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Hong Kong Sights

Tian Tan Buddha

6 reviews | Write a review

Good for: E, beautiful views, enjoying the landscape, views

Not good for: wheelchairs, people in wheelchairs, gift shopping

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    • 10am-6pm

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Lonely Planet review for Tian Tan Buddha

On a hill above the Po Lin Monastery sits the Tian Tan Buddha, a seated representation of Lord Gautama some 23m high (or 26.4m with the lotus), or just under 34m if you include the podium. There are bigger Buddha statues elsewhere – notably the 71m-high Grand Buddha at Leshan in China’s Sichuan province – but apparently these are not seated, outdoors or made of bronze. It weighs 202 tonnes, by the way. The large bell within the Buddha is controlled by computer and rings 108 times during the day to symbolise escape from what Buddhism terms the ‘108 troubles of mankind’. The podium is composed of separate chambers on three different levels. On the first level are six statues of bodhisattvas, each of which weighs around two tonnes. On the second level is a small museum containing oil paintings and ceramic plaques of the Buddha’s life and teachings. At busy times priority entry is given to those with meal tickets from the monastery’s vegetarian restaurant. It’s well worth climbing the 260 steps for a closer look at the statue and surrounding views. The Buddha’s Birthday, a public holiday celebrated in late April or early May, is a lively time to visit, when thousands make the pilgrimage. Visitors are requested to observe some decorum in dress and behaviour. It is forbidden to bring meat or alcohol into the grounds.

 

Traveller reviews for Tian Tan Buddha (6)

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    soooo spiritual

    jadesky recommends this,

    If you like to be enchanted you should reserve some time for a trip to Lantau. I took the boat from Central and then the bus to Ngong Ping. Lefthand driving is quite an experience! Then I went down the street of warriors and climbed up the stairs to the Big Buddah. The views are great and the Big Buddah impressive. Don't forget to visit the monastry. It will make you stunning and holding your breath because of this special athmosphere. You should too take the meal in the monastry. And at least light some joss sticks for yourself and your loved ones. For me it was the greatest spiritual experience I've ever made.

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    riding the cable car is half the experience!

    jag2729 recommends this,

    We took my 4 and 6 year old boys. We rode the glass bottom cable car as part of Gnong Ping 360 and they loved it. The views are spectacular. Once at the top the little shops are overpriced, but the Buddha and temples were great to see and the kids even walked the many steps up to the top of the Buddha.

    Good for: E

    Not good for: wheelchairs, people in wheelchairs

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    Stunning views and the place also makes you reflect!

    mtrisolini recommends this,

    The area surrounding the Tian Tan buddha (Big Buddha) is a very serine and peaceful location which is surrounded by mountain forests, shear rock cliffs and ocean views. The surrounding area probably boast the most stunning and incredible landscape views I have seen so far in Hong Kong. The dichotomy of the tall rugged mountains and the views are impressive. The best locations to see these views are on the Wisdom trail and at the top of the Big Buddha.

    The Big Buddha is not an old monument but it didn't detract from how massive how inspiring the structure looks at anytime of the day. The temple at the base of the Big Buddha steps and the shoaling monk show is also a great attraction

    Good for: beautiful views, enjoying the landscape

    Not good for: gift shopping

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    great experience worth the money and spectacular views

    weemeg recommends this,

    we took the cable ride to the top and what a view you can see for miles and good look at new airport from above.Buy the ticket (costs pennies) to go into the temple and the museum and it also gets you a free meal after you come back down the steps from the big Buddha..sit in the sun and eat and drink ,and i found the people so friendly all in all an exciting and wonderful experience...by the way we did the journey all the way from Kowloon by the wonderful railway system which is easy to use so fantastic holiday destination and will go back someday x

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    Great views of the monasteries

    matpalm recommends this,

    Also includes a supposed lock of Buddha's hair! Well worth the trip out and the hike up the stairs (It's not that hard a climb, really!) Awesome views of Po Lin, a classic Bruce Lee film location.

    Good for: views

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    the Big Buddha

    melyuan recommends this,

    It certainly is big. The site has undergone a lot of development over the last few years but the buddha remains the same. It's a nice trip to get the ferry over, enjoy a vegetarian meal at the monastery and visit the buddha.

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