A Spiritual Journey with Epic Views, Scenic Cable Cars, and a Hike Worth Climbing 268 Steps For
Perched high on Lantau Island, the Tian Tan Buddha, known as the Big Buddha, symbolizes spirituality, culture, and breathtaking beauty in Hong Kong. But, how to get to Tian Tan Buddha? We’re about to share some travel information on the best way to arrive and explore this amazing place.
Towering at 112 feet and weighing over 250 metric tons, this magnificent bronze statue is one of the largest outdoor seated Buddhas in the world. Set amidst lush mountain scenery, the Big Buddha represents harmony between humanity and nature and offers visitors a unique blend of spiritual tranquility and panoramic vistas.
Whether you reach it via a scenic cable car ride, a local bus journey, or an adventurous hike, visiting the Big Buddha is a must for anyone seeking cultural insight and awe-inspiring views.
Why Visit the Big Buddha?
- Monumental Size: Standing at 112 feet (34 meters) tall and weighing over 250 metric tons, the Big Buddha is one of the world’s largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha statues.
- Symbolism: The statue represents the harmonious relationship between man, nature, and faith. It sits atop a lotus throne, a common symbol in Buddhist teachings, with six smaller bronze statues surrounding it. These represent the “Six Devas,” offering flowers, incense, lamps, ointment, fruit, and music, all symbolizing aspects of Buddhism.
- Po Lin Monastery: Located at the base of the Buddha, this monastery was founded in 1906 and remains one of Hong Kong’s most important Buddhist sanctuaries. It offers serene gardens, a grand hall with intricate carvings, and a vegetarian restaurant that provides delicious Buddhist cuisine.
- 360-Degree Views: Climbing the 268 steps to reach the base of the Big Buddha offers expansive views of Lantau Island’s lush greenery and surrounding peaks, making it a perfect spot for reflection and photography.
How to Get to the Tian Tan Buddha:
- MTR and Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car:
- Take the MTR Tung Chung Line to Tung Chung Station, the last stop.
- From there, walk to the Ngong Ping 360 cable car terminal (about a 5-minute walk). The cable car ride is about 25 minutes long and provides breathtaking views of Lantau Island, the South China Sea, and the Big Buddha.
- Arrive at Ngong Ping Village, from where it’s a short walk to the Buddha and Po Lin Monastery.
- Bus Route:
- You can also take Bus 23 directly to Ngong Ping Village from Tung Chung Station. This route is more budget-friendly, takes about 45 minutes, and is less scenic than the cable car.
- Ferry and Bus Combination:
- Take a ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo on Lantau Island.
- From Mui Wo, hop on Bus 2 to Ngong Ping Village. This journey offers a more local experience and takes about 90 minutes.
- Hiking Trail:
- AdventureAdventure seekers can hike the Lantau Trail to the Big Buddha. The hike starts from Tung Chung or Shek Mun Kap Village and takes 2 to 4 hours, depending on the route.
Best Time to Visit:
- Morning: Arriving in the morning helps you avoid the crowds, especially on weekends or holidays.
- Fall and Winter: The cooler months between October and March offer clear skies and comfortable hiking conditions, making it ideal for exploring the trails around the area.
What to Expect:
- Entrance: Visiting the Tian Tan Buddha is free, but there is a small fee to enter the Buddha Museum inside. The museum includes an exhibition on the construction of the statue and various Buddhist artifacts.
- Dining: Try a vegetarian meal at the Po Lin Monastery or enjoy snacks in Ngong Ping Village.
- Gift Shops: Souvenir shops in the village offer traditional Chinese crafts, spiritual items, and memorabilia related to Buddhism and Hong Kong culture.
Did you know?
One surprising fact about the 268 steps leading to the Big Buddha is that they symbolize the Threefold Path of Buddhist Practice—discipline, concentration, and wisdom. The steps are not just a physical ascent but are intended to represent a spiritual journey, with each step encouraging reflection and mindfulness as you approach the serene statue at the top.
A little history:
The Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, was completed in 1993 as a symbol of Buddhist enlightenment and peace. Located at the Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, Hong Kong, the statue’s construction was part of a broader plan to create a global center for Buddhism in the region. The name “Tian Tan” is derived from the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, with the Buddha’s base designed to resemble this iconic temple, emphasizing harmony between heaven and earth.
The statue’s creation was no small feat—it took 12 years to plan, cast, and construct, with the components made from assembled bronze segments. Theiece on-sitewere . Weighing over 250 metric tons and standing 112 feet (34 meters) tall, the statue is a major religious landmark and a symbol of Hong Kong’s commitment to maintaining its rich cultural heritage amidst modern growth.
The 268 steps leading up to the Big Buddha were intentionally incorporated into the design to represent the spiritual journey of Buddhist practice. Visitors climbing these steps are meant to reflect on the Threefold Path: discipline, concentration, and wisdom—a key principle in Buddhist teachings. This design feature was inspired by the Buddhist pilgrimage tradition, where followers demonstrate devotion and humility through physical effort.
