Big Buddha Phuket opening hours. Big Buddha. Opening hours and other useful information

When you come to Phuket on vacation, you want not only to lie on the beach all the time, but also to enjoy various attractions, of which there are a huge number on the island. In this article we will talk about the main shrine for any resident of the island - the Big Buddha Statue of Phuket. We will analyze in detail how to get to the statue on your own and some interesting facts, however, first things first.

The Big Buddha (Big Buddha) in Phuket appeared in 2002, or rather, its construction began then. Buddha already has a history of more than 10 years, which makes him a kind of old-timer of the island.

Why Mount Nagakared? According to Buddhist legend, Buddha himself meditated here, although this happened at night and only once, but local residents paid attention to the divine radiance emanating from the mountain, and passed this legend down through generations to the present day.

Despite the fact that excursions to the Big Buddha are held regularly and have been for quite some time, it is considered to be under construction. Even now there is construction going on here. The long construction is due to the lack of the necessary amount of money to complete it, since all the funds invested in the Big Buddha Temple in Phuket are donations from the government, private investors and ordinary tourists.

Composition of the complex

The Big Buddha temple complex in Phuket consists of three levels:

1. General territory.
2. Temple and surrounding area.
3. Big Buddha statue.

The general area includes parking and space for souvenir shops and food stalls, of which there are quite a lot.
On the second level there is a room where you can briefly familiarize yourself with the history of the creation of the monument, described on special posters. In addition to the historical component, everyone can receive enlightenment in the meditation hall. If you don't know how to meditate, don't worry, there's a makeshift tutorial here that can help you learn some simple poses.

There are also a huge number of objects related to Buddhism and the temple in particular.

Many tourists go to the statue to receive blessings from a Buddhist monk, who ties a string on the hand of anyone who wants it, which is believed to bring good luck. The monk sits in the temple and begins his “work” at 9 am.

In fact, this rope is a kind of amulet, and it is believed that if it breaks, this means that a misfortune was about to happen, from which it saved.

The second option is when the string breaks, the wish comes true.

How to get such a talisman:

1. First, you need to stand in line (yes, there are really a lot of people willing and in high season you can spend an hour in line).
2. We take off our shoes.
3. We kneel down and approach the monk on our knees.
4. We extend our hand (girl - left, man - right).
5. We receive a portion of “holy” water.
6. We leave, having previously left an offering of 100 baht (an offering is optional).

The height of the monument is 45 meters, width is 25 meters.

Big Buddha is not alone on the mountain; a golden Buddha is built next to him. It is much smaller than the main statue, its size is 12 meters. This statue was made in honor of the Queen of Thailand - Sirikit. Naturally, there is no gold on the statue, but who knows...

In addition to these statues, there are many other statues around the perimeter of the complex, of different sizes and each with its own story.

Working hours

Opening hours: Officially, working hours are from 6 am to 7 pm, however, this limitation is due to the opening hours of souvenir shops and food stalls; the statue itself has no fences and theoretically you can come here after seven.

The monk who ties the ropes works from 9 to 18.

Order of passage

The cost of visiting is free.

There is a dress code on the temple grounds that restricts movement around the sanctuary in beachwear, shorts, miniskirts and other revealing clothing (short tops, T-shirts, etc.).

If there is nothing to replace the prohibited clothing mentioned above, no one will kick the tourist out; on the contrary, he will be offered to use a special scarf - a sarong, absolutely free.

Naturally, you will need to return it on the way back.

A sarong is used to cover open shoulders and lengthen the skirt.

How to get there

There are several ways to get to the Big Buddha in Phuket on your own:

• Taxi;
• knock Knock;
• by rented transport (bike or car);
• on foot.

If the independent method seems difficult to you, we recommend contacting the nearest tour desk or booking an excursion to Big Buddha via the Internet. A visit to the temple complex is included in the sightseeing excursion program.

Advice: if you really want to get acquainted with local attractions, purchase a tour at a tour desk from local residents; if you take a tour from a tour operator, you risk spending the day endlessly visiting local shops and factories.

If you didn’t expect such expenses, you can consider a group excursion, it will be cheaper than a guide!

