Type: attraction
History & Context
Established in 1906 by three monks—Da Yue, Dun Xiu, and Yue Ming—Po Lin Monastery serves as a significant center for Buddhist practice in Hong Kong. Originally known as “The Big Hut,” the site evolved throughout the 20th century, culminating in the 1993 installation of the Tian Tan Buddha. This bronze statue sits 34 meters high and faces north toward Beijing, weighing approximately 250 metric tons. It serves as a focal point for the Lantau Island spiritual landscape, contrasting the dense urbanity of Central with the quietude of the Ngong Ping plateau.
Architecture & Design
The monastery layout follows traditional Chinese temple architecture, featuring a series of halls that ascend the hillside. The Main Shrine Hall of Buddha houses three bronze statues representing the past, present, and future. Elaborate wood carvings and traditional roof tiles define the aesthetic. A key technical feature is the base of the Tian Tan Buddha, which is modeled after the Altar of Heaven in Beijing’s Temple of Heaven. Visitors often pair a visit here with the vegetarian meal served in the monastery’s dining hall, which specializes in bean curd and seasonal vegetable dishes sourced from local practitioners.
Practical Information
Accessing the monastery is streamlined via the MTR system. Passengers take the Tung Chung Line to Tung Chung Station. From there, the Ngong Ping 360 cable car provides a 25-minute transit route over the water, offering a direct link to the Ngong Ping village. Alternatively, Lantau Bus route 23 operates from the Tung Chung Town Centre bus terminal to the monastery entrance. The site remains open daily, with the interior of the Buddha statue restricted to ticket holders during specific operating hours.