🗿 A Giant Presence Over Lantau
The Tian Tan Big Buddha, more commonly known as the Big Buddha, is undoubtedly the most recognizable and awe-inspiring sight in Ngong Ping 360. No matter where you stand—whether stepping off the cable car or strolling through the village—the Buddha looms in the distance, watching quietly from its mountain perch.
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| Views of the Buddha from the Cable Car and just after you stepped out of the station |
On a clear day, this iconic bronze statue can be seen from as far as Macau.
🏛️ A Modern Marvel with Ancient Inspiration
Although the Buddha looks ancient, it’s a relatively modern structure, completed only in 1993. It took 12 years to plan and build, and was cast from 202 bronze sections in mainland China before being transported and assembled in Lantau over three years.
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| Views of the Buddha from the Piazza and Ngong Ping Village |
Its base is modeled after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing—hence the name Tian Tan Buddha.
- 🪷 Height: 26 meters
- 🧱 Structure: Hollow, with a three-tiered circular podium
- 🏔️ Location: Atop Mount Muk Yu, reached by climbing 268 steps
There is a shorter access route, but it’s reserved for tour buses and authorized vehicles.
🧘 Symbolism of the Big Buddha
Like all Buddhist statues, the Big Buddha is full of meaningful symbolism:
🛕 The Exhibition Halls Beneath
Beneath the Buddha is a three-story exhibition hall, housing sacred relics and Buddhist artifacts. The three halls are:
- Hall of the Universe
- Hall of Benevolent Merit
- Hall of Remembrance (this one was open during our visit)
📷 Note: Photography is strictly prohibited inside, but souvenir shops are available within the pedestal area.
🙏 The Six Bodhisattvas — Offerings to the Buddha
Encircling the base are six bronze Bodhisattva statues known as the "Offerings of the Six Devas". They present:
- 🌸 Flowers
- 🔥 Incense
- 🕯️ Lamp
- 🧴 Ointment
- 🍇 Fruit
- 🎵 Music
These symbolize the Six Perfections in Buddhist
teachings:
💝
Generosity, ⚖️ Morality, 🕊️
Patience, 🔥 Zeal, 🧘
Meditation, and 🧠 Wisdom—all
essential for enlightenment.
🌄 Views, Peace, and People
Besides spiritual reflection, the Big Buddha offers a panoramic view of Lantau Island and the Po Lin Monastery below. It’s peaceful—if only the crowds would pause for a moment of silence!
We arrived early, but even then, it was challenging to get a shot without someone photobombing. Still, the view and presence of the Buddha are worth every step of the climb.
🏃♀️ Is It Worth the Climb?
Absolutely. Many tourists skip it thinking the 268 steps are too much, but I’ve done harder climbs—like Kamay ni Hesus in Lucban, Quezon, Philippines—where the path is longer and winding because of the Stations of the Cross.
💡 Don’t miss out! Climb the steps and experience it for yourself. It’s the only way to see the full grandeur of the statue and the sacred calm of its surroundings.
☀️ Helpful Tips for Visiting the Big Buddha
🧢 Bring an umbrella or
cap – There’s no shade on the stairs, and the sun can be intense,
especially during summer.
💧
Stay hydrated – A bottle of water goes a long way during the climb.
📸
Get there early – Less crowds, better pictures.
📿
Respect the sacred space – No loud voices or selfies at the altar.
🧘♂️ Tian Tan Big Buddha — The Heart of Ngong Ping 360
📍 Location: Ngong
Ping 360, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
🌐
Website: plm.org.hk
🕙
Opening Hours:
Weekdays: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Weekends: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM
📣 The Tian Tan Big Buddha is more than a photo opportunity—it’s a journey of reflection, a feat of architecture, and a cultural treasure of Hong Kong. Take your time to appreciate not just its scale, but its meaning.
👉 Planning a trip to Ngong Ping 360? Don’t miss my full guide to Ngong Ping Village, Po Lin Monastery, and Ngong Ping Cable Car Experience!
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