Tian Tan Buddha
Ascend to the majestic Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island, accessible via a breathtaking cable car ride, offering panoramic views and cultural immersion...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Tian Tan Buddha
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend to the majestic Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island, accessible via a breathtaking cable car ride, offering panoramic views and cultural immersion.
"The scale of the Big Buddha is truly awe-inspiring, and the cable car ride offers unforgettable views!"
Cable Car Queues
Arrive before opening to beat long queues for the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. :ticket:
Stair Climb
Climbing the 268 steps to the Buddha is the only way to reach the top. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tian Tan Buddha
Lantau Island
An immense bronze Buddha statue offering panoramic views. Climb the steps for a closer look and a sense of awe.
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car
Tung Chung to Ngong Ping Village
A breathtaking aerial journey with stunning views of Lantau Island and the South China Sea.
Tai O Fishing Village
Lantau Island
Explore traditional stilt houses and experience the unique charm of this historic fishing community.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Getting There & Around
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Is 8 hrs to see Tian Tan Buddha/Ngong Ping 360 + Tai O ambitious?
Cable Car Queues
Arrive before opening to beat long queues for the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. :ticket:
Stair Climb
Climbing the 268 steps to the Buddha is the only way to reach the top. :athletic_shoe:
Fastest way to do Big Buddha and Disneyland same day
Travel tips for a layover in Hong kong
Combine with Tai O
Easily combine your visit with Tai O fishing village via bus or taxi. :world_map:
Bus Option
A bus runs hourly from Ngong Ping to Tai O, a scenic and direct route. :bus:
Tips
from all over the internet
Cable Car Queues
Arrive before opening to beat long queues for the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. :ticket:
Stair Climb
Climbing the 268 steps to the Buddha is the only way to reach the top. :athletic_shoe:
Combine with Tai O
Easily combine your visit with Tai O fishing village via bus or taxi. :world_map:
Bus Option
A bus runs hourly from Ngong Ping to Tai O, a scenic and direct route. :bus:
Skip Ngong Ping Village?
Some locals find Ngong Ping Village touristy; consider going straight to Tai O if time is tight. :thought_balloon:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently awed by the sheer scale and spiritual presence of the Tian Tan Buddha, with many highlighting the scenic Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride as a must-do. The charming stilt houses of Tai O fishing village also receive high praise for their unique atmosphere. Some find Ngong Ping Village itself a bit touristy and commercialized.
"To get to this place, you can take a cable car, I recommend getting there very early because there are long lines to get to the place where it is. To see the Buddha statue, you need to be prepared for a lot of stairs. I recommend taking plenty of water and even an umbrella to protect yourself from the sun. The view is beautiful."
Daniela Szewczyk
"I visited the Big Buddha on Lantau Island. It was amazing! The Buddha is huge and beautiful. The area around it is peaceful and quiet.
I went in the afternoon, and it wasn't too crowded. I liked that I could take my time and enjoy the view.
How to get there:
You can take the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car from Tung Chung Town Centre. The cable car ride is about 25 minutes and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. I recommend a crystal cabin for the clearer view.
Alternatively, you can take Bus 23 from Tung Chung Town Centre. The bus ride is about 45 minutes.
For more information and tickets, you can visit the Ngong Ping 360 website.
Overall, the Big Buddha is a must-see attraction in Hong Kong. It's easy to get to, and the views are amazing!"
Pranav
"A must-visit location whether you're Buddhist or not, this is situated near the airport, a trek from the heart of Hong Kong (hiking optional and also worth it if you're into hiking). You can take the tram up, which gives great views of the island and surrounding areas and airport, or hike it up by taking the local bus from the local station (or walk like I did) to the trail entrance, and take in some gorgeous views. The afternoon that I went (go early!), there were thunderstorm delays, so factor in weather when you go. July may not be the best time, but certainly was worth it. Also check out Po Lin Monastery on the premises, which is an active temple and has monks out and about the area. Pro tip: if you hike, you'll invariably see small paths that deviate from the trail; people live there, so take care with not doing too much exploring :)"
Nicolas H
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most popular and scenic route is taking the Ngong Ping 360 cable car from Tung Chung. You can reach Tung Chung via the MTR. Alternatively, buses and taxis are available directly to Ngong Ping Village.
