The Amazing Tian Tan Buddha On Lantau Island

Posted by : foongpc | Friday, September 6, 2013 | Published in

ADVERTISEMENT


The Tian Tan Buddha (also known as the Big Buddha), is a popular tourist attraction in Hong Kong. Located next to the Po Lin Monastery at Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, it is one of the world's tallest outdoor sitting bronze Buddha statues in the world.

During our fifth day in Hong Kong, my friend and I visited the Big Buddha for the very first time. From Mongkok, we took the MTR to Tung Chung where we experienced the awesome cable car ride to Ngong Ping Village.

After walking leisurely for half an hour at Ngong Ping Village, we reached the foot of the 268-steps staircase leading up to the Big Buddha.

 photo P1130550_zps933a691c.jpg

This is the stairs that separated us from the famous Buddha statue. Did we climb up to the top? You bet!

 photo P1130560_zps7e4fbd29.jpg

Fortunately, the weather was not hot, so it made climbing the stairs easier. In fact, I was quite surprised at how easy it was. I did not even break into a sweat climbing the steps - it was definitely easier than climbing the steep 272 steps of Batu Caves in Malaysia!

 photo P1130558_zps2fe4458f.jpg

There were quite a lot of tourists that day but luckily, it was not overcrowded.

 photo P1130566_zps8411d5d7.jpg

Halfway up, I snapped this photo below. The Big Buddha looked almost ethereal from here.

 photo P1130583_zpsd4489c43.jpg

After climbing for about 15 minutes, we finally reached the top! The 34 meters tall bronze statue looked really awesome! Weighing about 250 tons, the Big Buddha sits on a giant lotus flower on top of a three-platform altar.

 photo P1130588_zps19f416f3.jpg

Every feature of the Buddha statue has a symbolic meaning of religious significance. With broad forehead and elongated ears reaching to the shoulders, the Buddha is an embodiment of wisdom and perfection.

 photo P1130597_zps8647f37c.jpg

If you are wondering why the Big Buddha is called Tian Tan Buddha, well, that's because its base is a replica of Tian Tan, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.

 photo P1130604_zpsce34f95b.jpg

The raised right hand is in the mudra of imparting fearlessness, which represents removal of affliction and sufferings. The left hand which rests on the lap, with the palm faces upwards and fingers pointing slightly downwards is seen as a gesture of giving dhana or generosity in granting blessing and happiness.

 photo P1130610_zps1098b5b5.jpg

The Big Buddha is surrounded by six smaller bronze statues, three on each side. These statues known as "The Offering Of The Six Devas" are posed offering flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit and music to the Buddha. These offerings symbolize charity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation and wisdom - all the qualities necessary to enter Nirvana.

 photo P1130590_zps94199730.jpg

Front view of one of the statues making offerings to the Tian Tan Buddha.

 photo P1130592_zps25aa7de8.jpg

There are 3 floors beneath the Buddha statue which are exhibition halls - the Hall of Universe, the Hall of Benevolent Merit and the Hall of Remembrance. The third floor houses the relic of Gautama Buddha, including some of his alleged cremated remains.

 photo P1130616_zps36ea9a4c.jpg

Access to the Big Buddha statue is free, but to enter the three floors of Exhibition halls, a fee of HK$25  (US$3.20 / RM10.65) is charged. Also, no photography is allowed inside so I could not show you any photos.

