Big Buddha in Hong Kong (Tian Tan Buddha)
The Big Buddha in Hong Kong is a statue that rises on Lantau Island near Poulinxim Monastery. This architectural creation is impressive in size – the 34-meter high statue is located on a 482-meter high mountain and weighs more than 250 tons. To get close to the monumental figure, a curious tourist will have to climb 268 steps, although there is a separate path for wheelchairs. The statue has one peculiarity – the Big Buddha is turned facing north, unlike other existing copies, always facing south. It is as if he is blessing the land of Hong Kong and mainland China spread out before him.
Video: Big Buddha in Hong Kong
” title=”YouTube video player” frameborder=”0″ allow=”accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share” allowfullscreen> Contents- Highlights
- Structure of the architectural complex
- How to get there
- What to see nearby
- Tourist information
Highlights
The base of the Big Buddha statue is a massive pedestal consisting of three tiers and shaped like a lotus, and the face is covered with thin gold plates, as befits a deity of this level. The structure looks especially attractive on a slightly cloudy day: a halo of torn clouds and sunlight sliding through it envelop the Big Buddha in a mystical aura. And the bell ringing every 7 minutes gives the picture a special flavor.
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The right hand of the Big Buddha in Hong Kong is raised in the Abhaya mudra, which helps dispel fears. But the fingers of his left hand, resting calmly on his knee, are folded in the wish-fulfilling mudra Kubera. It is possible that a visit to the shrine will awaken in the soul a desire to study the basic canons of Buddhism in more detail.
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Usually there is a huge queue for the cable car to get up to the attraction. Therefore, it is much more rational to get there by bus, but on the way back do not deny yourself the pleasure to admire the magnificent panoramic views from the height of the cable car. Try to choose a cabin with a transparent bottom, it will increase the impression by an order of magnitude! Fare on it costs a little more expensive – 210 NK$, while on a regular one it is 150 NK$.
.Structure of the architectural complex
The first floor is completely occupied by the Punya Hall or Hall of Virtue. Its walls are decorated with paintings of episodes of the Buddha’s earthly life. There is also a huge bell, 108 daily strikes of which symbolize getting rid of the same number of problems. The guardian of this hall is a statue of Kshitigarbha, a Bodhisatva who is the protector of all life on Earth.
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A mesmerizing sight awaits tourists on the second floor – the panel “Sermon Faim” depicting Bodhisattvas listening. The masterpiece is made of wood: 160 pairs of eyes, conveying shades of different emotions, stir the imagination of even hardened skeptics. The Hall of the Universe (Dharmadhatu) is also very symbolic of the name of this place.
The Hall of Remembrance is located on the third floor and is famous for the fact that it contains a part of the holy relics of Buddha. It has analogs only in Sri Lanka and mainland China. According to legend, the lucky ones who catch sight of them will later be able to see the Buddha himself!
.Hong Kong’s significant landmark looks most spectacular on Buddha’s birthday, when local monks traditionally wash the statue’s feet. In 2016, this date falls on May 14.
How to get there
One alternative would be the cable car, it is a five minute walk from the subway exit and its stop is named – Ngong Ping Cable Car Tung Chung Station.
.For lovers of leisurely water trips, a ferry ride is recommended: from Central Ferry pier to Mui Wo pier on Lantau Island. There is a Mui Wo Pier Bus Terminus stop nearby, where you will have to take the #2 to get to the terminus.
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If you are not tight on funds, the fastest way to get to the Buddha statue is by cab. This is especially important for those tourists who are passing through the country and very limited in time, but even this small fraction of hours do not want to spend in vain. The fare from the airport to the architectural complex averages between N$170 and N$200.
.What to see nearby
Tourist Information
The best time to visit the Big Buddha in Hong Kong is in winter, when everything is blooming and fragrant. Experienced visitors recommend using the services of a Russian-speaking guide in order to penetrate the history and beautiful legends associated with Buddhist shrines. It is desirable to minimize all the inconveniences associated with climbing the long staircase of 268 steps, so you should wear comfortable shoes with a good fixation on the foot.
.There is a cafe with vegetarian cuisine and many souvenir shops on the territory of the complex, so having a certain amount of money is mandatory.
.The opening hours are from 10.00 to 17.45.
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