Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery

The Basics

Most visitors come here for the Big Buddha, but it’s worthwhile walking around the monastery complex. There are several magnificent halls, peaceful gardens, statues, and numerous Buddhist scriptures and relics. The monastery also serves vegetarian food on-site.

It’s easiest to visit Precious Lotus Monastery on a guided tour, which often includes a ride on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, a visit to Tai O fishing village, and round-trip hotel transfer. For the best value, book a Hong Kong Travel Pass Combo, which also includes airport transfers and an MTR Pass, or a multi-day attraction pass, good at more than a dozen attractions in Hong Kong and Macau.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Entry to Precious Lotus Monastery and the Big Buddha is free, but there is a fee to enter the halls beneath the Big Buddha.

• This is an active place of worship, so please be respectful.

• Bring a hat, sunscreen, and plenty of water.

• Wear comfortable shoes; there are 268 steps to reach the Big Buddha.

• Nearby Ngong Ping village features shops and restaurants geared toward tourists.

How to Get There

The monastery is located on the Ngong Ping Plateau on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. Take the MTR to Tung Chung Station (Exit B), and then take the Ngong Ping 360 (about 25 minutes) or take bus number 23 (about 45 minutes) to Ngong Ping Village. Alternatively, catch a ferry from Central to Mui Wo, then take bus number 2 to Ngong Ping Village (about 40 minutes).

When to Get There

Precious Lotus Monastery is open daily. As one of the most popular attractions in Hong Kong, it can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and public holidays. Visit during the week for smaller crowds.

Big Buddha

Erected in 1993, the Big Buddha took 12 years to complete. It is made from 202 pieces of bronze and weighs 250 tons. The statue, which faces toward China, is one of the largest seated bronze Buddha statues in the world. Within its 3-story base are exhibition halls for Buddhist relics and artworks.