Hong Kong

Big Buddha

Visiting The Big Buddha

Atop Mount Muk Yue, a towering bronze Buddha statue gazes northward towards Beijing, China’s capital. Divided into two parts, the statue is 26.4 meters tall, crafted from 250 tonnes of bronze during a 12-year construction. It represents Siddhartha, who achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The right hand’s “imparting fearlessness” mudra signifies compassion for all beings, while the left hand’s “fulfilling wishes” mudra in the lap promises blessings and happiness to all.

Suggested duration: 3 hours. The Big Buddha offical website.

What can you do in Big Buddha?

The Big Buddha

The iconic Big Buddha, also known as Tian Tan Buddha, graces Lantau Island near Po Lin Monastery, a brief walk from Ngong Ping Village.
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Po Lin Monastery

Po Lin Monastery, once known as “the Big Thatched Hut,” began construction in 1906 and officially became Po Lin Monastery in 1924.

Ngong Ping Piazza

Ngong Ping Piazza, the entrance to Ngong Ping’s cultural and natural marvels, encompasses four key elements: the new Pai Lau, Bodhi Path, Di Tan, and a Chinese garden.

Wisdom Path

Wisdom Path, near Lantau Peak’s base, showcases wooden pillars etched with the complete verses of the Heart Sutra by Professor Jao Tsung-I.

Lantau Trail

Lantau Country Park, a cherished destination for nature enthusiasts, is renowned for its numerous hiking routes.

Nei Lak Shan Country Trail

The moderately simple 5-kilometer path can be finished in approximately two hours and is well-suited for beginner hikers.

Ngong Ping Trail

The 5.7-kilometer trail, primarily connecting Tung Chung and Ngong Ping, typically takes about 4 hours to complete with a midway break.

What can you eat in Big Buddha?

Burger Cafe

(Shop No. 11, Ngong Ping Village, Ngong Ping, Lantau)
In a hurry? Don’t worry. Indulge in a swift bite of expertly grilled burgers, globally inspired chicken wings, and freshly made potato fries, all conveniently available in one spot! Read More

Cha Guo

(106, Shek Tsai Po Street, Tai 0)
Cha Guo, literally translating to “tea dumpling,” is a traditional Hong Kong treat crafted from glutinous rice flour and a local herb. Read More

Chargrilled Dried Squid

(Kat Hing Street, Tai 0)
Chargrilled dried squid stands as a highly favored snack in Tai O. Its rich aroma is especially enticing. Read More

Chargrilled Egg Waffles

(59 Kat Hing Street, Tai O)
Egg Waffle is a Hong Kong classic snack, prepared with eggs, flour, sugar, and evaporated milk. Read More

Chinese Pizza

(70 Kat Hing Street, Tai O)
Chinese Pizza, known as “Heung Fei Guen” in Cantonese, is a street snack resembling a rolled-up pizza. Read More

Gai See Teng

(11A, Wing On Street, Tai O)
Chinese fever vine, known as Paederia foetida, is a Chinese herb known for its properties in enhancing blood circulation, relieving pain, and even warding off evil spirits. Read More

Giant Cuttlefish in Marinated Sauce

(70 Kat Hing Street, Tai O)

The prominently showcased giant cuttlefish, marinated and braised, at the entrance of Kat Hing Street is truly captivating.

Herbal Drink: Mountain Begonia

(13 Market Street, Tai O)

With a subtle blend of bitterness and sweetness, the herbal drink crafted from Mountain Begonia, water, and rock sugar offers a slightly sour note.

Husband Roll

(41 Kat Hing Front Street, Tai O)

This distinctive fusion snack is a delightful combination of diverse elements. Minced pork, stir-fried with Tai O’s unique shrimp paste, and shredded lettuce are skillfully enveloped in an Indian roti.

Ki Kei

(8 Kat Hing Front Street, Tai O)

Ki Kei Cha Chaan Teng is an ideal spot to pause and relish local snacks amid your packed Lantau itinerary.

Mountain Cafe

(Shop No. 2, Ngong Ping Village, Ngong Ping, Lantau)

Mountain Cafe is a charming and hospitable eatery nestled amidst stunning mountains.

Po Lin Monastery

(Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping Road, Lantau)

Po Lin Monastery stands as a Buddhist institution renowned for its splendid architecture, rich Buddhist culture, picturesque landscapes, intricate sculptural art, harmonization of traditions and modernity.

Shrimp Paste

(10 Shek Tsai Po, Tai O)

Derived from silver shrimp, shrimp paste is a condiment widely employed in Cantonese and Thai culinary traditions.

Solo Balcony

(10 Shek Tsai Po, Tai O)

Situated within Tai O’s iconic stilt house, Solo Balcony is a coffee shop curated by its owner, who diligently selects diverse coffee beans to offer a range of premium coffee options.

Specialty Seafood

(Wing On Street and Market Street, Tai O)

The Tai O Local Specialty Market is renowned for its array of locally crafted dried goods, encompassing delicacies such as salted egg yolks, salted fish, dried shrimp, shrimp paste, sauces, and fish maws.

Sugar Donuts

(66 Kat Hing Street, Tai O)

A Cantonese-style donut, locally known as “Sa Yong,” is a specialty at Tai O Bakery on Kat Hing Street in Tai O.

Tai O Crossing Boat Restaurant

(33 Kat Hing Street, Tai O)

Tai O Crossing Boat Restaurant presents a menu featuring innovative and enticing dishes crafted from the freshest local ingredients in Lantau.

Tofu Pudding

(57 Wing On Street, Tai O)

Tofu pudding, a classic dessert, is crafted from strained soy milk and set with calcium sulfate, resulting in a smoother texture than regular tofu.

How to get to Big Buddha?

The most picturesque route to reach the enormous Buddha in Hong Kong involves riding the Ngong Ping 360° Cable Car from Tung Chung MTR station on Lantau Island. This cable car journey provides awe-inspiring vistas of mountains and the sea and typically takes about 30 minutes to arrive at the somewhat touristy Ngong Ping Village.

Updated on: 7/11/2023