The Giant Buddha

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On the second day we got up at a most disagreeable time, 7:30am if memory serves, with the purpose of getting to Lantau island to see the giant Buddha.

We made our way to the Hong Kong Mass Transit Underground Railway, or MTR. It was awesome. It's not often that i, or indeed anyone, will wax lyrical about a tube system but this was spectacular; glass walls between the platform and the rails, mobile phone coverage throughout the system, and toilets that don't reek of cockney piss. Worth the flight to HK alone.

About half an hour later we arrived on Lantau island in the town? of Tung Chung, a very strange place in itself. All of the domestic housing is in enormous tower blocks which must house 5000 people each, and there were about 15 of these blocks all in the space of about 4 sq/miles. Very strange.

Following a quick walk around the malls, we made our way to Sky rail, this a 5.7km cable car which takes you from Tung Chung to Ngong Ping, home of the Giant Buddha. It takes around 25 minutes, and is a picturesque alternative to the 1 hour journey by road. From the skyrail you can see Tung Chung slowly spread out behind you, the HK international airport to the right, Tung Chung bay underneath and after about ten minutes, the Tian Tan Buddha comes into view. We've just met up with one of friends from home in OZ and his photos are dreadful, you can barely see the cable car in front, at the time we didn't realise how fortunate we were with the weather, which was perfect, save the habitual HK smog.

When we reached Ngong Ping we had a quick look round, then went to the 'walking with Buddha experience' which is a dumbed down cartoon version of how the Buddha came to be, complete with synchronised mists of water et al. But i dare say it is aimed at all ages so fair enough.

Then we went to see the monkey's tale, another cartoon, but this time putting over one of Buddhism's main values; that in receiving we find happiness, but it is in giving that we find true joy. Whatever.

After these two enlightening experiences we walked up the hill and the 268 steps to the foot of the the Buddha. It is an awesome sight, it stands at 34m tall and weighs 250 tons, and is unique among Buddha statues in that it faces north. All other Buddha's face south.

After a contemplative pause we headed back down to Ngong Ping and looked around the shops. We bought a set of four chopsticks, i somehow resisted the urge to spend 500quid on a platinum plated set, redwood is good enough for me. We tried to go for some food and a drink in the Ngong Ping tea room, but it turned out to be a room full of tea, for buying, removing from the premises then drinking, rather than have it brought to you and consuming immediately. Shame. We then headed back to the skyrail terminal and made our way down to Tung Chung, and then home via the MTR. A really astonishing day out, yet again the pictures don't do it justice. I think that may be a re-occurring theme on this trip.

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Photos

The Giant Buddha
The world's tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha. Apparently

HK International Airport
All constructed on reclaimed land

The Buddha
Obviously

Three of the eight smaller statues surrounding the buddha
All 8 of the smaller statues are praising the Tian Tan Buddha. They represent Gods and Immortals

One of the 15 or so apartment buildings
And the best we can do is Snow Hill.

Sarah
Hmmm.

Comments

[Mike Braun]

Hong Kong
Loved your commentary Jack. Glad that you enjoyed HK. I thought the whole place was amazing but would not want to live there. Hope you are enjoying sydney

[Sam Bartlett]

He he, I like your blogs Jack, very interesting to read. You are a skilled writer. Charlotte is really jealous that you guys got to see a giant Buddha. Send me a postcard to St Catharine's College, CB2 1RL if you get the chance! Say hello to Sarah for me x