By and large, an excursion is the best option if orienteering in unfamiliar areas is not your thing. Well, if you are confident in your abilities, use one of the routes we offer.

Important, there is no regular bus to Big Buddha!

How to get to the Big Buddha in Phuket from the most popular areas of the island? If your vacation spot is Karon Beach, Kata Beach or Patong Beach, look for a songthaew with the inscription Big Buddha, they run between the beach and the attraction.

The second option is tuk-tuk. A small note, we recommend that you negotiate with the driver for the journey in both directions, because according to the law of meanness, when you want to leave there simply will not be free transport.

The cost of the trip varies and depends on the distance, on average 500–600 baht; by the way, a taxi will cost you the same amount one way.

There is no need to give the exact address, since every Thai living on the island knows perfectly well where the complex is located, especially since it is visible from many places.

If you like a free life, which means free movement around the island on rented transport (car or bike), the route is as follows:

When starting in the south of Phuket, you reach the Chalong ring, where we turn towards Phuket Town, after which we follow the signs. The turn to climb the mountain is marked with signs Soi Jaofa or Soi Yot Sane, the climb is long, about 6 km and not every bike can handle it.

When we start from the north, we need to turn right after Wat Chalong and continue along the old route.

The main thing is not to drive uphill.

Along the route, the most noteworthy are the elephant farms, where you can feed the cute eared creatures and take a photo with them for a nominal price of 100 baht.

In addition to the elephants, during the climb you can relax in a roadside cafe or bar, which offers an incredible view of the Big Buddha. This makes for great videos and, of course, great videos.

If you have a child traveling with you, we do not recommend going to the Buddha on foot. Well, if you don’t have children, and you are full of strength, energy, and there are no medical contraindications for long walks, you can make a mini-pilgrimage and thus get in touch with the religion of Thailand.

It's no secret that the walking route is the most grueling of all those listed above.

You will have to start on foot from Karon, because that is where the hiking trail is located. The landmark will be the entrance to the Sea and Sky apartments, this place is marked on the map.

Big Buddha (or Tiantan Buddha) is a large statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, cast in bronze. It is located on Hong Kong's Lantau Island and symbolizes harmony in human relations with nature and religion. Buddha is an important center of Buddhism and a popular tourist attraction.

Description

The Hong Kong Buddha statue is mounted on a steel frame that is covered with more than two hundred bronze pieces. A layer of gold is applied to the face of the statue. The Buddha sits on a lotus-shaped base with three tiers. This statue is the world's largest open-air Buddha statue and the largest sitting Buddha statue in China.

The height of the statue is more than thirty meters, its weight is 250 tons. To get to it, you need to go through 268 steps; a separate path is provided for the disabled. There is also a small winding road for cars. The Big Buddha faces north, all other statues face south.

The Buddha is depicted in a meditation pose with his right hand raised in the Abhaya mudra, which signifies dispelling fear and protection from troubles. In the palm of your hand you can see the wheel of Dharma - a symbol of movement and progress. The Buddha's left hand rests on his leg, and his fingers are collected in the Kubera mudra, which fulfills cherished desires.

On the pedestal in front of the statue there are six small bronze statues of bodhisattvas. They offer the Buddha a lamp, flowers, incense, fruits, ointment and music. The gifts symbolize morality, charity, patience, meditation and wisdom, that is, everything that is needed to achieve nirvana.

Visit

Inside the Buddha on Lantau Island in Hong Kong, visitors will see a lot of interesting things to see. On the ground floor there is the Punya (Virtue) Hall. There are four paintings that tell the story of the life of Buddha, a statue of the bodhisattva Ksitigarbha, who protects all living things, and a bell measuring two meters in size and weighing six tons. He calls more than a hundred times a day.

The second floor is the Dharmadhatu (Universe) hall. Here you can see a picture of the Sermon of Faim, carved from wood. It depicts 160 bodhisattvas listening to a sermon. Everyone has different facial expressions. The painting is made from natural paints and simple materials, and it took seven years to create.

The third floor of this Hong Kong landmark is the Hall of Remembrance. The relics of Buddha are located here. It is believed that those who see them may see the face of Buddha himself.

