Going to Ngong Ping for a quick city escape is probably the wisest and the fastest way to travel to an outlying island in Hong Kong. This highland is located in the western part of Lantau Island. It has quite a few popular attractions that every tourist should visit before they leave the city. In this article, you will be able to find out more details about these attractions and how to get there easily. Read on for more.
Travelling to Ngong Ping by Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car
The cheapest way to travel to Ngong Ping is to take bus no. 23 from Tung Chung Town Centre. It will take you about an hour to get there. However, our favourite way to get there is to take the Ngong Ping 360, the bi-cable cable car which will take you to the same place in less than 30 minutes. You get to enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the area during your journey to Ngong Ping. What a great way to sightsee at the same time!
Eating and Shopping at Ngong Ping Village
Once you get off the cable car, you will then reach Ngong Ping Village. It is an outdoor shopping arcade where you can find loads of shops and restaurants, galleries and a discovery centre. It is definitely a great place to charge yourself a bit up before you visit the following attractions.
Climbing 268 steps to Reach the Big Buddha
You certainly won't miss the Tian Tan Buddha because it is quite easy to spot it from far. This large bronze statue, as known as the Big Buddha, is the signature landmark of Ngong Ping. If you want to see it from a closer look, you will have to climb 268 steps to reach there. It doesn't sound really bad, right? You will only find out while you are there.
Visiting the Renowned Po Lin Monastery
This beautiful Po Lin Monastery is open to the public for free. It totally gives you a perfect reason to visit the place while you are there. The architecture of this Buddhist monastery is absolutely our favourite. It looks like an ancient Chinese palaces, doesn't it? If you are looking for quality vegetarian food, there is also a local vegetarian restaurant inside.
Hiking across Lantau Peak for Wisdom Path
Wisdom Path is no doubt the best sight you should definitely visit in Ngong Ping. It is a path on Fung Wong Shan (the Lantau Peak) lined with some wooden monuments that inscribed with the Heart Sutra prayer. Don't worry if you are not a hiking enthusiast, it only takes you about 20-minute walking to get there from Ngong Ping Village. It is super easy to get there and you should 100% not to miss.