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Po Lin Monastery
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Landmark
Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island is a major Buddhist sanctuary in Hong Kong, founded in 1924 by monks Tun Chi and Yun Fan. It is best known for the Tian Tan Buddha, a 34-meter-tall bronze statue of a seated Buddha, completed in 1993 at a cost of over HKD 100 million. The statue weighs 250 tons and sits atop a hill overlooking the South China Sea. The monastery complex includes seven sacred pagodas, a vegetarian restaurant, and a hall of relics. Unlike many tourist landmarks, Po Lin remains an active monastery where monks conduct daily prayers and meditation retreats. The site attracts over 5 million visitors annually, making it one of Hong Kong's top cultural attractions. Architecturally, it blends Tang dynasty influences with modern engineering, and the 268-step climb to the Buddha features panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and coastline.
- Location: Hong Kong SAR China
- Top sights: Po Lin Monastery · Po Lin Monastery Hua Yan Pagoda · Ngong Ping SSSI
- Nearby: Tung Chung (4 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 16 | 18 | 20 | 23 | 26 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 25 | 22 | 17 |
| Rain mm | 35 | 29 | 69 | 109 | 231 | 288 | 197 | 234 | 173 | 56 | 29 | 21 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Po Lin Monastery is open to the public, with the main hall and courtyard accessible. Access to the adjacent Big Buddha is also free; there is no charge to enter the monastery itself.
Typical hours
The monastery is usually open daily from about 8:00 to 17:30, the Buddha plateau area possibly longer. It is advisable to come early in the morning to avoid the large crowds.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the monastery grounds, including in front of the Big Buddha. Please do not use flash in the prayer halls and be respectful towards praying monks.
Time needed
Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for the monastery and the Buddha, including a walk to the viewpoint. If you also want to explore the Wisdom Path, add another half hour.
Combine with
Combine your visit with a ride on the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, which provides impressive views of Lantau. The nearby Ngong Ping village with its shops and restaurants is also worth exploring.
Getting there
Take the MTR to Tung Chung and then transfer to the Ngong Ping 360 cable car or bus 23 to the monastery. The cable car ride takes about 25 minutes, the bus about 45 minutes.
Insider tip
Come early to avoid the queues at the cable car - the first rides are the quietest. Be sure to try the monastery's vegetarian cuisine in the dining hall.
Geography
Facts
- Po Lin Monastery was founded in 1924 by monks Tun Chi and Yun Fan.
- The Tian Tan Buddha statue is 34 meters tall and weighs 250 tons.
- The Buddha was completed in 1993 after five years of construction.
- The total cost was over HKD 100 million.
- A climb of 268 steps leads to the base of the statue.
- The monastery attracts about 5 million visitors each year.
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Sights in the town Po Lin Monastery (4)
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Frequently asked questions
How do I get to the monastery?
The best way is to take the Ngong Ping 360 cable car or bus line 23 from Tung Chung.
Is there vegetarian food?
Yes, the monastery is famous for its traditional vegetarian cuisine served in the canteen.
When is the monastery open?
The monastery is typically open to visitors daily from 08:00 to 18:00.
Is entry free?
Access to the monastery grounds is free, though some exhibitions or meals require a fee.
Is there a dress code?
Visitors should dress respectfully, keeping shoulders and knees covered.
Po Lin Monastery: where is it located?
Po Lin Monastery is located in Hong Kong SAR China.
Po Lin Monastery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Po Lin Monastery, Po Lin Monastery Hua Yan Pagoda, Ngong Ping SSSI.
Po Lin Monastery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
Po Lin Monastery: why is it worth visiting?
Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island is a major Buddhist sanctuary in Hong Kong, founded in 1924 by monks Tun Chi and Yun Fan.
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