You will have to pay to enter the statue. And before going up the steps, you can sit in Tey Thaan Square. The best time to view the statue is on Buddha's Birthday, when the monks wash its feet.

Surrounding area

After visiting the Big Buddha in Hong Kong, everyone can return back to the square and explore the hundred-year-old Poulinsim (Po Lin) Monastery. Also here is the path of wisdom - thirty-eight pillars, each eight to ten meters high - they form the “infinity” sign.

If you get to the fishing village, you can see the true Hong Kong of the last century.

Of great interest to tourists are the nineteenth-century Tongchong Fort, the Shaolin Wushu Center, Seilouchou Waterfall and several nature reserves.

How to find a Buddha statue

Looking for options on how to get to the Big Buddha in Hong Kong. There are several ways:

• Take the metro to Tongchung Station, then transfer to Bus 23 or the cable car.
• Take a ferry to Lantau Island, then take bus number 2. Get off at the final stop.
• You can take a taxi from the airport to Big Buddha.

Lantau Island is twice the size of Hong Kong, but at the same time, it is much less populated by people and is very popular among Hong Kongers and guests of the city as an excellent place to relax.

Lantau is the greenest island in Hong Kong: there are beautiful valleys and mountains, clean sandy beaches, waterfalls and national parks, picturesque hills covered with fir forests, among which there are numerous trekking routes.

When we first got off the boat plying between Hong Kong and Lantau, we thought we were in Finland - low buildings, quiet, cleanliness and lots of people on bicycles. The first impression of the island is peace and tranquility; there is a sharp contrast here with the noisy, business and, at the same time, party Hong Kong. That is why, after a weekend in the metropolis, we decided to go out into nature, away from the bustle of the world, and at the same time, look at the statue of the Big Buddha, a bright Buddhist monastery.

The Buddha statue is located in the tourist village of Ngong Ping. You can get to it in three ways - land-air and water-land :)

1. Take the metro and take the yellow line to the final station “Tung Chung”. Go outside through exit “B”, then take bus No. 23 or the funicular - both will deliver you to the desired point in half an hour

At just under 6 km long, this cable car is the longest cable car in Asia. It has been operating only since 2006, but has already managed to win the love of tourists, thanks to the stunning views of the forested hills of Lantau Island and the South China Sea from the cabin. Another special feature of the funicular is that in addition to the usual “Standard cabin” cabins, it also has “Crystal Cabin” cabins with a transparent bottom. The cost, of course, is different - standard $94HK, with a transparent bottom - $149HK (12 USD and 19 USD, respectively)

2. From the “Central” pier, sail to the Mui Wo pier on Lantau Island ($12HKD), then take direct bus No. 2 ($17HKD on weekdays and $27HKD on weekends)

Ferries depart every 20-40 minutes, the bus also runs on schedule - every 40-50 minutes.

3. If you find yourself in transit in Hong Kong for several hours, and do not want to sit at the airport (which is located on Lantau Island), then you can take the direct bus S1 to the village of Ngong Ping or take the metro one station to "Tung Chung", and then go upstairs by bus or funicular (see point 1)

This is a relatively young attraction of Hong Kong; another name for the monument is Tinh Thaan Buddha. This bronze statue is just under 20 years old and was unveiled on December 29, 1993, attended by monks from all over the world. The construction itself lasted about three years, they say that the construction cost was HK$ 60 million.

From Ngong Ping village to the statue it’s a 10-minute walk

Along the way you can have a snack at one of the many shops. For some reason, we always notice the “No Photo” inscriptions already during photo processing, and not at the moment of shooting. Although, who would have thought that corn cannot be photographed? 🙂

There are a lot of people here even on weekdays

Although you can find secluded places

To climb to Buddha, you need to overcome 268 steps

Both tourists and locals come to this statue

The main distinguishing feature of this Buddha is not the height of the statue (although together with the pedestal, it is 34 m, which makes it one of the tallest in the world), but the fact that the Buddha’s face is not facing south, as is usually customary, but north - towards China, which is a symbol of its greatness and power


The statue symbolizes the harmony between nature and man, and man and religion. Buddha in a meditation pose sits on a lotus-shaped throne, 24 meters high, inside which there is a temple. The statue weighs more than 250 tons

Believers pray before rising

At the foot of the Buddha's throne there are other, no less interesting statues

Six bronze statues of Bodhisattvas who present flowers, fruits, incense, music, lamp, ointment to the Buddha - these offerings symbolize charity, meditation, morality, wisdom, patience and diligence - exactly everything that is necessary to achieve complete nirvana.

