Tsing Ma Bridge, Hong Kong

Lantau Link - Tsing Ma Bridge, Ma Wan Viaduct & Kap Shui Mun Bridge forming the Lantau Link that connects Hong Kong's New territory peninsula with the Lantau Island.

Attraction - Tsing Ma Bridge, Ma Wan Channel, Noah's Ark, Ma Wan Tung Wan Beach

Location - Ma Wan Island, Hong Kong

Lantau Link

Lantau Link is a vital connection in the road and rail transport network joining Hong Kong’s commercial heart with the new international airport at Chek Lap Kok on Lantau Island. It is formed by two bridges — Tsing Ma suspension bridge crossing the main Ma Wan shipping channel between Tsing Yi and Ma Wan islands plus the Kap Shui Mun cable-stayed bridge, which traverses the waterway between Ma Wan and Lantau. The bridges are linked by a high level viaduct across Ma Wan Island. Both the 1,377m main span Tsing Ma Bridge and the 430m main span Kap Shui Mun Bridge carry a six-lane highway on their top decks and twin rail tracks plus two emergency road lanes on their sheltered lower levels, making them the largest bridges of their kind in the world and the first to provide a truly all-weather crossing, even in typhoon winds.

Tsing Ma Bridge

Ninth longest span suspension bridge in the world. It was the second when it was constructed (1997). It connects the two islands - Tsing Yi and Ma Wan and hence gets the name - Tsing Ma. The two decks of transport it has (road and rail) makes it the largest suspension bridge in the world of this kind. The bridge is so vital that it links International airport with other islands and it crosses the strategic shipping route to China. It is the centerpiece of Lantau Link. It has a main span of 1377m and height of 206m. The bridge opening in 1997 was inaugurated by Margaret Thatcher, former UK PM.

Ting Kau Bridge

This is adjacent to Tsing Ma bridge and links Tsing Yi Island and Tuen Mun road. It is world's first 4-span cable-stayed bridge and is 1177m long.

My Experience

Tsing Yi Bridge, a view from Tung Wan Beach opposite Noah's Ark

For high resolution picture, please visit - pk |photography

As part of my Hong Kong visit, this was second in the schedule. From Ngong Ping i took the cable car return to Tung Chung MTR and took the MTR to Tsing Yi which is in the Tung Chung line. From there i boarded the 'Park Island' shuttle and reached Noah's Arc.

The Ma Wan Tung Wan beach is just 20 steps from the bus stop and from there it was just breathtaking view of the Tsing Ma Bridge and a panoramic view of the Tung Wan beach with the view of Ting Kau bridge. It was 4 PM and still fog engulfed most of the island which gave a restrictive yet breathtaking view of the bridges. Its a sandy beach with rocks line along the bridge. A sunny day would have invited a long stroll along the beach. Also the shuttle crossed the Tsing Yi bridge to and from the journey which i enjoyed a lot.

How to reach

Its not only the Tsing Yi bridge that you will see but also witness other attractions such as the beach, Noah's ark etc., I found it useful to take the Park Island shuttle (accessible from Exit C of Tsing Yi MTR, clearly sign posted) and alight at Noah's arc. It takes 10 mins to reach and costs around 9 HKD. You can take the return shuttle from the same stop and the frequency of service is high. Alternatively you can plan and go to Lantau Link visitor center which is reachable by mini bus - 308M from Tsing Yi MTR (Exit A1). Frequency of this is limited.

References

The blog refers below links

Wiki - Tsing Ma Bridge
Wiki - Ting Kau Bridge
Mott Macdonald

Tian Tan Buddha, Hong Kong

Tian Tan - Altar of Heaven
Location - Muk Yue Peak, Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Attraction - World's largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha statue

Tian Tan Buddha is located near Po Lin Monastery in the Lantau Island of Hong Kong. A giant seated bronze statue situated on top of a three story structure which can be reached by claiming 268 steps. Based on the model of Altar of Heaven, Temple of Heaven in Beijing, China the statue has got the name Tian Tan.

History

In 1973, impressed by the seeing the heavenly Buddha statue of Kamakura - Japan, Buddha statue in Zhanghua - Taiwan and statues of Longmen & Dunhuang in China, the monks in Po Lin monastery committed to build a statue in Hong Kong.

The Statue

Seated over a Lotus, the planning of the construction of the statue started in 1976 and construction completed in 1993. Assisted by Beijing institute of Aerodynamics which used wind tunnels created for satellites and rockets to conduct wind tests on the statue. It was named 4th among the 10 Engineering wonders of Hong Kong in 2000 and was awarded 'Merit of unique artistic features by Hong Kong institution of engineers.

The three story podium on which the statue is seated contains the statue of ksitigarbha, the bell and museum. The bell rings 108 times during the day to symbolize '108 troubles of mankind'. Its a breathtaking view from the podium with the panoramic view of Lantau Island and view of south china sea.

There is a buddha relic (bone) , donated by Sri Lanka. It is placed in a protective glass shield.

My Experience

Tian Tan Buddha (engulfed in fog), a view from Ngong Ping village

For better resolution of the picture, please visit pk |photography

I visited Tian Tan Buddha on 02 Mar 2013, first day of my Hong Kong visit. This was my first stop in my long list of To See. I only had my camera kit as the main luggage, so it was very helpful for me to plan this visit directly from Airport.

After arriving at the airport and getting the Octopus card, i took the Lantau Island Bus - S1 just outside the airport. The direction to bus terminus is clearly posted and once you get into the Bus Terminus there is a big map with the location of the bus (numbers). The journey costs HKD 3.50. After boarding the bus it reached Ngong Ping 360 cable car terminus near Tung Chung MTR (underground) station.

Easy way to reach Tin Tan Buddha is to take the cable car from Ngong Ping. It costs HKD 130 for the return trip with a breathtaking view of the Island, Airport and the peaks. It was not 100% clear view when i reached there (11.30 AM) as the whole Island was engulfed in thick fog.

Cable car will drop you in the terminus at Po Lin Monastery and its 10 mins walk to the start of 268 steps to be claimed to see the statue. To go inside the podium beneath the statue where there is a museum and Buddha relic, we need to buy a ticket that costs HKD 30 with which we get snacks and refreshments in Po Lin Monastery.

Fog was so heavy that i was not able to see the buddha without climbing the 268 steps. Once i descended down there was no indication that there is a huge statue - the fog was so dense. It would have been a great experience had there been a blue sky without fog. Nevertheless, it was a fulfilling experience to see such a wonderful architecture and also to witness certain spiritual activities.

I took the cable car return trip to Tung Chung MTR and then headed towards Hong Kong Island (central) from there.

How to reach

Best way to reach is to take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car near Tung Chung MTR (explained above). We also have bus connectivity from Tung Chung MTR or reachable by Lantau Island taxi (blue).

References

This blog refers few information from the below links.

Po Lin Monastery
Ngong Ping 360
Wikipedia - Tian_Tan_Buddha