View of the Big Buddha with the sun setting behind on Lantau Island, Hong Kong

The Big Buddha isn’t just a statue — it’s a full-body hush that rolls over you the moment it comes into view. Towering above Lantau Island, its presence pulls you out of the noise and speed of the city below, trading neon light for something timeless. You don’t climb all those steps for bragging rights alone. You climb them to feel small in the best possible way — a reminder that there’s more to life than the grind.

Set against a backdrop of rolling green hills and infinite sky, this isn’t sightseeing. It’s soul-sighting. The kind of place where even casual visitors catch themselves slowing down, breathing deeper, and letting silence speak louder than words.

Most people know the Big Buddha for its sheer size, but fewer realize how new it really is. Completed in 1993, it isn’t some ancient relic dug out of centuries past — it’s a modern monument designed to bridge tradition with the present. And yet it feels eternal, like it’s been guarding the island for lifetimes.

Every piece of the statue has symbolic weight. The raised hand signals protection and reassurance, while the open palm rests in acceptance. The Buddha faces north — unique among large Buddha statues — chosen intentionally to watch over the people of China. Subtle details like this layer meaning into the majesty, making the statue more than just a photo op.

The easiest route is by cable car, drifting over sea and mountains before landing at Ngong Ping Village, where the statue rises in the distance like a promise. That ride alone feels cinematic. If you’ve got time, wander into Po Lin Monastery nearby — incense curling through temple courtyards makes the visit whole.

Pair the Buddha with a day on Lantau. Maybe hike a stretch of the Lantau Trail if you’re chasing perspective, or follow the trip with fresh seafood at Tai O Fishing Village. Either way, the Big Buddha sets the tone — grounding, centering, and impossible to forget.

MAKE IT REAL

“Cable car drops you off like you’re in a movie, then suddenly boom… giant Buddha sitting right there in front of you. Doesn’t even matter if you’re not spiritual, you feel the moment.”

Start your journey with Foresyte, where the planning is part of the magic.

Discover the experiences that matter most.

GET THE APP

Hong-Kong-Adjacency