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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
This blog refers few information from the below links.
Po Lin Monastery
Ngong Ping 360
Wikipedia - Tian_Tan_Buddha
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
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