From the very top you can see almost the entire Lantau, so it’s difficult to take your eyes off the surroundings

There are enough people who want to walk around the Buddha and admire the picturesque views

Ngong Ping Tourist Village is a pleasant place to relax or buy souvenirs

There are coffee shops, tea houses and restaurants here

This monastery is one of the most important Buddhist shrines in Hong Kong, so at any time you can meet both monks and lay Buddhists here, both Chinese and Europeans. Translated, the name of the monastery sounds like “precious lotus”, and it is located very close to the Big Buddha Statue, within walking distance, just walk through this gate

On the occasion of the upcoming Chinese New Year, potted tangerine trees are arranged around

Buddhists come to pay homage to their shrine

European Buddhists also come

Locals also come here to relax in the shade of branchy trees and listen to the birds singing.

Tourists – admire the external and internal decoration of the monastery

and look at the Big Buddha from afar

Cyclists also stop by to relax after the ride.

And also have lunch at a popular vegetarian restaurant where monks cook. Although the food here seemed to us quite.. um.. quite specific - in other vegetarian restaurants in Hong Kong that we visited, the dishes were much tastier and more interesting.

We were at the monastery on the eve of the Chinese New Year, so the stairs and the main courtyard were decorated with flowers, so Po Lin looked quite luxurious, but even in normal times this place is worth a visit

Not far from the Buddha and the monastery, there are many mountain paths that are pleasant to walk along. Some of the paths were hidden in the fog, thunderclouds were approaching, so we chose the path leading to the city, to the Tung Chung metro station - this, by the way, is another way to get from the village of Ngong Ping to the city (or back).

On the way we met only a few monks

The trekking took about 3 hours, during which time we admired both nature

so and

It must be said that all conditions have been created for trekking here - there are maps and rest areas, signs, so you won’t get lost. It turned out that even Me, which we use, all the paths are drawn

We liked the time spent in nature so much that the next day we decided to go on another trek, this time on Hong Kong Island itself - it turned out that there is not only a concrete jungle there.

Trekking Dragon's back trail

Our John gave us the idea of ​​trekking in these parts, which we were incredibly happy about, we studied the issue, and according to the descriptions on the Internet, we chose a trail with an interesting name - Dragon's back trail.

You can get to the beginning of the track as follows:

Take the metro to Shau Kei Wan station, then transfer to bus number 9, and after 7 minutes get off at the Cape Collinson stop.

From the stop there begins an asphalt road leading past the Chinese Christian concrete cemetery - no need to walk along it =)

A little to the right of the road, there is a sign to the trail - that’s what we need

This trek is considered one of the most expressive in Hong Kong, due to the panoramic views of the bay with beaches, a fishing village and other surroundings that open from the trail.

It didn’t rain, but due to the thick veil of fog enveloping the hills, we didn’t catch the most wonderful views, although, even despite the cloudy weather, the walk turned out to be wonderful

Landscapes hidden in the fog have their own charm and magic :)

The Dragon's Back trail connects Wan Cham Shan (226 m) and Shek O Peak (284 m), which is located at the top of the mountain range. In good weather, to the east, it offers views of the Clear Water Bay Peninsula and the islands in the East sea ​​approaching Hong Kong, and to the west you can see the Stanley Peninsula and the South China Sea.From Shek O Peak you can go down to the Shek O village with beaches and open-air restaurants (from there you can go by bus), or to the Chai MRT station Wan

We were in Hong Kong in the coldest month - February, but despite the fact that in the mornings and evenings at this time it is quite cool here, during the day the weather is very pleasant and if the sun is shining, you can walk around in just a T-shirt, so This time is perfect for trekking.

