Tian Tan Buddha, The Premier Tourist Destination in Lantau, Hong Kong

Asia / China / Eastern Asia
12 Oct, 2016
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Tian Tan Buddha Hong Kong. Img Via: thousandwonders.net

As one of the city’s most visited by tourists from around the world, Hong Kong has a lot of tourist destinations. One of them is very popular in the eyes of the tourists is the Tian Tan Buddha, or that is also often referred to as the Big Buddha or the Great Buddha. The trip here was going to give it a spiritual experience for tourists.

Buddha statue located on Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, Hong Kong is one of the five largest Buddha statues in China. This statue has 34 meters high and weighs 250 metric tons. This statue is made with a material made of bronze and the workmanship was completed in 1993. Construction of the statue is a symbol of harmony between humans and nature by human religion, especially because of the statue is located not far from the PO Lin Monastery.

It took three years to build this statue, which was originally construction began in 1990 and ended on 29 December 1993. Total funds spent to construct this statue is about 68 million USD. The statue was created by bringing together a total of 202 pieces of bronze. The inside of the statue is also made with materials of strong steel handy to support its heavy weight.

Moment of construction of this statue became a very meaningful ceremony for Buddhists. Even at the opening ceremony, not only attended by monks from Hong Kong alone. There are also monks from other countries also participated in the opening ceremony. Among these are the monks from mainland China, Taiwan, India, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka and the United States. Not surprisingly, the statue has become the center of the Buddhist religious ceremony in Hong Kong.

Under the Tian Tan Buddha statue, there are three special rooms in which there are relics of Gautama Buddha. To get into these rooms, you have to pay a certain fee. Here too there is a large-sized bell to be tolled every seven minutes. In one day, the bell tolled 108 times total that represents the release of 108 kinds of human problems.

Besides beneficial to attract the attention of tourists, the area of the Buddha statue is also one of the centers of Buddhism in Hong Kong. The statue was built by sitting in the lotus and surrounded by six bronze statues of more small and known as the “Offering of the Six Devas”.

All six small statues give offerings of flowers, incense, light, blend of spices, fruit, and the latter are a form of musical offerings. The offerings represent an attitude of generosity, morality, patience, vigor, meditation and wisdom. In Buddhism, the four it has become an important factor to be able to get to nirvana.

The existence of the Buddha statue is really quite phenomenal. Especially because it is in a high place, the statue can be seen even from Macao, especially when the weather conditions were friendly. To achieve this Buddha statue, also need a pretty big struggle. At least, there are 268 steps that must be explored. Quite tiring, especially for those who are less healthy. But if you feel less powerful to climb all those stairs, just calm down. There is a street with vehicles that are specifically geared for tourists. By doing so, then this statue can be visited by all travelers.

Another uniqueness of this statue is due to the Tian Tan Buddha facing north. Most of the other big Buddha statue has a face facing towards the south. Whether true or not really, because I am not a Buddhist, the south is the center of the Buddhists.Therefore, it is quite strange that Tian Tan Buddha statue is facing north.

Then how to visit the sights of this one? The first to be considered is the time of the visit. The Tian Tan Buddha cannot be visited at all times. These sights only open at 10:00 am – 17:45 pm. To enter this area is also not required fee, or free. But if you want to enter the area in it, there are additional costs that must be paid.

Transportation access that can be used to enter these places are not too difficult. To go to the Tian Tan Buddha, you first have to come to Mui Wo or which is often known as Silvermine Bay. To get here, you can use the ferry in Central pier number 6. There are two ferry services that can be used. Fast ferry takes trip for 35-40 minutes. As for regular ferry takes about 50-55 minutes.

A ferry service is the most mornings starting at 08:30 am. After arriving at Mui Wo, you can return to continue the journey to Ngong Ping. Here you can stop for a moment while enjoying culinary in Mui Wo. At the very least, you have about 1 hour to be able to contribute up to the No. 2 bus departing at 10:30 am with a route from Mui Wo to Ngong Ping. The bus ride took about 40 minutes. And upon arrival, you can enjoy the atmosphere at a height or while taking pictures near Tian Tan Buddha.