Ngong Ping and Tian Tan Buddha

Background

The Tian Tan Buddha sits beside Po Lin Monastery at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island. Po Lin Monastery was founded in 1906 under the name "the Big Thatched Hut" (大茅蓬); according to available sources it was established by three Chan monks from Jiangsu, and it was renamed Po Lin Monastery in 1924. The Tian Tan Buddha was completed in 1993 and consecrated in December that year. The bronze seated Buddha is 34 m tall in total including its lotus throne and base; the figure itself is 26.4 m tall, weighs about 250 tonnes and is made of 202 bronze castings. It faces north and is reached by 268 stone steps. Inside the base are three exhibition floors (the Hall of Merits, the Hall of the Dharma Realm and the Memorial Hall), which are said to enshrine relics of the Buddha; six bronze statues, the "Offering of the Six Devas", surround the Buddha and symbolise the six paramitas.

Local customs

Ride the Ngong Ping 360 cable car (about 25 minutes from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping) for views over Lantau, climb the 268 stone steps to the Buddha's base, visit Po Lin Monastery, and try the monastery's vegetarian meals.

Travel tips

• According to available sources, the monastery and the outdoor Buddha area are free to visit, subject to official information
• cable-car fares are as officially published. Take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car from Tung Chung (about 25 minutes) or a Lantau bus (such as route 23) to Ngong Ping
• check the cable car's opening and maintenance schedule before you go.
• You can visit all year round
• clear autumn and winter days are best for the climb
• in summer protect yourself from heat and rain
• in heavy fog the cable car may be affected.