It’s our 3rd day here in Hong Kong and we are all excited to finally get the chance to visit the Ngong Ping Village and the Big Buddha here in Hong Kong. Our teens are really looking forward to Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride! This cable car ride connects Tung Chung Town Centre on Lantau Island with Ngong Ping Village and the iconic Big Buddha.
Directions to Ngong Ping 360
And so we are off! Started the day early, as usual. To go to Ngong Ping Village, you need to get MTR tickets going to Tung Chung <add instructions here>. Ngong Ping Village cable car is within the area of Hong Kong’s City Gate Outlet.
Good that we already pre-purchased Ngong Ping 360 tickets prior to getting there. When we arrived, there was already a long queue for ticket purchase. We really usually purchased tickets online, most of the time using the Klook app. This will really save you money because Klook offers discounts on ticket purchase. Aside from that, you get to skip the usual long lines onsite so that would definitely save you time!
For the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, you have the option to purchase a clear glass window cable car or the regular standard cable car. Since I am afraid of heights, we opted to go for the standard cable car – this is cheaper, of course, compared to the special clear glass cable car.
There were more standard cable car as compared to the crystal cable cars, so the standard cable car queue is shorter than the crystal cable car. As you as ascend aboard the cable car, prepare to be mesmerized by the stunning panoramic view of the surrounding landscape. All cable cars, by the way, are designed with glass windows to you get a good unobstructed view of the lush green mountains, blue waters, and the vibrant cityscape of Hong Kong.
The cable car ride probably took around 20 minutes to reach the end. Upon reaching Nong Ping Village, you’ll be amazed and step into the world of cultural exploration. Good that we finally decided to visit this place!
Ngong Ping Tour
This vibrant village offers an arrow of attractions, including traditional tea houses, souvenir shops, and local restaurants. Immediately saw Starbucks and so we decided to first get a sip of coffee before really exploring Ngong Ping Village. And so we took a leisurely stroll through the village streets and immersed ourselves in the rich heritage and traditions of Hong Kong.
One of the spots that really attracted us was the area with the set of Eight Blessing Drums, on which words of blessings such as propitiousness, auspiciousness, happiness, peace, success etc. Can’t miss these drums, prepare to line up for photos as there were lots of visitors with cameras out in this picture-perfect spot.
Ngong Ping Village also has this Cable Car Discovery Centre! Explore the different galleries and experience zones, including a showcase of cable car components and a photo area, to learn more about the Ngong Ping Cable Car system.
Another Picture-perfect spot is the Entrance Arch to the Village. Be sure to get your camera out here as this is one IG-worthy area here in Ngong Ping.
As you walk the streets of Ngong Ping Village, you’ll find the Ngong Ping Piazza – a small plaza that stands in between Big Buddha and the village. Along the Bodhi Path, you can’t miss the stone statues of the “Twelve Divine Generals” as well as the 40 lotus-shaped stone lanterns installed on both sides.
Tian Tan Buddha
It was not an easy walk going to the Big Buddha, so you need to really be in comfy shoes when you visit this place! No visit to Ngong Ping 360 is complete, as they say, without paying homage to the majestic Big Buddha. Standing at a towering height of 34 meters, this bronze statue is a symbol of harmony, peace, and prosperity. We can’t help but to admire the intricate details of the statue even if you are just looking from afar.
There were lots of Filipino tourists there when we arrived at the Big Buddha. All smiles and cameras are out since this area is really IG-worthy! Most of the tourist are just down there taking pictures – you need to go up to get a closer look at the Big Buddha. My youngest daughter and I accepted the challenge of braving the hundred of steps up to get a closer look at the Big Buddha.
This majestic outdoor bronze Big Buddha statue sits solemnly atop the peak of Mount Muk Yue. It is seated south and facing North towards Beijing, China. It was cast with 250 tons of bronze and built over 12 years.
It is surrounded by six smaller bronze statues known as “The Offering of the Six Devas” and they are posed offering flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit, and music.
It’s all worth it but really very tiring! There is a magnificent view of the surrounding landscape from up there! If you are up for the challenge, be sure you have water because it’s really tiring. There are other smaller buddha structures there apart from the Big Buddha – all with such amazing intricate details! It’s really worth it! Faster to go down than go up this Big Buddha, so be sure to take all photos up there before heading back to the ground.
This Ngong Ping 360 really offers a memorable experience for us! Apart from the scenic adventure, the whole family will sure have a great time with the cultural immersion in this Ngong Ping Village. The round trip cable car ride is a must-do in your next visit to the vibrant city of Hong Kong! Two thumbs up for this!