With its history and cultural significance, the Tian Tan Buddha is an iconic landmark traveling through Hong Kong. It’s a perfect destination for travelers exploring a unique piece of history. This blog post will uncover the top 7 places to visit when exploring this ancient wonder.
- Po Lin Monastery
Visiting Po Lin Monastery gives you a chance to explore the stunning beauty of one of Hong Kong’s most famous temples. The main hall features three giant Buddhas, while the entire monastery is filled with intricate artwork and sculptures that tell stories from Buddhist mythology. There are also plenty of great restaurants nearby to sample some delicious Chinese cuisine.
2. Ngong Ping 360
Take in aerial views of the Tian Tan Buddha statue with a ride on Ngong Ping 360, a cable car that takes visitors up to Ngong Ping Village. The cable car ride offers breathtaking views of Lantau Island and its surrounding countryside and spectacular views of the famous Buddha statue itself. Note that Ngong Ping 360 rides can be crowded, so booking your tickets ahead of time is best.
3. Wisdom Path
A short hike away from the Tian Tan Buddha is Wisdom Path, which consists of 38 wooden columns arranged in an infinity symbol around a central column inscribed with calligraphy from Laozi’s Tao Te Ching philosophy book. This sacred path was built in 1998 by local artist and calligrapher Jao Tsung-I as an homage to traditional Chinese wisdom and beliefs, making it a must-visit spot for anyone interested in exploring Chinese culture and philosophy further.
4. Big Buddha Statue
Of course, no trip to Tian Tan Buddha would be complete without visiting its namesake attraction—the Big Buddha Statue! Standing nearly 34 meters tall, this impressive bronze statue depicts Shakyamuni (Gautama) surrounded by six more miniature figures representing different aspects of Buddhism, such as charity, morality, patience, and meditation. You can climb up 268 steps inside the statue’s base for breathtaking views over Lantau Island or admire its beauty from afar!
5. Tai O Fishing Village
Located near the Big Buddha Statue is Tai O Fishing Village—a quaint village known for its traditional stilt houses built atop a tidal bay surrounded by lush green hillsides dotted with plenty of wildlife, including pink dolphins! The town has kept its original charm despite being popular among tourists and is home to several restaurants serving freshly caught seafood directly from their boats!
6. Cheung Sha Beach
Are you looking for a place to relax after your long day at Tian Tan Buddha? Then head to Cheung Sha Beach—one of Hong Kong’s most beautiful beaches located just 10 minutes away from Ngong Ping Village on Lantau Island! Here you can enjoy crystal clear waters perfect for swimming or snorkeling and stunning natural scenery ideal for taking pictures or relaxing under the sun!
7. Lantau Trail
Last but not least on our list is Lantau Trail—a 70 km long trail that stretches across most of Lantau Island, passing through some incredibly picturesque landscapes and offering incredible views along its path! Hiking this trail gives you access to remote villages off-the-beaten course and many historical sites such as temples, monasteries, and ancient shrines tucked away amongst lush forests and rugged mountainside terrain!
As you can see, there are many unique places around Tian Tan Buddha worth visiting during your stay in Hong Kong! From ancient temples full of Buddhist artworks and mysterious pathways lined with wooden columns inscribed with ancient wisdom up to secluded fishing villages nestled amidst lush green hillsides, there’s something here for everyone, no matter what kind of traveler they may be! So why wait? Head over now and start uncovering all the hidden gems waiting around every corner near Tian Tan Buddha today!
