Allegedly the world's tallest, outdoor, seated bronze Buddha, the 34-meter-high (112 ft) Tian Tan Buddha (天壇大佛) was completed in 1993 at a reported cost of USD 68 million.

The statue weighs 250 metric tons (280 short tons) and is made up of 202 separate pieces of bronze. Below the statue is a massive bell that rings every seven minutes, symbolizing the release of human suffering.

The Tian Tan Buddha is a symbol of the harmonious relationship between people, nature and religion. The mammoth Buddha sits in the lotus position atop an altar surrounded by eight smaller statues at the top of a hill reached by a 268-step long staircase. Like many statues of Buddha, the Tian Tan version holds its right hand raised, also a sign of alleviating pain.

More of a tourist attraction than a major centre of Buddhism, this is one of five large Buddha statues in China and on a clear day, you can see it from as far away as Macau.

Located at Ngong Ping (昂坪) on Lantau Island, the statue is very near the Po Lin Monastery (寶蓮禪寺). Home to an international Buddhist retreat, Po Lin is worth a visit for its vermillion interiors, dragons and mythical figures. Also nearby is Lantau Peak (鳳凰山), the second largest mountain in Hong Kong. (Hike up the mountain path for excellent views of the Buddha and monastery.)

A visit to Lantau Island to take in the Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and Lantau Peak is a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. And don't forget your camera.

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