Lantau

The Tian Tan Buddha on the summit of the Ngong Ping Plateau is one of the world's most impressive religious statues: 34 meters high, 250 tons, cast in bronze, and since 1993 a symbol of harmony between man, nature, and religion. The statue is so large that it can be seen from Macau in clear weather.

The Ascent

268 steps lead from the base up to the statue — a sweaty climb (especially in summer) rewarded with a breathtaking 360° panorama: the mountains of Lantau, the South China Sea, the airport, and on clear days, the Hong Kong skyline and the islands of Macau. Around the base: six Bodhisattva statues (Devas) offering gifts.

Po Lin Monastery

At the foot of the Buddha lies the Po Lin Monastery (1906) — one of Hong Kong's most important Buddhist monasteries. The main hall houses three gilded Buddha statues, and the garden exudes a silence that contrasts with the city's hustle, creating something surreal. The vegetarian lunch at the monastery is an experience: a multi-course menu of tofu, vegetables, and mock meat (100 HKD). In the monastery: appropriate clothing (shoulders and knees covered).

Ngong Ping 360

The Ngong Ping 360 is a 5.7 km cable car from Tung Chung (MTR station) to Ngong Ping Village — a 25-minute ride with spectacular panoramic views of the airport, mountains, Tung Chung Bay, and the Big Buddha in the distance. Standard cabin: 250 HKD (return), Crystal Cabin: 380 HKD (with glass floor — only for those without vertigo). The ride alone is worth the trip to Lantau.

Tai O is a fishing village on the west coast of Lantau that looks like a journey back in time — stilt houses over the water, dried fish and shrimp paste at every corner, fishermen on their boats, and an atmosphere that has nothing to do with the glittering Hong Kong of skyscrapers. The "Venice of Hong Kong" is one of the most authentic places in the entire region.

What to do in Tai O

• Stilt Houses: The iconic houses on stilts over the river — some inhabited, some abandoned, all photogenic. Accessible via a drawbridge.
• Boat Tour to the Pink Dolphins: Small boats (40 HKD, 15–20 min.) venture out into the bay where the rare Chinese White Dolphins (pink-gray, not truly white) live. Sightings are not guaranteed, but the boat ride along the coast is beautiful even without dolphins.
• Shrimp Paste & Dried Seafood: Tai O's specialty: dried fish and shrimp paste (the best in Hong Kong). The streets have an intense sea aroma — an acquired taste, but authentic. Try the Shrimp Paste Eggs (scrambled eggs with shrimp paste, from 30 HKD).
• Tai O Heritage Hotel: The former police station (1902) has been converted into a charming boutique hotel — even if you don't stay overnight, the café with its terrace and sea view is worth a visit.

Getting There

From Ngong Ping: Bus 21 (25 min., 7 HKD). From Tung Chung: Bus 11 (50 min., 12 HKD). From the ferry: Pier in Tuen Mun. Tai O is also accessible on foot (Lantau Trail Stage 7 and 8), but it's a full-day endeavor.

Lantau Peak (Fung Wong Shan)

The Lantau Peak (934 m) is Hong Kong's second-highest mountain and one of the city's most popular sunrise hikes. The ascent from Ngong Ping (about 2 hours, steep trail) is rewarded with a 360° panorama over all of Lantau, the Big Buddha, the sea, and — on clear days — the Hong Kong skyline. Important: Start early (3–4 AM for sunrise), bring a headlamp, warm layers for the summit (it can be chilly). Not a beginner trail!

Wisdom Path

The Wisdom Path near the Big Buddha is a meditative walk (15 minutes) among 38 wooden steles bearing the Heart Sutra (one of the most important Buddhist texts) in Chinese characters. The steles are arranged in an infinity shape (∞) and surrounded by forest and mountains. Free, quiet, spiritual — a perfect contrast to the city's hustle.

Mui Wo & Silvermine Bay

Mui Wo (also Silvermine Bay) on Lantau's east coast is the island's most relaxed spot: a beach with fine sand, bikes for rent, small fish restaurants, and a ferry to Central (35–55 minutes, 14–28 HKD). Perfect for a half-day at the beach, far from the hustle. Popular with Hong Kong families on weekends.

Sunset Peak

The Sunset Peak (869 m), Hong Kong's third-highest mountain, is less visited than Lantau Peak and offers a dramatic view of the airport and mountains at sunset. The camping meadow at the summit is one of Hong Kong's best legal camping sites — pitch a tent, experience sunset and sunrise, enjoy the starry sky (light pollution is low here).