If we came in spring, summer or autumn, perhaps instead of trekking, we would prefer to go to the beach. But before and after the trip to Hong Kong, we had wonderful Philippine beaches on and off, so we were very glad to have the opportunity to spend some time in the cool freshness, and not in the forty-degree heat :)

In the next post we will continue to introduce you to Hong Kong and take a walk through the Hong Kong jungle, although this time it will be a stone jungle.

Big Buddha is perhaps the main architectural attraction of Phuket. A huge Buddha sitting on a mountain towers over the island and can be seen from almost anywhere in Phuket. It is quite natural that, looking at this monument from the beach, many tourists want to look at it up close.

Where is the building located?

At the top of Mount Nakaked there is a famous statue called Big Buddha. Phuket today is visited by millions of tourists, and not a single excursion around the island is complete without visiting this monument. The complex is located in the south of the island. The road to the temple is of interest to tourists.

On the way to the top there are several points where you can rent a real live elephant for any time. We are sure that you rarely get the opportunity to communicate with these giants. In addition, there are areas with birds and monkeys.

Who is going to the monument and why?

The Big Buddha Temple in Phuket is becoming more and more popular among foreign tourists every year, despite the fact that the construction and finishing work of most of the structure has not yet been completed.

People go to the Big Buddha for various reasons: some out of idle curiosity, others out of religious beliefs, and some just want to admire the sunsets from the magnificent observation deck located on the territory of the complex.

History of the complex

There are three versions of the origin of this grandiose structure. Tour guides and local residents will definitely tell you about them. The first version says that the local government decided to compete with the authorities of the island of Koh Samui, which also has True, where it has a more modest size - twelve meters.

The second story about the Big Buddha in Phuket tells that local residents decided to isolate themselves from travelers who do not always have pure thoughts with the help of the statue. The Thais are undoubtedly a welcoming and friendly people, but religious issues are sacred to them.

And the third version of the appearance of the monument says that the place on which the complex was built is mystical, or more precisely, it is a place of power.

In reality, Big Buddha (Phuket can rightfully be proud of it) was built as a gift. The construction of the monument was timed to coincide with the name day of Rama IX, the King of Thailand. He was given the main Buddha statue and a monument, twelve meters high, built for Queen Sirikit.

The first funds for construction were allocated by local authorities. In addition, donations from local residents and travelers from around the world were used. Construction of the forty-five-meter-high monument began in 2002. Huge amounts of money were spent on it - almost thirty million baht. This is how Big Buddha (Phuket) appeared. The history of creation, reviews of guests who have already been here attract more and more tourists to the island. Currently, the temple continues to be built, and completion dates have not yet been determined.

What to see?

The temple complex is located in a very picturesque place. According to legend, in ancient times, a huge snake Naga lived on Mount Nakaked, after whom it was named. Locals claim that this is a place of power where Buddha actually meditated.

Having reached the temple and climbed to the very top of the mountain, you will see two Buddha statues - the main one, which is made of snow-white marble brought from Burma, and its smaller copy, located a little to the left of the monument. This twelve-meter Buddha is made of copper and is dedicated to the Queen of Thailand. Twenty-two tons of copper were used to make this monument.

If you look at the marble Buddha on a clear sunny day, you will get the feeling that the statue is glowing - the stones shimmer so much in the sun. Big Buddha amazes with its size and grandeur. Phuket does not have too many architectural monuments, but this complex more than compensates for this deficiency.

The monument is really huge: its height is forty-five meters, and its diameter is twenty-five meters. If you look closely, you will see that the statue is built from small marble bricks. Anyone can purchase such a brick for a nominal fee, write their cherished desire on it, and it will be used to decorate the temple.

But the Big Buddha is not just a statue on top of a mountain, it is a very large temple complex, the construction of which continues today. Now it is run only on donations.

Attractions

When you find yourself at the very top of the mountain, at first it will seem to you that the only attraction of the complex is the magnificent Buddha statue. But that's not true. There are other sculptures here, many of which are striking in their golden shine, although, of course, they are not made of pure gold.

In addition to the Buddha statue, there are other attractions in the complex. To the right of the monument is an altar, and to the left is a small bench. You can buy fruits, water, and souvenirs there.

