Hong Kong: An Afternoon in Ngong Ping Village and climbing the Tian Tian Big Buddha

It was a very hot August day in Hong Kong and many people brought their umbrellas including us because my mom, like the rest of the Asians really, does not want to be directly exposed to the sun, hehe. When I moved to Europe, my understanding of the umbrella became as simple as ONLY USE this when it’s raining outside. If you do use the umbrella in Europe for the sun, people will think you are out of your mind. Seriously.

Ah, the joys of cross-cultural idiosyncrasies and nuances.

The parents sharing the little umbrella hehe.

First things first: Lunch
Restaurant Bistro: Zen Taiwanese Bistro

We chose Zen Taiwanese Bistro because we wanted to sit outside so we can people watch, but the requirement is we need to sit under the shade. Of course. This bistro came to the rescue. The food here is quite affordable and not really that tasty, but we can live with it. We were all hungry so we will eat anything in front of us as long as it is not moving =)

A mix of noodles, rice and meat for lunch. I thought the corn kernels were redudant (carbohydrates on carbihydrates) with the noodles and rice. 

Ngong Ping Village
Website: Ngong Ping 360 Village

The culturally themed village is set on a 1.5 hectare site that hosts the Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tian Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha.

I would love to have a huge mask like this at home, but not sure if Dutchman wants something like this as well.

Two of the Twelve Divine Generals that guards the main walkway as you enter the main Ngong Ping Village leading to the axis, monastery and buddha.

Family picture naturally.

Cows were free to roam in the village!

The Climb and the Tian Tian Buddha
天壇大佛

From the website of Po Lin Monastery:

‘The Big Buddha on Lantau Island is the biggest sitting Buddha statue built outdoor. This majestic statue sits atop the peak of Mount Muk Yue. Po Lin Monastery has taken 12 years to plan and build this bronze Buddha statue that symbolizes the stability of Hong Kong, prosperity of China and peace on earth.’

For more information about the history, design and the making of this buddha, go here: Big Buddha

240 steps to climb the Big Buddha. My sister and I conquered these steps while the parents did not even dare.

Big Buddha is 34 metres tall and weighs 250 metric tons. It was built in 1990 and took 3 years to finish.

Lantau Island is a very green island.

View from the top of the steps.

The 'Offering of the Six Devas' which I managed to only capture three. The statues are offering flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit and music to the Big Buddha. These symbolize charity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom.

The view to the outlying islands from the top of the Big Buddha.

Waiting for the bus. No one dares to take the cable car ride back to Tung Chung Station so we are taking the bus =). Read here the cable car ride with my acrophobic family: Ngong Ping 360 Cable Ride Views in Lantau Island and the 2-Hour Wait

Cows roam free on the streets of Lantau Island because cows are holy animals and should be free, respected and left alone according to Buddhism.

Travel Period: August 2013
Destination: Lantau Island (New Territories), Hong Kong

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