Taxis are not allowed directly to the top of the Buddha. They can drop you off near the base, but you'll need to climb the stairs.
From Hong Kong Island, take the MTR to Tung Chung (approx. 30-40 minutes), then the cable car (approx. 25 minutes) or bus (approx. 40-50 minutes) to Ngong Ping. Factor in waiting times.
Yes, it's ambitious but doable. Many visitors start at Tian Tan Buddha early and then head to Disneyland. Plan your transport carefully.
You can take a bus or a taxi between Ngong Ping Village (near the Buddha) and Tai O fishing village. Buses run hourly.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the Tian Tan Buddha itself is free. However, you'll need to purchase tickets for the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, which can be bought online or at the station.
The outdoor area of Tian Tan Buddha is generally accessible from morning to evening. The museum and other facilities beneath the Buddha have specific operating hours, typically from 10 AM to 5:30 PM.
Cable car prices vary depending on the type of cabin (standard or crystal) and whether you opt for a one-way or round trip. Check the official Ngong Ping 360 website for current pricing.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, and group bookings. It's always a good idea to check the official website or inquire at the ticket counter.
Tai O fishing village is a public area, so there is no admission fee to wander through the village and see the stilt houses.
📸 📸 Photography
The base of the Buddha offers impressive ground-level shots. Climbing the steps provides stunning panoramic views with the Buddha in the foreground. Consider the approach via the cable car for aerial perspectives.
Early morning or late afternoon offers softer light and fewer crowds, ideal for capturing the grandeur of the Buddha and the surrounding landscape. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
Drone usage is generally restricted in protected areas and near major attractions. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Expect breathtaking aerial shots of the lush green mountains, the coastline, and the Buddha complex as you ascend. Crystal cabins offer unobstructed floor-to-ceiling views.
Tai O offers unique photographic opportunities with its iconic stilt houses, fishing boats, and local life. Capture the reflections in the water and the charming alleyways.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tai O fishing village offers a different kind of exploration, with opportunities to see boats and unique houses. A short boat ride can be entertaining for kids. Remember to keep a close eye on children, especially near the water in Tai O and on the cable car.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Consider packing your own food and water to save money. If you're combining with Tai O, the bus is an economical way to travel between the two locations.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Tai O fishing village is a treasure trove for street photography, capturing the stilt houses, local life, and reflections. Experiment with different angles and times of day to get the best shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Ngong Ping 360 Experience
Many travelers recommend arriving before the cable car opens to avoid lengthy queues, especially on weekends and holidays. The journey offers a unique vantage point, showcasing the dramatic landscape that surrounds the Tian Tan Buddha. It's a smooth and comfortable ride, making it accessible for most visitors.
Upon arrival at Ngong Ping Village, you're greeted with a themed village that leads you towards the main attraction. The cable car experience is often cited as a highlight of the trip, setting a majestic tone for the visit to the Big Buddha.
Exploring Tai O Fishing Village
Visitors can take a boat tour to see the stilt houses from the water and potentially spot the rare pink dolphins (though sightings are not guaranteed). The village also offers local delicacies, dried seafood markets, and small temples. It's a place where time seems to slow down, allowing for a peaceful exploration of local culture and heritage.
Many travelers suggest combining a visit to Tai O with the Tian Tan Buddha, as they are relatively close. The bus service connecting Ngong Ping Village and Tai O is convenient, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.
The Climb to the Big Buddha
At the base of the Buddha, you'll find the Po Lin Monastery, which houses a vegetarian restaurant and offers insights into Buddhist culture. The museum beneath the Buddha contains relics and artifacts, providing historical and religious context. The sheer size and serene presence of the Big Buddha are often described as awe-inspiring.
Wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially on warmer days. The climb is well worth the effort for the breathtaking views and the spiritual ambiance.
Social
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