Museum

The temple, whose entrance is located under the main statue, has a small museum. It features photographs of construction and a model of the temple, giving an idea of ​​what it will look like when completed.

There are many bowls around the layout. You can put a coin in each of them, and luck will certainly smile on you.

Meeting with a monk

In the depths of the temple you can meet a Buddhist monk. You can approach him, sit on your knees in front of him, and he will bless you, sprinkle you with water, wish you good luck and tie a sai sin - a woven bracelet - on your hand. He ties a bracelet on the right hand of men, and on the left hand by women. At this moment you should make a wish. Sai shin cannot be removed until it leaves you on its own. And when this happens, your wish will come true.

Prayer temple

There is a prayer temple on the territory of the complex. It holds services for pilgrims and local residents. There is also a tiny shop where you can buy magnificent religious souvenirs.

Wish tree

Climbing to the top of the mountain, on the way to Big Buddha, you will see a tree hung with bells with notes (with requests and wishes). A copper gong is installed next to the tree, which can play a magical melody, but not everyone will hear it. According to legend, a person with pure thoughts and an open heart can hear the sounds of the gong.

Rub it and make a wish. You cannot hit it; only monks are allowed to do this.

Unusual inhabitants of the complex

On the territory of the complex you can meet unusual residents - a large family of monkeys. Animals live next to the temple, and almost every day they come to it to look at people and show themselves.

Coconut massager

In addition to the opportunity to see and appreciate the beauty of Phuket, at the observation deck you can try Buddhist practices for yourself. For example, near the wall of the temple there are, at first glance, unremarkable coconut shells. This is actually a great foot massager. Everyone knows that on the soles of the feet there are points associated with all organs of the body. Here you can study the instructions on how to stand on coconuts and for how long. I must say that this procedure is quite painful. But if you enjoy the massage, you can take the shells with instructions for yourself. Interestingly, the temple does not have a fixed price for such a massager; you decide for yourself what amount of donation you should leave.

How to get to Big Buddha in Phuket?

There are several ways. We will talk about them below:

1. You can get to the complex on foot, but such a walk is quite tiring. But if you are physically resilient, then you will probably enjoy this trip. Walk along Karton (closer to Katya) and see where the entrance to the Sea&Sky apartments is. There you will see a handwritten sign - Big Buddha. There is an arrow on it indicating the direction. Along the way you will often come across such signs. Set off early in the morning, as walking in the heat is unlikely to be enjoyable.
2. You can also get to the Big Buddha statue in Phuket by rented transport. How to get there? From Karon follow the highway to Tesco Lotus. Before reaching it, turn left after the roundabout. There you will see a sign followed by a turn to Big Buddha.
3. The easiest way to visit the complex is by excursion bus. This trip to the Big Buddha is included in a sightseeing tour of Phuket. If you buy it, you will be taken there in comfort. But we don’t recommend taking a free excursion from tour operators: they won’t show you the sights, but will take you around real estate offices and factories all day.
4. By intercity bus (songthaew). They regularly walk around the island with the sign "Big Buddha". If you can’t rent transport and don’t want to go on a sightseeing tour, this is a good option.
5. By taxi, of course, you can get to the monument very comfortably. But keep in mind that this type of transport in Phuket is a very expensive pleasure; the trip will cost you much more than in Pattaya or Bangkok.

Visiting rules

The temple complex is open daily from 8.00 to 20.00. But in souvenir shops the working day is shorter - from 10.00 to 17.00. For those who want to take great photos as a souvenir, we advise you to come to the complex closer to sunset. There are certain requirements for the appearance of guests. Men must wear trousers and a shirt or T-shirt with sleeves. Women must wear a sarong (a special knee cape) or a long skirt.

If you come on an excursion directly from the beach, don’t worry - you will be given a sarong on the territory of the complex completely free of charge.

• Plan at least half a day to visit the complex. The territory is huge, while you look around everything, take a photo, breathe in the fresh air - you won’t notice how time flies.
• Come to Buddha in the late afternoon, then you will be able to see a stunning sunset and take photos.

