Po Lin Monastery — Attraction in Hong Kong

This is one of the bucket lists for travelers who first come to Hong Kong. This Monastery houses a few grand buildings and the biggest seated Tian Tan Buddha. To pay a visit nowadays is very easy and convenient. It takes probably 25 minutes to ride on the famous and must - try Ngong Ping 360 🚡 to reach from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping. Another 10 minutes lesiure stroll through the Village, you arrive the promenade leading to the front facade of the Po Lin Monastery. There many mystic bronze statues guarding the promenade. This is a very peaceful place where you find visitors resting or taking photos and animals such as dogs and buffaloes also share this sacred area 😊. The monastery has many beautiful traditional Chinese architectural structures and prominent buildings, such as the Main Shrine Hall of Buddha with spectacular high ceilings, the Hall of Bodhisattva Skandia, and Hall of the Ten Thousand Buddhas. In fact, it keeps one copy of the two remaining volumes of the handwritten sacred doctrine on Buddhism and many ancient Buddhist paintings donated by the Mainland China Government. Before entering the Monastery, you find a circular outdoor platform that resembles Circular Mound Atlar of the Beijing's Temple of Heaven. On this platform, there is unobstructed view many monuments including the famous seated Bronze Buddha. From this point, it takes 268 steps to walk up to the Lotus seat of this gigantic Bronze Statue. From there, you can appreciate the magnificent views of the Monastery and tranquil surroundings of the Lantau Peak which is second highest mountain in Hong Kong. Not far and a short stroll from the promenade, you come to another enlightening Wisdom Path where wooden posts were engraved with the Heart Sutra. You can also find the base of the second highest peak of Hong Kong - Lantau Peak. The Monastery has one Cafe and two restaurants. All the vegetarian dishes are delicious. The restaurants serve high end vegetarian cuisines that you appreciate the dedication and skills of the chefs in making these amazing dishes 👍. Many people walk back to the Ngong Ping station and take the Gondola of the Cable Car back to the hustle and bustle Tung Chung City. A lot of people continue the adventure and take the bus to the Tai O Fishing Village - Hong Kong 'Venice' and Countryside of the Lantau Island. Visiting Po Lin Monastery is one of the must-do of your Hong Kong itinerary and unforgettable...

Nestled amidst the lush mountains of Lantau Island, this monastery is a true gem that offers a serene escape from the bustling city.

As I entered the monastery grounds, I was immediately struck by the tranquility that enveloped the entire place. The air was filled with a sense of peace and spirituality, creating a perfect environment for meditation and reflection. The traditional Chinese architecture and beautifully landscaped gardens added to the monastery's charm and made it a picturesque setting.

One of the highlights of my visit was witnessing the awe-inspiring Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, which stands tall and majestic at the top of the hill. The sheer size and grandeur of the statue left me in awe, and the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and sea were simply breathtaking.

Inside the monastery, I had the opportunity to explore the various halls and pavilions, each adorned with intricate Buddhist sculptures, paintings, and scriptures. The scent of burning incense filled the air, creating a peaceful and spiritual ambiance.

Additionally, the monastery houses a vegetarian restaurant, which is known for its delicious and wholesome meals. I savored a delightful vegetarian lunch there, prepared with fresh ingredients and bursting with flavors. It was a unique dining experience that I highly recommend.

The staff and volunteers at Po Lin Monastery were incredibly welcoming and knowledgeable. They were more than happy to answer my questions and share insights about Buddhist teachings and traditions. Their warmth and kindness added an extra layer of appreciation to my visit.

I would highly recommend a visit to Po Lin Monastery to anyone seeking solace, cultural enrichment, or simply a break from the fast-paced city life. Whether you are a spiritual seeker or a nature lover, this place offers a perfect blend of tranquility and natural beauty. Don't miss the chance to visit the Po Lin Monastery and create...

Po Lin is a huge Buddhist monastery and temple complex (寶蓮禪寺) located on Ngong Ping Plateau (昂坪), on Lantau Island (大嶼山), Hong Kong. that was built in 1924. Today it seems more of a tourist attraction than a religious retreat, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors a year and still being expanded. Most of the buildings you'll see on arrival are new, with the older, simpler ones tucked away behind them. To get to Po Lin Monastery:

Take Lantau Bus No. 23 at the bus station outside Tung Chung MTR Station to Ngong Ping Bus Terminus (travelling time: about 45 minutes). www.newlantaobus.com

Take Ngong Ping Cable Car at the Cable Car Station outside Tung Chung MTR Station (travelling time: about 25 minutes); take an additional 10-minute walk to the Monastery. www.np360.com.hk

Take First Ferry from Central Pier to Mui Wo, and take Lantau Bus No.2 to Ngong Ping Bus Terminus (travelling time from Mui Wo to Ngong Ping: about 35 minutes). www.sunferry.com.hk

Take Lantau Bus No. 21 at the bus stop in Tai O to Ngong Ping Bus Terminus (travelling time: about 15 minutes).

Take a Lantau Island taxi.

Opening Hours Tian Tan Big Buddha Monday to Sunday (including public holidays) 10 am to 5:30 pm

Po Lin Monastery Monday to Sunday (including public holidays) 9 am to 6 pm

Vegetarian Kitchen Monday to Sunday (including public holidays) 11:30...