Big Buddha Hong Kong – Visitors Guide, How To Get There + FAQs

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What is the Big Buddha in Hong Kong?

Located on Lantau Island, the Big Buddha (known officially as Tian Tan Buddha) is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong and is one of the most iconic attractions on the island. Tian Tan Buddha is a giant bronze seated Buddha perched proudly on top of a forested hill in the Ngong Ping area of the Lantau Island. From the top, there are spectacular views across the island, the South China Sea, and Po Lin Monastery which sits at its base. Currently the largest bronze seated Buddha in the world, the Big Buddha is visible from across Lantau Island and weighs a massive 250 tonnes, making it worthy of being on any bucket list for Southeast Asia.

Tip: Be sure to factor in a visit to the Po Lin Monastery whilst you are at the Big Buddha. The Po Lin Monastery is a stunning Buddhist Temple which sits in the shadows of Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island. 

How do you get to the Big Buddha in Hong Kong?

Depending on your preference and budget, there are various ways you can reach the Big Buddha in Hong Kong. If you’re staying in an area of Hong Kong frequented by travellers such as Central or Tsim Sha Tsui, you’ll likely need to use a combination of transportation to reach Tian Tan Buddha because it is located on Lantau Island. Lantau Island is located west of Hong Kong, and is the largest island in Hong Kong. 

Option 1: MTR + Bus

The most budget friendly option for how to get to the Big Buddha in Hong Kong is to use the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) and local bus. Firstly, take the MTR to Tung Chung MTR Station and then walk across to Tung Chung Bus Terminus which is directly across from the MTR Station. Find the stand for New Lantao Bus 23, and board this. 

The bus journey from Tung Chung Bus Terminus to Ngong Ping Bus Terminus (where you need to get off) takes around 45-50 minutes. The journey is pretty windy, but you will be rewarded with some spectacular views of Lantau Island and its white sandy beaches. At the time of writing, the fare for this journey per adult is HK$18.7 on weekdays and HK$31.0 on holidays.

Tip: Plan your bus journey so you arrive at the Big Buddha just before or as soon as the gates open, because there are less people during this time.

Option 2: MTR + Cable Car (Ngong Ping 360)

The other option for how to get to Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island is to take the MTR and Cable Car (known as Ngong Ping 360). Cable car is probably the most popular option and one of the best things to do on Lantau Island itself, but perhaps one to avoid if you don’t like long queues or are travelling on a budget as the tickets are rather expensive. As with the former option, you will still need to take the MTR from central Hong Kong to Tung Chung MTR Station as this is where the Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal is located. 

Buy your tickets and board the cable car from Tung Chung Terminal to Ngong Ping Terminal. You will then be able to walk from Ngong Ping Terminal in Ngong Ping Village up to the Big Buddha. You can choose between a standard, glass-bottom (crystal) or private gondola, and the ride takes a total of 25 minutes each way. For up to date prices and to pre-book your tickets, check out the official Ngong Ping 360 website.

Tip: If you want to sample the cable car but are on a tight budget, consider taking the local bus one way and the Ngong Ping 360 the other. 

FAQs about the Big Buddha

How many steps are there up to the Big Buddha in Hong Kong?

There are a grand total of 268 steps up to Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island, so wear your walking shoes. 

How old is the Big Buddha in Hong Kong?

Tian Tan Buddha was completed in 1993 and took 12 years to build. 

How tall is the Big Buddha in Hong Kong?

Sitting proudly on top of a hill on Lantau Island, the Big Buddha is 34 metres tall.

Is it called Tian Tan or the Big Buddha?

Tian Tan Buddha and the Big Buddha are both the same thing. The official name of the Big Buddha is Tian Tan Buddha, but it is known locally as the Big Buddha or the Giant Buddha.

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