Basic moments

The base of the Big Buddha statue is a massive pedestal, consisting of three tiers and shaped like a lotus, and the face is covered with thin gold plates, as befits a deity of this level. The structure looks especially attractive on a slightly cloudy day: a halo of torn clouds and the sun’s rays sliding through it envelop the Big Buddha in a mystical aura. And the bell ringing every 7 minutes gives the picture a special flavor.

The right hand of the Big Buddha in Hong Kong is raised in the Abhaya mudra, which helps dispel fears. But the fingers of the left hand, resting calmly on the knee, are folded into the Kubera mudra, which fulfills wishes. It is possible that a visit to the shrine will awaken in your soul a desire to study the basic canons of Buddhism in more detail.

Structure of the architectural complex

The Big Buddha statue is not a monolithic structure, but represents an entire architectural complex erected in the second half of the 20th century. The central figure of the deity is surrounded by six statues of Bodhisattvas praying to him with various gifts, personifying the main Buddhist virtues: diligence, meditation, kindness, mercy, morality and patience. In addition to the aesthetic pleasure of contemplating this masterpiece, here you can significantly expand your horizons. But for this you will have to purchase an entrance ticket.

The first floor is completely occupied by the Punya Hall or the Hall of Virtue. Its walls are decorated with paintings of episodes from the earthly life of Buddha. There is also a huge bell, whose 108 daily strikes symbolize getting rid of the same number of problems. The guardian of this hall is the statue of Kshitigarbha - Bodhisattva, who is the protector of all life on Earth.

On the second floor, tourists can expect a fascinating sight - the panel “Sermon Fayim” depicting listening Bodhisattvas. The masterpiece is made of wood: 160 pairs of eyes, conveying shades of a wide variety of emotions, excite the imagination of even inveterate skeptics. The name of this place is very symbolic - the Hall of the Universe (Dharmadhatu).

The Hall of Memory is located on the third floor and is famous for the fact that it contains a piece of the holy relics of Buddha. There are analogues to this only in Sri Lanka and mainland China. According to legend, the lucky ones who catch their eye will later be able to see the Buddha himself!

How to get there

The Big Buddha statue is located in Hong Kong, in the Islands District of the Western New Territory, on the Ngon Phin Hills of Lantau Island. First of all, you need to get to Tung Chung MRT Station. Very close to the subway exit is the Tung Chung Town Center Bus Terminus bus stop, from which you can take number 23 to your destination. At the box office, it is most rational to purchase a Lantau pass, the cost of which is 35 NK$. It gives you the right to freely move around the island on any bus for a whole day.

One of the alternative options would be the funicular; it is located a five-minute walk from the metro exit and its stop is called Ngong Ping Cable Car Tung Chung Station.

Those who like leisurely boat trips can recommend traveling by ferry: from the Central Ferry pier to the Mui Wo pier on Lantau Island. Not far from it there is a bus stop called Mui Wo Pier Bus Terminus, where you will have to take number 2 and get to the final one.

What to see nearby

An equally interesting attraction, located in close proximity to the Buddha statue, is the picturesque Poulinsim (“precious lotus”) monastery. An amazing symbiosis of beauty, silence and tranquility attracts tourists here from all over the Earth, regardless of religion. Artifact connoisseurs should definitely check out the main Buddha Hall and the Arhats Hall. Those who love solitude should spend a meditation session near the Lotus Pond, where fish quietly splash and the streams of a small fountain shimmer with silver. But lovers of beauty need to get into the orchid garden. A large number of exotic plants are grown in it, and subsequently they are planted throughout the monastery. Gourmets will definitely enjoy the tea ceremony, which is scheduled to take place in the tea house. View from the Big Buddha to Poulin Sim Monastery

Tourist Information

The best time to visit the Big Buddha in Hong Kong is considered to be winter, when everything here is in bloom and fragrant. Experienced visitors recommend using the services of a Russian-speaking guide to gain insight into the history and beautiful legends associated with Buddhist shrines. It is advisable to reduce all the inconveniences associated with climbing the long staircase of 268 steps to a minimum, so you should wear comfortable shoes with good fit on your feet during the excursion.

On the territory of the complex there is a cafe with vegetarian cuisine and many souvenir shops, so having a certain amount of money is required.

Opening hours: from 10.00 to 17.45.