Tian Tan Buddha

Tian Tan Buddha is a 34-metre-tall, 250-ton bronze statue of Buddha located at the top of Ngong Ping, the highest part of Lantau Island.

Completed in December 1993, the Tian Tan Buddha is one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world. The enormous sculpture is made of 202 bronze pieces and sits on a three-story platform.

An extension of the Po Lin Monastery, the Tian Tan Buddha symbolises the union of man and nature. The Buddha is sat atop a lotus flower and surrounded by six smaller statues of gods offering flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit and music as symbols of the gifts necessary for enlightenment.

To reach the statue, visitors have to climb 268 steps up to the top, where they'll be rewarded with magnificent views from this privileged vantage point on Lantau Island. It's also possible to visit the permanent exhibition within the building for a small fee.

How to visit the Tian Tan Buddha

The best way to get to the Great Buddha is by taking the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car. During the 25-minute ride from Tung Chung, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the sea, mountains and the city of Hong Kong below you.

It's also possible to reach Tian Tan by bus, taking line 23. While this option is cheaper, it doesn't offer the spectacular views that the cable car does, and the journey is longer due to poor road conditions.