Allegedly the world's tallest, outdoor, seated bronze Buddha, the 34-meter-high Tian Tan Buddha was completed in 1993 at a cost a reported $68 million. The statue weighs 250 tons and is made up of 202 separate pieces of bronze. Below that statue, a massive bell rings every 7 minutes symbolizing the release of human suffering. Symbolic of the harmonious relationship between people, nature and religion, the mammoth statue sits in the lotus position atop an alter surrounded by eight smaller statues on a hill reached by a long stairway (268 steps). The Buddha's raised right hand symbolizes the removal of pain.
The Tian Tan Buddha is now more of a tourist attraction than major centre of Buddhism and is one of five large Buddha statues in China. On a clear day, you can see the Buddha from as far away as Macau.
Located an Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, the statue is very near the Po Lin monastery which is now an international Buddhist retreat and is worth a visit for its vermillion interiors, dragons and mythical figures. Also nearby is Lantau Peak, the second largest mountain in Hong Kong. You can hike up a path that offers excellent views of the Buddha and monastery.
Visiting the Tian Tan Buddha, the monastery and Lantau Peak is a good away to spend a sunny afternoon. And don't forget your camera.