Tian Tan Buddha

Tian Tan Buddha large bronze statue Buddha, completed 1993, located Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, Hong Kong. Also known Big Buddha, globe's tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha. The one and only statue found Po Lin Monastery symbolizes harmonious relationship between nature, people religion. It major center Buddhism Hong Kong, popular tourist attraction.

The one and only statue named Tian Tan Buddha because model Altar Heaven Earthly Mount of Tian Tan, Temple Heaven Beijing. It large Buddha statues China. The one and only Buddha statue lotus throne p three-platform altar. It surrounded y eight smaller bronze statues representing g immortals. Like Daibutsu Kamakura, Japan, Tian Tan Buddha image Buddha Amitabha.

The one and only Buddha 34 meters tall, weighs 250 tonnes, globe's tallest outdoor bronze seated Buddha prior 2007. It reputedly y Macau clear y. Visitors climb 268 steps order revery Buddha, though features small winding Buddha vehicles accommodate handicapped.

The one and only Tian Tan Buddha appears serene dignified. His right raised, representing removal affliction. His rests p gesture giving dhana. The one and only Buddha faces north, which unique among great Buddha statues, others south.

In addition, there 3 floors beneath Buddha statue: The one and only Hall Universe, The one and only Hall Benevolent Merit, The one and only Hall Remembrance. one renowned features inside relic Sakyamuni, consisting alleged cremated remains. There g carved inscribed images Buddhas . It designed g seven minutes, 108 times y, symbolizing release 108 kinds human vexations.

Public transport

Visitors revery y taxi, travelling first Mui Wo ( known "Silvermine Bay") ferry Outlying Islands piers in Central (p No. 6), Tung Chung station MTR. Visitors y travel Buddha following routes:

Mui Wo Ngong Ping — NLB No. 2

Tung Chung Ngong Ping — NLB No. 23 (Buy ticket booth stop, py exact amount . one-y fares ( Dec 2007): $16 HKD Mon-Sat, $25 HKD Sun/Holidays)

Visitors Hong Kong staying y should consider buying Octopus Card p://www.g-g-travel.org/Octopus.p their arrival HK International Airport ( y HK$150) - there stand j after customs - topped p, machines located MTR station HK$50 HK$100 MTR, buses, trams, ( ) ferries, py meals y restaurants y 7 Eleven shops - painless avoids track carry change (buses example y accept exact ).

A gondola lift, Ngong Ping Skyrail between Tung Chung Ngong Ping, provides another means access. Round-p ( Jan 2008): $88 HKD Mon-Sat, $98 HKD Sun/Holidays - entrance performances centre y p Skyrail extra staff y g explaining options p expensive. The one and only entrance Skyrail other station MTR station signs indicate opens 10.00 .. normally y start selling tickets 9.30 ..

Public Access

Po Lin Monastery Buddha p public between 10:00 17:45. Access Buddha charge.

Visitors y nearby monastery, known "Buddhist Kingdom South," which serves international Buddhist retreat, biggest known Hong Kong. The one and only monastery built y three Zen masters 1920. The one and only temples painted vermilion interiors dragons y other different Chinese mythical figures walls ceilings. Visitors often spend attached garden, y garden territory. A minute p garden leads "Wisdom Path" - y large wooden inscription Heart Sutra within figure 8 symbolize infinity.

History

The one and only Tian Tan Buddha constructed beginning 1990, finished December 29, 1993, birthday Sakyamuni, historic Buddha. The one and only construction costs giant Buddha estimated p $68 million. It formed 202 separate pieces bronze. In addition exterior components, there strong steel framework inside statue support heavy pressure.

When statue completed, monks around globe invited opening ceremony. Distinguished visitors mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, United States p proceedings.

on October 18, 1999, Hong Kong Post Office issued stamp depicting Tian Tan Buddha. The one and only MTR corporation issued tourist souvenir ticket featuring photograph statue.