Lantau Island

Introducing Lantau Island

Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong. It is located in the western waters of Hong Kong. The terrain is mainly mountainous. Phoenix Mountain is 935 meters above sea level and is the second highest peak in Hong Kong. There is a small piece of flat land under the mountain stream of Lantau Island. The most densely populated area on the island is Tai O Town in the southwest. Many Hong Kong people will go to Lantau Island to play and rest on weekends or holidays.

Lantau Island's terrain is steep in the southwest and lower in the northeast. Its main peak, Phoenix Peak, stands at 935 meters, making it the second highest peak in Hong Kong. The island's coastline is long and winding, with harbors and beaches, mountains and rivers, and a vibrant blend of natural landscapes and historical sites. Major tourist attractions include Po Lin Monastery, Tai O, Tsing Ma Bridge, Tian Tan Buddha, Ngong Ping 360, Ngong Ping Plaza, and the Heart Sutra Forest.

Climate and best time to travel

Subtropical monsoon climate;

Autumn is from late September to late December. The weather is usually sunny and dry, which is suitable for travel.

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

Po Lin Monastery

Known as the Southern Heaven Buddhist Kingdom, Po Lin Monastery is the foremost of Hong Kong's four major Buddhist temples. Founded in 1924, Po Lin Monastery has undergone decades of dedicated development, resulting in a magnificent temple complex featuring the palatial Main Hall and the majestic Heavenly King Hall. The temple offers overnight accommodations, allowing visitors to watch the sunrise on Phoenix Mountain or to engage in a brief retreat.

Tai O

Tai O is known as the "Venice of Hong Kong." Located on an outlying island, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Tai O is less affected by urbanization and thus retains the charm of Hong Kong's early fishing villages.

Tsing Ma Bridge

Spanning the sea between Tsing Yi and Ma Wan, the Tsing Ma Bridge is one of the ten core projects of Hong Kong's new airport. At 2,200 meters long, it, along with the Kap Shui Mun Bridge connecting Ma Wan to Lantau Island, resembles two rainbows. Its grandeur surpasses the Golden Gate Bridge in the United States, making it a new tourist attraction in Hong Kong.

Tian Tan Buddha

Across from Po Lin Monastery lies the world-renowned Tian Tan Buddha. This seated bronze statue features a rounded, elegant face, ears drooping to the shoulders, and its right hand in the Abhaya Mudra, signifying the Buddha's aspiration to save all living beings. Please note that to visit the Buddha, you must first climb 268 stone steps to reach the Buddha's presence. The majestic and serene Buddha, combined with the picturesque surrounding scenery, creates a soothing atmosphere, perfect for quiet contemplation and relaxation. The Buddha's relics are enshrined in the Memorial Hall at the base of the Buddha. Tickets are available for viewing.

It is recommended to visit for 1~2 days

Attraction opening hours

Open all day

---

Most Popular FAQs for Lantau Island

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong, known for its blend of natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and modern development. The island is home to the famous Tian Tan Buddha, which attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. Lantau also has significant historical importance, as it was historically a fishing and farming community before developing into a major tourist destination.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

Lantau Island is located to the west of Hong Kong Island. The best way to get there is by taking the MTR (Mass Transit Railway) to Tung Chung Station, where you can transfer to the Ngong Ping 360 cable car or take a bus to other parts of the island. Taxis are also available for more direct access.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

Lantau Island is accessible year-round, with most attractions open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is pleasant. Avoid weekends and public holidays to avoid the crowds, particularly at popular sites like Disneyland and the Tian Tan Buddha.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

Entry to the Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery is free, but there is a fee for the Ngong Ping 360 cable car (about 150 HKD for a standard ticket). Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the station. Disneyland Hong Kong has its own separate ticket pricing, which can be bought online or at the gate.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

It is recommended to book tickets for the Ngong Ping 360 cable car and Disneyland Hong Kong in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. Booking 1-2 days in advance is usually sufficient, but during holidays or festivals, booking a week ahead may be advisable.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

A full day is recommended to explore the major attractions on Lantau Island, including the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, and a cable car ride. If you plan to hike or visit Disneyland, you may need an additional day.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

The must-see highlights of Lantau Island include the Tian Tan Buddha, the Po Lin Monastery, the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, and the scenic Tai O fishing village. Disneyland Hong Kong is also a major attraction on the island.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available for most major attractions on Lantau Island, including the Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. These are often available in English and Chinese. Audio guides for the cable car and some attractions may also be offered.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

The best photography spots include the Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride, which offers stunning views of the island, as well as the area around the Tian Tan Buddha. Tai O fishing village also offers picturesque views of traditional stilt houses and scenic waterfronts.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start with the Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride for panoramic views of Lantau Island. Visit the Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery, followed by a walk around the Ngong Ping village. You can then take a bus to visit Tai O fishing village or, if interested, head to Disneyland for a more relaxed afternoon.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits to Lantau Island are limited, but Disneyland Hong Kong does have light shows and evening events. The Ngong Ping 360 cable car may also be closed at night, and most cultural attractions, like the Tian Tan Buddha, do not offer special night tours.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

Lantau Island can get crowded during weekends, public holidays, and school vacations, especially at popular spots like Disneyland and the Big Buddha. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays during off-peak seasons, such as from November to March.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

Facilities at Lantau Island include toilets, rest areas, and shops, especially near popular attractions like Ngong Ping village, Po Lin Monastery, and Disneyland. Food and water are available at restaurants, kiosks, and souvenir shops across the island.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

Lantau Island is accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors, especially with the help of public transport like buses and the Ngong Ping cable car. However, some areas, like hiking trails, may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Most places on Lantau Island accept mobile payments such as Alipay, WeChat Pay, and credit cards. However, it’s still a good idea to carry cash for smaller shops and local vendors, especially in more remote areas like Tai O village.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

There are several restaurants and cafes on Lantau Island, particularly near the Ngong Ping village, Po Lin Monastery, and Disneyland. These range from traditional Chinese cuisine to international options at Disneyland. Local eateries can be found in Tai O village offering seafood dishes.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options are available in most of the major restaurants and food courts on Lantau Island, especially near the Ngong Ping village and Disneyland. Po Lin Monastery also offers vegetarian meals as part of its cultural offerings.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

There are several hotels near Lantau Island, including the Disney Explorers Lodge, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, and other mid-range options in Tung Chung. For more budget-friendly options, accommodations can be found in nearby areas like Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

Nearby attractions include the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort, Tai O fishing village, and the Lantau Trail for hiking. These can be easily combined into a day trip with visits to the major cultural and natural sites on Lantau Island.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

Souvenir shops are abundant near the Ngong Ping village and Disneyland, offering a range of traditional Chinese crafts, religious artifacts, and Disney-themed merchandise. Local items from Tai O village, such as dried seafood and handicrafts, also make for unique souvenirs.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

To continue your trip after visiting Lantau Island, you can take the MTR back to Hong Kong Island or Kowloon. Buses and taxis are also available for direct transfers, while ferries can be used to reach other parts of the region, including Hong Kong's outlying islands.