One of the most iconic sites in Hong Kong is the Po Lin Monastery, which houses the Big Buddha, or Tian Tan Buddha -- which literally translates to Temple of Heaven Buddha. The enormous sitting buddha statue is over 20 metres high, a must see on any Hong Kong Trip. Whether you’re taking the cable car to Lantau Island or arriving by bus, you’ll definitely be able to catch a glimpse of the humongous statue from miles away. If your curiosity is piqued, stop by the monastery for a visit.
On that note, here are some things to do whilst you pay your visit to the magnificent Big Buddha of Hong Kong.
Learn More about Buddhism at Ngong Ping Village
If you’re travelling by cable car, you’ll reach Ngong Ping Village first. The village is an artificial village, formed by a cluster of buildings that include restaurants, shops and entertainment facilities decked out in traditional chinese architecture. Meant as a stopover for the Big Buddha, Ngong Ping Village is worth visiting just for the VR360, Motion360 and Walking with Buddha exhibit.
VR360 is a virtual reality experience that allows you to explore old time Hong Kong. Lasting thirty minutes, the state-of-the-art technology is used to capault you back to the historic streets of Hong Kong. Tickets are priced at HKS$168, for adults over 16.
Enter Motion360, a 4D movie theatre with wind effects, water sprays and watch short films about Lantau. The screenings last around 10 minutes each per movie, so you’ll get an entertaining yet educational overview of the intricate history of Lantau Island. Tickets cost HKS$88 for adults and HK$66 for children
Walking with Buddha is an interactive exhibit that will introduce you to the basics of Buddhism. Follow Buddha’s path in this 20 minute exhibit and discover the long and incredible backstory behind the faith, to ready yourself for the journey ahead. Best for the unacquainted, this exhibit will also prove useful in providing a refresher course for those in the know. Tickets are priced at HK$40 for adults and HK$20 for children.
Check out the Big Buddha Up Close
Just a ten minute walk away is the Big Buddha. Built in 1993, the Big Buddha has since become a popular tourist destination. The statue is made entirely of 202 bronze pieces , and symbolizes a harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and faith. The raising of his right hand signifies the removal of affliction, such as illness and pain, whereas the left hand placed on his lap signifies generosity and magnitude.
Although the 268 stairs leading the way may at first appear daunting, the Buddhists believe that taking on this arduous journey is a definite show of your devotion. Once you’ve managed the climb, you’ll be able to admire the serene facade of the Buddha from up close, making it well worth the trouble.
Along the way there are also six smaller statues, known as the Six Devas. Each represents an offering and a virtue, namely generosity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation and wisdom. There is also a winding path for those who are handicapped, ensuring the Buddha is accessible to all.
Beneath the statue is three accompanying floors, named the Halls of the Universe, Benevolent Merit and Remembrance. Only visitors who purchase offerings can enter, and inside is the sacred relic of Gautama Buddha, which holds some of Buddha’s alleged remains. This is a highlight for those on pilgrimages, and an important site for those of Buddhist faith.
Have a Hearty Vegetarian Meal at Po Lin Monastery Vegetarian Restaurant
Just across from the statue is Po Lin Monastery Vegetarian Restaurant. In Buddhism, Vegetarianism is generally observed, and followed strictly by the monks, a diet with an intention to cleanse the stomach and mind. This restaurant offers an amazing fare of chinese vegetarian food for reasonable prices, and even the meat-lovers among us will find this eatery a great place to chow down.
Rest your weary legs and sample some of the best of Chinese Vegetarian cuisine. The usual practice here is to receive one soup, one deep fried dish and one vegetable dish accompanied with plain rice. Dishes are based on what’s in season to ensure freshness, and servings are according to the number of people at the table to avoid wastage, so just sit back, relax, and enjoy your meal.
If you’re looking for something a tad lighter you can try the deli next door, that’s also a part of the Po Lin Monastery Brand. The Snack store sells an assortment of chinese snacks, noodles and dim sum. Most popular of which is bean curd or dou hua, a traditional chinese dessert that is prepared by the monastery daily. The sweet, cold and silky soft dessert is perfect for hot summer days, and definitely not to be missed.
Pay Your Respects at Po Lin Monastery
Once you’ve had your fill, head inside Po Lin Monastery. The Monastery was established in 1906, and has a history of over 100 years. It’s serene and tranquil environment is a huge draw for those on pilgrimages. Inside the monastery, you’ll find colourful murals depicting the venerable life of Buddha, and altars where you can light incense and pray. You can purchase joss streets from shops located nearby,
In Chinese culture, joss sticks are burnt in temples to pray for blessings. It is thought that the smoke can be used to communicate with spirits, which is why the Chinese also regularly burn offerings. Inside the temple there are also several Buddhist scriptures in the temple worth checking out, and three bronze statues of Buddha, representing his past, present and future lives respectively.
The Monastery regularly holds religious services, these include meditation retreats and talks by the Dharma.
Hike up Wisdom Path
A few steps away is Wisdom Path. If you’re ready for another round of walking, Wisdom Path follows a series of 38 wooden stakes raised to the sky. The walk is said to clear your mind, and allow you to attain wisdom, hence the name. The verses are inscribed with one of the world’s best known prayers, the Heart Sutra, and the stakes are arranged in the shape of an infinity loop, to signify eternity. This spiritual walk is not just a remedy for the soul, you’ll get great glimpses of the south china sea as well along the way. At the very top of the hike, you’ll get a gorgeous view of Lantau Peak.
This attraction is often overlooked in favour of The Big Buddha or the Monastery, but if you’re looking to quiet your mind, or get away from the hustle and bustle of the crowd, why not take a brief walk to recollect yourself? Whatever your choice is, you’re sure to get the most of your visit to the famous Big Buddha.
