10 - 13 February : 9am - 8pm
14 - 16 February : 9:30am - 6pm
17 February onwards : 9am - 6:30pm (weekends in February)
The Big Buddha
The Big Buddha, also known as Tian Tan Buddha, is famed as the most iconic attraction of Lantau. Sitting next to the Po Lin Monastery, it is only a 10-minute walk away from Ngong Ping Village.
The majestic outdoor bronze Buddha statue sits solemnly atop the peak of Mount Muk Yue. It is seated south and facing North towards Beijing, the capital of China. Divided into two parts, the statue’s body is 26.4m tall and 34m in total measuring from the lotus throne and the base. It was cast with 250 tonnes of bronze and built over 12 years. The statue was modelled after Siddhartha, who achieved enlightenment under the Bodhi tree. The “imparting fearlessness” mudra of the right hand indicates compassion to save all sentient beings from their sufferings; the “fulfilling wishes” mudra of the left hand resting on the lap, implies the vow to grant blessing and happiness to all.
Inside the pedestal is a three-storey exhibition hall presenting a number of invaluable Buddhist items, including Buddha's relic. Visitors can climb up 268 steps to reach the three-storey pedestal to visit the Buddha and enjoy the boundless views of Lantau and South China Sea.
Walking into the area of the statue, you will first see six smaller bronze statues known as "The Offering of the Six Devas" surrounding the Buddha. They are posed offering flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit, and music to the Buddha to symbolise the Six Perfections of generosity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom, all of which are necessary for enlightenment.
In addition to appreciating the magnificence of the Big Buddha under the blue sky, you can also take a cable car ride after sunset on the 1st and 15th day of the lunar calendar to look at the lit-up Big Buddha.
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Location
Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping, Lantau |
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Tel
(852) 2985 5248 |
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Website
https://www.plm.org.hk/buddha.php |
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How to get there
From Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal (Exit B of Tung Chung MTR station), take a 25-minute cable car ride to Ngong Ping. The Big Buddha is about 10 minutes on foot from Ngong Ping Village. |