My experience at the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Ears Mountain), Hong Kong
During my trip to Hong Kong, I dedicated a full day to going up to the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Ears Mountain) on Lantau Island and the feeling was truly very worthwhile. I read reviews seeing many people who had been here twice, once by cable car, once by bus, so I also chose to combine both ways for the complete experience.
The first time, I tried the Ngong Ping 360 cable car – the feeling of floating high up, looking down at mountains, sea, clouds and even the airport runway in the distance, Hong Kong appeared with a very different image compared to the familiar skyscrapers. The other time, I took the mountain bus, the road wasn't too difficult, in exchange sitting on the bus looking at the scenery on both sides was also very chill, like slowly climbing the slope, hugging curves, cool wind blowing through the window. Many reviews on Maps also say the same: going by cable car or bus are both interesting, each way is a different style of viewing the scenery.
Upon reaching the Ngong Ping area, what impressed me most was the fresh and cool air, quite strong wind, intense sun but in return clear skies, extremely beautiful for taking photos. The path up to the statue is a series of steps but “not too high”, climbing a bit out of breath and you're there – just like one reviewer said, just need to endure a few minutes to exchange for the full sea and mountain view from above. At the foot of the statue there is a temple, green trees, the landscape is well maintained, some reviewers even suggest if you have time, you should walk more, light trekking around the area.
I also noticed many people mentioning that you can eat vegetarian rice at the temple at the foot of the statue, stopping by at noon to rest and have a quiet time amid the mountains and forests. This area is quite spacious, not only the Buddha statue but also attractions like Wisdom Path with wooden pillars engraved with words, both a unique check-in spot and bringing a sense of calm, more stillness, very suitable for walking and breathing.
What I like is that even when it was quite crowded at times (even on weekdays it's already crowded as some people shared), the atmosphere still maintained its solemnity and sanctity. One sister reviewed telling the story of going to Hong Kong for 5 years before “having the affinity” to go up to Ngong Ping right on Buddha's Birthday, reading it made me... get goosebumps, like each person will remember a very personal moment here.
According to the introduction in the reviews, the Buddha statue at Ngong Ping is about 34m tall (including the lotus pedestal), weighs about 250 tons and is one of the famous large Buddha statues. Standing below looking up, I felt so tiny, surrounded by clouds and sky, wind blowing strongly, suddenly feeling like wanting to live a bit slower, put the phone down and simply... stand still and look.
If you're preparing to go, I think you should:
Arrive early to avoid the intense sun and less crowds.
Combine one way by cable car, one way by bus for the full experience.
Take time not only to check-in at the statue but also to stroll around the temple, Wisdom Path and the village below.
For me, this is one of the destinations that made me see Hong Kong not only has shopping and high-rises, but also has such a very peaceful, very “zen” corner to remember forever.
