Where in the world is the Tian Tan Buddha?
Hong Kong's majestic bronze Buddha draws visitors from all over the world
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Your support makes all the difference.Facing north towards Mainland China, the Tian Tan Buddha sits 26.4 metres atop a lotus throne.
At 34 metres high (including the base), the majestic bronze statue, which draws pilgrims all over Asia, cost HK$ 60 million. It was built in 1993.
Informally known as the Big Buddha, there are 268 steps to climb should visitors wish to have a closer look at the remarkable statue.
Opposite it is the Po Lin Monastery, which is one of Hong Kong’s most important Buddhist sanctums and home to many devout monks.
The Monastery itself is rich with colourful manifestations of Buddhist iconography and its tranquil garden is alive with flora and fauna. Visitors can also eat over its popular vegetarian restaurant.
Facts
- The head is modelled after Longmont Grottoes statues. Forged using bronze and gold, the head glitters and glows under sunlight
- The body is made up 160 bronze pieces
- The Big Buddha sits in the same position assumed by Sakyamuni Buddha when he attained enlightenment under the famous body tree
- Known as the Tian Tan Giant Buddha, it sits on a three storey altar modelled after the base structure found in the Hall of Prayer for Good Harvests at the Temple of Heaven (Tian Tan) in Beijing
- It took 12 years to complete the remarkable statue
How to get there
Here are some ways to get to the Big Buddha:
MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B, then take Ngong Ping Cable Car, which takes around 25 minutes. Then walk for around 10 minutes to the monastery
MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B, then take New Lantao Bus 23 from Tung Chung Town Centre, which takes around 45 minutes. Then walk for eight minutes
Catch the ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, then take New Lantao Bus 2 to Ngong Ping Village, which takes around 40 minutes.
Tian Tan Buddha, Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
For more information on Hong Kong visit: http://www.discoverhongkong.com/uk/.