Hong Kong Lantau Island ~ China Travel Pictures

Tian Tan ~ Giant Buddha Lantau Island Hong Kong

Looking decidely gray instead of the glorious bronze that it is, the Giant Buddha stands 85 feet (26 meters) tall, and is accessed from the base by climbing 250 stairs. If it's hot and humid, this is not an easy climb, as I discovered on my first visit a few years ago. Try to time your visit so you are here early in the day, if possible, though when Hong Kong is hot and humid, it's pretty much round the clock. If you are on an all-day tour, you may not have much choice, since tours are timed so that they will arrive here around lunch time. Bus tours, however, are permitted to use an access road and parking lot near the base of the Buddha itself, to the right in this view.

Giant Buddha Birthday Celebrations on Lantau Island

One guide told the tale of how, years ago, the monks at the Po Lin monastery located here needed a revenue stream, and the idea of building this Giant Buddha was born. The rest, as they say, is history. Thousands of visitors flock here year round, with many more coming for the Birthday of the Lord Buddha celebrations spread over 10 days in late April and early May. In 2006, the most elaborate celebration, held here at this monastery, took place on May 5, a week after my visit. The best time to take photos would be late afternoon, weather permitting.

Ngong Ping 360 cable car from Airport to Lantau Island

The Ngong Ping 360 on Lantau Island, that officially launched on September 18, 2006, will take visitors aloft in cable cars over the mountain for incredible views of the South China Sea. This Ngong Ping Skyrail climbs 5.7 km (3.5 miles), from near Hong Kong airport (Chek Lap Kok) up into the mountains to the new village of Ngong Ping. This photo taken from near the base of the Giant Buddha gives an idea of the distance between the new Ngong Ping Skyrail and the statue of the Giant Buddha. Look for shops and restaurants in the new adjacent village.

Kwun Yum Statues base of Giant Buddha Lanatau Island

At the top of the stairs at the base of the Giant Buddha, there's a wide terrace area that completely surrounds the Buddha, and is a marvelous vantage point for valley views. These statues at the outer ring of this terrace were identified to me as the Kwun Yum statues. They face the Buddha, with their backs to the Po Lin monastery far below.

Gateway to Po Lin Monastery Below the Giant Buddha

Across a parking lot/driveway access route for both the Buddha and the monastery, these impressive gates open onto the road leading to the monastery. Restroom facilities are located in the upper bus parking lot and near the restaurant and shops of the monastery, down this path. There's another restroom that's reached by following the wide path leading towards a youth hostel to the east of both these attractions.

Market Stalls Outside Po Lin Monastery

Lighting Joss Sticks at Po Lin Monastery

Many visitors pause here to light handfuls of joss sticks, then bow and direct the smoke to the cardinal points before continuing on to the monastery. Tour groups stop for a strictly vegetarian lunch (may be optional) at Po Lin.One diner at our table, an avowed carnivore from San Diego who had never before eaten a vegetarian meal was disappointed, then became more so when told no alcohol is served, either. (Watch the red sauce that resembles ketchup: It's deadly hot!) The set menu meal is absolutely delicious, and served fresh and piping hot.

Sign post gives orientation of Map of Tai O Village

Depending on which tour company and tour you take, you may visit Tai O before visiting the Giant Buddha, or after.

On this map, the Giant Buddha is located off the map to the lower right. Pictures of Tai O are posted on their own page. (See links below.)

Road Leaving From the Ferry Pier at Lantau Island

A narrow, well-maintained road leads from the Silvermine Bay Ferry Pier at Lantau Island towards the village of Tai O. Several spots are narrow enough to warrant pull-outs for oncoming traffic.

Chang Sha Beach on Lantau Island

On an earlier trip to Lantau, we zipped past this lovely beach, with no time to stop on my half-day tour.

This trip, I took a full day tour that stopped for half an hour at the wonderful Chang Sha beach (restrooms and snack bar). Though skies were overcast, in late April, the day was warm.

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