After a boat ride and leisurely stroll around Tai O Fishing Village, we walked towards Po Lin Monastery. There were some statues, food vendors, and wild cows on the way there. The Buddhist monastery was founded in 1906 by three monks visiting from Jiangsu Province on the Chinese mainland. The main temple houses three bronze statues of the Buddha that represent his past, present and future lives as well as many Buddhist scriptures.
After Po Lin Monastery, it was time for my last stop on Lantau Island – a visit to Tian Tan Buddha, also known as Big Buddha. To get up close and personal, you can take 268 steps to the very top. It’s named Tian Tan Buddha because the base is a model of the Altar of Heaven or Earthly Mount of Tian Tan, the Temple of Heaven in Beijing.
The gigantic bronze statue sits 112 feet tall and faces north to look over the Chinese people. The right hand is raised to deliver a blessing to all. Surrounding it are six smaller bronze statues known as “The Offering of the Six Devas” that are posed offering flowers, incense, fruit, lamp, ointment, and music to the Buddha.
What a day. I made my way back to the cable car terminal for my ride back. I was ready for a late lunch and some relaxation before a nighttime sail on Victoria Harbour!
Po Lin Monastery
Ngong Ping Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Website
Tian Tan Buddha
Ngong Ping Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Website
