20th January 2024
When you hear Lantau Island, this iconic Tian Tan Buddha popularly known as Big Buddha is one of the top tourist attractions. It is located on the plateau of a tranquil village, Ngong Ping. This village has some major attractions on Lantau Island, so it is always crowded, especially on the weekends and public holidays. Tourists and locals are swarming around as there are a lot of things to do and scenic views to see.
Before visiting Big Buddha, we visited the Po Lin Monastery first located below the hill. For those seeking for deep understanding of Buddhism while meditating, this place is the best to visit. Vegan people will love this place too because there are different Vegetarian restaurants around this place. The monastery dining hall itself is renowned for its best vegetarian cuisine. And from this area, there are a lot more things to do to relax and enjoy.
The Tian Tan Buddha is evident even from the distance. Perhaps, one of the world's largest outdoor Buddhas. The size of it, 112 feet to be certain, who wouldn't notice it? It's the first thing that you'll notice as you arrive at the village.
As mentioned in my previous post, this visit was my fourth. It was in 2021 when I last visited Big Buddha and it was under restoration at that time, so I didn't do much and just walked around and ate. Little did I know back then that there were a lot more things to do around this vicinity, like taking nearby country trails. I was alone back then, so I never thought about exploring the surrounding area. Had I only known, more places would have been visited.
This recent visit was another opportunity to walk through this solemn land rich in history and culture and see the majestic Big Buddha once again. I always find tranquility in this place despite the crowd. The serene environment gives a moment of relaxation while learning more about the history of the place, and visiting iconic attractions around. So it's always worth visiting Lantau Island, and there's always discoveries throughout the journey.
To get to Big Buddha, we passed through 268 steps which are a bit taxing, but this is better compared to around 500 steps to see Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery. Can you feel the height from this photo below? The sun, as well, was so high that day, so taking steep stairs like this in the afternoon was a bit exhausting. So just imagine how arduous it is, especially in hot seasons.
There are two sides to the staircase. The right side is for those going up. The left side is for those going down. It's good to know that they made it that way to avoid bumping into the crowd.
There is no need to rush in going up and down. The secret to not getting exhausted immediately is to just take a moderate pace. The Big Buddha won't run, anyway. He's sitting still and would wait for you to reach the top. For me, it's a pretty form of exercise while connecting to the surrounding beauty and Buddha himself.
And it's pretty weird to say that going to this place is comforting even though my religion is different. There is a spiritual connection among the people around. And watching the devotees fervently praying to Big Buddha, it is as if you are being enlightened as well.
When climbing the stairs to the top, it's good to take a break in between, look back, and enjoy the relaxing view of the surrounding mountains, lush greenery, and the tranquil village below. Some popular mountains are in this vicinity including the two of the tallest: Lantau and Sunset Peak.
The breathtaking Lantau Peak is just on your left, waiting to be explored. It's the second tallest mountain in HK next to Tai Mo Shan. Behind it are more series of mountains. Some are popular on Lantau Island.
Both sides of the staircase are flanked with pine trees which gives a scenic view.
This mountain, perhaps, is Sunset Peak adjacent to Lantau Peak. Another one on my bucket list that is yet to be explored
And I am almost there! I actually spend more time taking photos along the stairs. I was waiting for the clouds to leave the Buddha's spot so I could take clearer photos of it. It was all covered with clouds when I went up, but it turned brighter later. The waiting was worth it.
This 112 ft bronze Big Buddha is 30 years old and was completed particularly on 29th of December in 1993. This was made from 202 bronze pieces with a weight of over 250 metric tons. That's how massive it is, and it took them three years to finish the giant statue. It was made for tourist attraction and an extension to the Po Lin Monastery
No wonder why there was an ongoing event the day we visited the place. So it was indeed Big Buddha's birthday.
Have you ever wondered why Big Buddha sat with his right hand up, and his left hand rested on his lap?
According to Wiki, the Buddha's right hand is raised, representing the removal of affliction, while the left rests open on his lap in a gesture of generosity.
There are six smaller bronze Buddhas below the altar facing the Big Buddha. They are called,"The Six Devas."
Each Deva poses with an offering representing the Six Perfections: generosity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom. Those are necessary for Enlightenment in Buddhism.
(Just click the attached hyperlinks for references)
For the first time, I was able to go beneath the Big Buddha. There is a sense of calmness inside the place. Silence is imposed and taking photos is forbidden. So I have to take a very quick snap when I want to take photos.
The statue has three floors: The Hall of Universe, The Hall of Benevolent Merit, and the Hall of Remembrance. On the first floor before going up the staircase is a Buddha statue, and a huge bell with carved images of Buddha and inscriptions. There is also a shop for souvenirs and offerings.
We passed through the spiral staircase in one line and proceeded to the top floor. I missed visiting the second floor as I was following the line. On the top floor is a name list of different people with numbers in order. If I'm not mistaken, their families have donated to lay their remains in this place. I spotted the name with a photo of a famous actress, Anita, whom they called, Daughter of Hong Kong. To pay respect, although quite late, I have not taken other photos.
They said that some of the remains of Siddhartha Gautama are also here. However, to see the relic of his remains, one has to buy an offering. After which, you'll be allowed to enter the shrine and leave the offering inside as a form of respect. Unfortunately, I missed the opportunity to see the awakened Buddha. So I will probably visit the shrine next time.
The Big Buddha up close, taken from the exit.
Outside the statue are platforms that offer scenic views of the surrounding mountains, lush greenery, and a tranquil village amidst the hills.
This is Shek Pik Reservoir. We were supposed to take this trail going up the Big Buddha. However, due to the weather conditions, which we felt a bit hot that day, we opted to take the bus to save time as well.
The Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car.
The tranquil Ngong Ping Village and Po Lin Monastery against Lantau Mountains backdrop.
Some pretty foreign ladies having fun taking photos with some Filipinas.
The more I look at this scenic mountain, the more excited I become to explore the stunning mountains of Lantau Island this year.
Selfie with my new friend whom I wish will join Hive soon. It was her first time visiting the Big Buddha.
After almost an hour of exploring the Buddha premises, we decided to head down as we planned to visit the Ngong Ping Village. The Piazza below the Buddha is another scenic spot. Outdoor events and cultural shows are often held in this area.
Ngong Ping at the bottom of the hill is another worthy place for cultural exploration. I must say that it's also a place to taste different culinary flavors. And being surrounded by lush greenery and scenic mountains, it's a place to venture into new adventures.
Do check out #MyLantauIslandExploration'24 stories:
See you next time!
(All photos are mine)
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