Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha)
Hong Kong
The Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, is a colossal bronze statue located near Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. Completed in 1993, it stands 34 meters tall including its lotus base and weighs over 250 metric tons. The statue is composed of 202 bronze pieces supported by a steel framework. It depicts Gautama Buddha seated on a lotus atop a three-tier altar, with the right hand raised to signify the removal of affliction and the left hand resting open in a gesture of generosity. Surrounding the Buddha are six smaller bronze statues called "The Offering of the Six Devas," each holding symbolic offerings representing the Six Perfections essential for enlightenment. Visitors ascend 268 steps to reach the statue, which houses three internal exhibit floors featuring the halls of the Universe, Benevolent Merit, and Remembrance, including a relic believed to be the Buddha's cremated remains. The statue's design draws inspiration from the Buddha images at the Longmen Grottoes and Dunhuang Caves, and its base is modeled after the altar of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, hence the name Tian Tan Buddha. The site is a spiritual and cultural beacon, attracting pilgrims and tourists worldwide, and is accessible by bus, cable car, or taxi. The surrounding area includes the Po Lin Monastery and scenic trails, making it a comprehensive cultural experience.
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Tip: The best time to visit Tian Tan Buddha is during the morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures. Visitors are advised to purchase tickets for the Ngong Ping 360 cable car in advance to secure their preferred time slot. Access to the Buddha's interior requires an admission fee, while the outdoor area is free. For those with mobility challenges, a winding road provides vehicle access. Consider combining your visit with nearby attractions such as Po Lin Monastery and the Ngong Ping Village for a full day of cultural exploration.
Interesting facts
- •The Tian Tan Buddha is one of the five large Buddha statues in China and the world's tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha.
- •The statue consists of 202 bronze pieces and weighs over 250 metric tons.
- •Visitors must climb 268 steps to reach the statue, symbolizing a pilgrimage journey.
- •Inside the Buddha are three exhibit halls and a relic believed to be the cremated remains of Gautama Buddha.
- •The statue's base design is inspired by the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, giving it the name Tian Tan Buddha.
- •The six smaller bronze statues around the Buddha represent the Six Perfections necessary for enlightenment.
History
Plans for the Tian Tan Buddha began in 1973 after monks from Po Lin Monastery were inspired by other large Buddha statues in Japan and Taiwan.
The British colonial government granted land in 1974 for its construction.
The statue's design and casting involved artists and engineers from Guangzhou and Nanjing, with the final bronze pieces transported by sea to Hong Kong.
Construction started in 1990 and completed on December 29, 1993, a date marking the Buddha's enlightenment.
The opening ceremony attracted distinguished guests and monks from across Asia and beyond.
The statue has since become a symbol of Hong Kong's Buddhist heritage and cultural identity.
Place Guide
The Big Buddha Statue1993
A 34-meter tall bronze statue depicting Gautama Buddha seated on a lotus atop a three-tier altar. The right hand is raised to remove affliction, and the left hand rests open in generosity. Visitors climb 268 steps to reach the statue, which is supported by a steel framework and composed of 202 bronze pieces.
The Offering of the Six Devas
Six smaller bronze statues surrounding the Buddha, each holding offerings such as flowers, incense, lamps, ointment, fruit, and music. These represent the Six Perfections: generosity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom, which are essential for enlightenment.
Exhibit Halls Inside the Buddha
Three internal floors beneath the Buddha statue: the halls of the Universe, Benevolent Merit, and Remembrance. They feature Buddhist exhibits and house a sacred relic believed to be the cremated remains of Gautama Buddha.
Po Lin Monastery1906
Located adjacent to the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery is a significant Buddhist temple complex offering spiritual and cultural experiences, including vegetarian dining and meditation spaces.
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car2006
A scenic gondola lift connecting Tung Chung station to Ngong Ping village near the Big Buddha, offering panoramic views of Lantau Island and the South China Sea.
Contact
Phone: 2985 5248