Lantau Island is one of the islands within Hong Kong and happens to be the largest. It was originally a fishing village but the last 30 years of major infrastructure development has changed the island’s into a tourist site.
The last 30 years saw the construction of Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Disneyland, Tung Chung, the Lantau Link, and Ngong Ping 360. The island serves as a premier hiking destination in Hong Kong and many people make the trek to conquer Lantau Peak because of the mountain terrain. The abundance of forest serves as the “lungs of Hong Kong” compared to the high-rise skyscrapers on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. It’s a great place to get away from the busy streets of inner Hong Kong.
The island is best known for the Giant Buddha (i.e., Tian Tan Buddha) that sits on top of a hill. The 85 foot Buddha could be seen as you make your way from Ngong Ping 360 to the Ngong Ping Plateau. It’s quite the sight to see as you sit in the cable car. It’s one of the largest outdoor bronze Buddha statue in the world. The trek up the steps of Tian Tan is very steep and had me stop for a moment.
The Po Lin Monastery is right next to Tian Tan and was founded around 1900s by 3 monks. The temple contends three Buddha made of bronze and each a symbol of the past, present, and future. The Tian Tan is an extension of Po Lin Monastery. There is a temple consisting of a 1,000 Buddha statue. It’s a pretty stunning site to see how it shines.
In addition, Ngong Ping Plateau contains a relatively unknown sight. It’s called the Wisdom Path. Wisdom Path possesses a series of about 40 wooden monuments inscribed with the Heart Sutra prayer, which are prayers revered by Confucians, Buddhists and Taoists. The prayer are craved in the wood with Chinese Characters. It’s awesome sight to see and the perfect photo opportunity when you get up the path to see the South China Sea.
Lastly, there is Disneyland, which is a little more than a mile from Discovery Bay. The theme park consists of two hotels, retail, dining and entertainment for those who enjoy family entertainment. I personally avoid tourist traps because I don’t have a family, single and over 18 years old. However, this place is definitely worth the visit after your dumplings or dim sum breakfast.
Check out our other Hong Kong articles here.