Alternatively, you can purchase a simple vegetarian lunch for HK$60 (US$7.70 / RM25.55) or a deluxe vegetarian meal for HK$100 (US$12.90 / RM42.60) - both of which entitles you free entry into the Exhibition halls. My friend and I bought the HK$100 vegetarian lunch, which I shall blog about in the next post.

 photo P1130620_zps8fe7afab.jpg

It is said that on a clear day, the Big Buddha can be seen from as far as Macau. Standing up here, I could see the view of the surroundings which was serene and beautiful.

 photo P1130617_zps663ff220.jpg

Soon, it was time to leave the Big Buddha and descend the stairs.

 photo P1130626_zps83a3db00.jpg

The view from the stairs looking down was pretty awesome.

 photo P1130628_zps6142145a.jpg

My stomach was rumbling as it was way past lunch. I could not wait to eat the vegetarian lunch at Po Lin Monastery.

 photo P1130632_zps60d3a495.jpg

As I descended the stairs, I took one last look at the Big Buddha. It looked as if the Big Buddha was bidding me a good farewell.

 photo P1130574_zps0453fa2d.jpg

For more detailed information on the Tian Tan Buddha especially on how it was built, check out the Po Lin Monastery website.

Comments (25)

Loading... Logging you in...
  • Logged in as
I climbed this place too! Every corner of this place can be a photograph opportunity, love the blue sky behind the gigantic Buddha, awesome photos Foong :)
My recent post The Leaf Healthy House (绿叶坊) @ Penang Street, Georgetown, Penang.
1 reply · active 622 weeks ago
Thanks! Oh you went to the Big Buddha too? :)
Wow nice photos of the big Buddha! We went to Tung Chung last time but didn't go up the cable car.. instead we spent the day shopping at Citygate Outlets! haha
My recent post Waterfront Bistro
1 reply · active 622 weeks ago
Haha! I also shopped at Citygate Outlets after I came back from the Big Buddha. But after that need to rush over to Victoria Harbour for the Symphony Of Lights!
Wah awesome photos of Tian Tan Buddha. :) The crowds are not overbearing.

I'm going there again if I go back to HK. Not sure you remember or not, I only get to see a faint view of the Buddha because it was so misty. Served me right for choosing the wrong day and time.
2 replies · active 621 weeks ago
Yes, I remember it was misty when you went there. So you must go there again yes? :D
Yes... but main reason: Vegetarian meal :)
Sure the raised right hand is in the mudra of imparting fearlessness and not Hi 5 with you? Yeah jokes aside (no offence) its the Abhaya Mudra which Lord Buddha used to tame a wild elephant that charged towards him.
My recent post இ Chinese Kinship
1 reply · active 622 weeks ago
Oh to tame a wild elephant? Really?
How nice not that crowded unlike Twilight Man who got squeezed like sardines in China while visiting temples there.
My recent post இ Chinese Kinship
1 reply · active 622 weeks ago
Haha! Yeah I don't like crowded places! :)
Nice pixz of the Buddha never been to this place before. Seen it quite often in HKG movies so do you think Bananaz will go after visiting your blog, saves a lot $ right? haha. tQVM.
My recent post இ Chinese Kinship
1 reply · active 622 weeks ago
Reading my blog and going there to see for yourself are two very different things! LOL!
wow, that's amazing! I want to go there one day!
1 reply · active 622 weeks ago
Yes, it's worth going! :)
I always wonder why the buddha has long ears. Now I know the reason why. Thank you for explaining.
My recent post Aboard Chao Phraya River Express
1 reply · active 621 weeks ago
Oh good to know you learn something from my blog post! ;)
It is big indeed if it is visible from Macau. I think that Macau is far away from HK.
My recent post Aboard Chao Phraya River Express
1 reply · active 621 weeks ago
Actually, Macau is not that far away from HK :)
wahh nice pics panda!! love the view from up there too! B)
My recent post Leofoo Village Theme Park @ Hsinchu, Taiwan
1 reply · active 621 weeks ago
that Big Buddha looks familiar..hmm i think i saw one very similar in Taiwan xD
My recent post Leofoo Village Theme Park @ Hsinchu, Taiwan
1 reply · active 621 weeks ago
I am sure there are many similar ones all over Asia haha!
oh i haven't been to Batu Caves before..hahah! :p
My recent post Leofoo Village Theme Park @ Hsinchu, Taiwan
1 reply · active 621 weeks ago
You haven't? Maybe you should go visit it! :)

Post a new comment

Comments by