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This is the side of Hong Kong that doesn't feel like Hong Kong: mountains, monasteries and silence. Honestly, it was our favourite day of the whole trip.
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Getting there by MTR
From Tsim Sha Tsui we took the MTR (a mistake first: you need Tsim Sha Tsui East station, not Tsim Sha Tsui). Change at Nam Cheong to the Tung Chung line and ride to the end. At Tung Chung, follow Exit B → Ngong Ping 360. The exit opens into Citygate Outlets, so save the shopping for the evening.
Ngong Ping 360: Standard vs Crystal
There are two cabin types. The Crystal cabin has a glass floor, so you see everything below you, and it was worth it. We booked online on Klook (cheaper than the counter), and the Crystal cabin came to about ₹4,500. We went one way by cable car and came back by bus.
Ngong Ping village & the Big Buddha
At the top there's a small village of shops and cafés. It was cold that day, so coffee first. Then climb the steps to the Tian Tan (Big) Buddha. There are a lot of steps, but fewer than Batu Caves in Malaysia.
Po Lin Monastery & the Hall of 10,000 Buddhas
Beautiful Chinese architecture, giant incense sticks taller than people, and the Grand Hall of 10,000 Buddhas.
Vegetarian temple food
Next to the monastery is a fully vegetarian food hall with a calm pavilion to sit in. We had vegetable dumplings, taro dumplings, spring rolls and a sweet-sauce mixed-veg dish. It's great if you're vegetarian and struggling to find food in Hong Kong.
Getting back
We'd planned to visit Tai O fishing village but couldn't, so we took a bus straight back to Tung Chung and went shopping at Citygate: our Citygate Outlets review.
Tip: don't plan Lantau for the day after Disneyland. Both are long walking days.
FAQs
How do I get to Ngong Ping 360?
Take the MTR Tung Chung line to the last stop, Tung Chung, and follow signs for Exit B / Ngong Ping 360 through Citygate mall.
Is there vegetarian food at the Big Buddha?
Yes. Po Lin Monastery has a fully vegetarian food hall with dumplings, spring rolls and taro dishes.
TAGS: HONG KONG · LANTAU ISLAND · NGONG PING 360 · BIG BUDDHA · VEGETARIAN
💬 Questions & answers
NO QUESTIONS YET. ASK US ANYTHING ABOUT THIS TRIP.
Prashant & Sunaina
A travel couple from Pune with Kashmiri Pandit × Maharashtrian roots, 8+ countries and counting. Every rupee shared.
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