Po Lin Monastery Hong Kong
Home to the majestic Tian Tan Buddha and a vibrant Buddhist monastery on Lantau Island, offering spiritual serenity and stunning views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Po Lin Monastery Hong Kong
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to the majestic Tian Tan Buddha and a vibrant Buddhist monastery on Lantau Island, offering spiritual serenity and stunning views.
"A truly awe-inspiring spiritual journey with breathtaking views and delicious vegetarian fare."
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs to the Big Buddha! :athletic_shoe:
Dress modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the monastery. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)
Lantau Island
Majestic 34-meter bronze statue offering panoramic island views. A must-see spiritual icon.
Po Lin Monastery
Lantau Island
Vibrant Buddhist monastery with colorful architecture and serene courtyards. A peaceful retreat.
Wisdom Path
Lantau Island
Serene trail featuring carved wooden pillars with Buddhist scriptures. A contemplative walk.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Lantau Island Adventure
Respectful Visit to Po Lin Monastery
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs to the Big Buddha! :athletic_shoe:
Dress modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the monastery. :pray:
Consider the cable car
The Ngong Ping 360 cable car offers stunning views on your way to the monastery. :mountain_cableway:
Bring water & snacks
Options can be limited and pricier on-site. Stay hydrated! :water_wave:
Tips
from all over the internet
Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs to the Big Buddha! :athletic_shoe:
Dress modestly
Cover shoulders and knees out of respect for the monastery. :pray:
Consider the cable car
The Ngong Ping 360 cable car offers stunning views on your way to the monastery. :mountain_cableway:
Bring water & snacks
Options can be limited and pricier on-site. Stay hydrated! :water_wave:
Allow ample time
Lantau Island attractions, including the monastery, require a full day. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the awe-inspiring scale of the Tian Tan Buddha and the serene beauty of Po Lin Monastery. The scenic cable car ride is a major draw, and the vegetarian food receives high marks. Some find the crowds can be overwhelming during peak times, and the climb to the Buddha can be tiring.
"This monastery was built in 1906, more than 110yrs old was initially known simply as "The Big Hut". It was renamed to its present name in 1924. The main temple houses three bronze statues of the Buddha – representing his past, present and future lives – as well as many Buddhist scriptures.
There are flowers everywhere, also a vegetarian restaurant inside the village next to the monastery.
There are people selling flying bird toys which is a must buy if you have kids along.
Recommended while you are at Ngong Ping village."
Ashwini Gadekar
"We came here to visit the Big Buddha on Lantau Island. 268 steps to the top, it's quite doable. Amazing view from the top.
Despite it being typhoon weather with the rain coming and going every few minutes, it made our climb much cooler. Do remember to bring a poncho so you'll be prepared for the finicky weather as umbrellas are quite useless in the face of the strong winds. 😅"
Claire
"Visiting Po Lin Monastery was a serene escape. The peaceful ambiance, intricate temple details, and the majestic Big Buddha nearby made it unforgettable. The vegetarian lunch was simple yet delicious. A perfect blend of culture and tranquility. Must-visit!"
М М
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most scenic route is via the Ngong Ping 360 cable car from Tung Chung. Alternatively, you can take bus routes 23 from Mui Wo or 2 from Tung Chung. Both options offer unique perspectives of Lantau Island.
Yes, public transport is readily available. Buses are a budget-friendly option, while the cable car provides a more spectacular journey. Plan your route in advance.
The Big Buddha is located at Po Lin Monastery. You can reach it by bus or the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. The cable car ride itself is an experience!
Limited parking is available near Po Lin Monastery, but it's often easier and more convenient to use public transport, especially if you're visiting during peak times.
Travel time varies. The cable car ride is about 25 minutes, plus travel to Tung Chung. Bus journeys can take 40-60 minutes from Tung Chung. Allow for transit and potential queues.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Po Lin Monastery itself is free. However, there are charges for the Tian Tan Buddha statue's interior and the Ngong Ping 360 cable car.
Access to the base of the Tian Tan Buddha is free. There is a small fee to enter the actual Buddha statue and see the relics inside.
It's highly recommended to book Ngong Ping 360 cable car tickets online in advance, especially during weekends and holidays, to save time and potentially secure your preferred time slot.
Po Lin Monastery is generally open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The Tian Tan Buddha statue has similar hours. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, and students for the cable car. Check the Ngong Ping 360 website for current offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Besides admiring the Tian Tan Buddha and the monastery's architecture, you can explore the Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas, enjoy vegetarian meals, and walk the Wisdom Path.
Yes, you can climb the steps to reach the base of the Tian Tan Buddha. There's also an option to enter the statue itself for a small fee.
Yes, families can enjoy the impressive Buddha statue, the monastery grounds, and the scenic cable car ride. The Wisdom Path offers a peaceful walk.
Take your time to climb the steps, appreciate the scale of the statue, and enjoy the panoramic views. Consider visiting the interior for a closer look at the relics.
While not always formally advertised, you might find local guides offering services. However, many visitors prefer to explore independently using information from guidebooks or online resources.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Po Lin Monastery is famous for its delicious vegetarian cuisine. There are restaurants on-site offering set meals and a la carte options.
You can enjoy traditional Buddhist vegetarian dishes, including mock meats, tofu, and fresh vegetables. It's a popular spot for a meat-free meal.
The monastery's own restaurants offer reasonably priced vegetarian meals. Outside the immediate monastery area, options might be more limited, so eating at the monastery is often convenient.
While you can bring your own snacks and water, it's generally expected to be respectful of the dining areas and not to picnic in prayer or sacred spaces.
Many visitors rave about the monastery's vegetarian dim sum and the 'Buddha Jumps Over the Wall' vegetarian version.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the grandeur of the Tian Tan Buddha from its base, the colorful monastery buildings, and the panoramic views from the top. The Hall of Ten Thousand Buddhas also offers unique shots.
Photography is generally permitted in most outdoor areas. However, check for specific restrictions inside the monastery buildings or the Buddha statue itself.
Early morning or late afternoon light can be beautiful, offering softer shadows and golden hues. Midday can be harsh, but the sheer scale is still impressive.
Drone usage is typically restricted in and around religious sites and national parks to ensure safety and respect. It's best to assume drones are not permitted.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the Buddha and monastery. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. A tripod might be helpful for low-light conditions, but be mindful of crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing plenty of water and snacks, as well as comfortable shoes for walking. The vegetarian food at the monastery is generally mild and appealing to children. While the spiritual aspect is central, the visual grandeur and the journey itself make it a memorable outing for the whole family.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to Lantau Island
Alternatively, you can opt for public buses. Bus route 23 from Mui Wo or bus route 2 from Tung Chung provide access to the monastery. While less scenic than the cable car, buses are a more economical choice and still allow you to soak in the island's natural beauty.
Experiencing the Tian Tan Buddha
For a deeper experience, you can purchase a ticket to enter the three floors within the base of the Buddha statue. Inside, you'll find sacred relics, including a fragment of the Buddha's finger bone, and murals depicting Buddhist stories. The climb and the spiritual significance make this a profound part of the visit for many.
Culinary Delights at the Monastery
Visitors frequently praise the monastery's vegetarian set meals and a la carte options. It's a popular spot for both pilgrims and tourists seeking a healthy and satisfying meal. Don't miss the chance to try their vegetarian dim sum or the renowned vegetarian version of 'Buddha Jumps Over the Wall.'
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit