- Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)
- Po Lin Monastery
- Ngong Ping 360 cable car
- Tai O Fishing Village
- Lantau Peak (Fung Wong Shan)
- Sunset at Cheung Sha Beach
- Hong Kong International Airport viewing areas
- Ngong Ping Village
- Wisdom Path
- Disneyland (on nearby reclaimed land, often visited in the same trip)
Unique Aspects
- Dramatic mountain and coastal scenery with rugged trails
- Rich biodiversity including endemic and migratory bird species
- Traditional stilt houses and a living fishing village at Tai O
- One of Asia’s largest seated outdoor Buddha statues
- A cable-car ride that crosses varied terrain with panoramic views
- Long sandy beaches such as Cheung Sha and Pui O
- A mix of modern transport infrastructure (airport) and preserved rural landscape
Things to do
- Hiking Lantau Peak (sunrise hikes popular)
- Riding Ngong Ping 360 cable car for aerial views
- Visiting Po Lin Monastery and attending short meditative walks
- Exploring Tai O’s stilt houses, seafood markets, and boat tours
- Relaxing or swimming at Cheung Sha and Pui O beaches
- Cycling and leisure walks along coastal paths
- Birdwatching and nature photography in country parks
- Cultural tours including village visits and temple rituals
- Shopping and dining in Ngong Ping Village
Best Time to Visit
Best: October to December for cooler, drier weather and clearer views. Shoulder months: March–May for pleasant temperatures and spring flora. Avoid typhoon season (June–September) if possible.
Weather Conditions
Subtropical climate: hot and humid summers with frequent rain and occasional typhoons (June–September), mild and dry winters (December–February), and pleasant springs and autumns.
Accessibility
Accessible by MTR (to Tung Chung), then bus or Ngong Ping 360 cable car to Ngong Ping. Regular buses (e.g., New Lantao Bus and Citybus) serve many villages and trailheads. Ferries connect to Tai O from Tuen Mun or other points. The island contains hilly terrain—some attractions like Ngong Ping and beaches are wheelchair-friendly, while mountain trails are steep and challenging.
Recommended Duration
A minimum of 1 full day to visit highlights (e.g., Ngong Ping + Tai O) or 2–3 days to hike, relax on beaches and explore villages at a leisurely pace.
Clothing & Gear Tips
Comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), light breathable clothing for summer, a waterproof jacket for rainy season, headlamp for early-morning hikes, and swimwear for beach visits.
Local Food & Souvenirs
Try fresh seafood and local snacks in Tai O (salted fish, shrimp paste, fish balls), vegetarian dishes at Po Lin Monastery including the monastery's set meals, and pastries or sweets from Ngong Ping Village. Souvenirs include handmade crafts, local seafood products, Buddhist-themed items, and Hong Kong-themed keepsakes.
