When vacationing on Lantau, you can go to the beach, visit the Big Buddha and then sit in a bar-restaurant on Discovery Bay in one day. Lantau will be a paradise for those who love outdoor activities and walks. But history and culture lovers will also find much to enjoy here. Whether you want to walk to a remote spot for a great view of the sunset, or climb up to the tallest sitting Buddha statue in Hong Kong in a glass-bottomed booth and then come back and sit in a seaside restaurant, Lantau has something for you.
Ngong Ping 360 and the Big Buddha
Lantau’s main attraction is the 34-meter high Tiantan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha, which sits atop a hill. What is the best way to get there? By taking the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, which goes up from Tunchun to Ngong Ping Village and will give you amazing views of Lantau Island, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge and the Big Buddha. The climb up this road takes 25 minutes. All cabins are air-conditioned, and you can also sit in the so-called “crystal cabins” with a transparent floor. The upper station of the cable car is a ten-minute walk from the beginning of the staircase, which consists of 268 steps leading up to the base of the statue. At the end of this staircase you will not only get a breathtaking view of the green Lantau Mountains and the vast South China Sea – from here you can also admire the Pow Lin Monastery with all its colorful murals. After descending the stairs, you can visit it.
Wisdom Path
Stroll another 10 minutes from the foot of the Big Buddha steps and you’ll find yourself at Wisdom Path, which traces a series of 38 wooden steles (upright monuments) containing verses from the centuries-old Heart Sutra – one of the world’s best-known prayers revered by Confucians, Buddhists and Taoists alike. These steles display the Chinese version of the prayer, based on the calligraphy of famous contemporary scholar Professor Jao Tsung-I, and are arranged in an ∞ pattern, which represents infinity. Professor Jao’s calligraphy and painting masterpieces are incorporated into the design of the commemorative plaque and the site map displaying his biography and academic achievements. Find out more about Professor Jao and his work at Jao Tsung-I Academy.
Tunchun Fortress
This well-preserved fortress was built in 1832 and has an interesting history. When the British took control of Hong Kong in 1898, the fortress was abandoned. During the Second World War, it was occupied by Japanese troops, then housed a post office and then a college. Today, this fortress is a monument to a bygone era, and there are even six cannons and Chinese arcades preserved here. If you’re a real history buff, you can also visit the nearby Tunchun Artillery Fortifications.
Chung Sha and Pui O Beaches
If you want to relax on a sandy beach, there are two options in Pui O Village: Chun Sha Beach and Pui O Beach, both of which stretch along not the most visited stretches of coastline. Pui O is farther away than the second beach, Chun Sha. It is a three-kilometer stretch of white sand and is one of the longest beaches in Hong Kong. Here you can try your hand at water sports such as kayaking, windsurfing and kiteboarding. Chung Sha Beach is popular among those who come to Lantau for a day. It is practically packed on weekends and holidays, so if you want to get a good spot, you need to get here early.
Discovery Bay
Many expats are used to hitting Lantau land right here at Discovery Bay (or DB for short). This is where the life of the otherwise very relaxed island just pulsates. There are tons of things to do here, from watching the yacht club regattas on the waters of Discovery Bay to shopping at the Independent Artisans and Merchants Fair, held in Discovery Bay Square every second Sunday of the month. Or you can simply sip wine over a good lunch at D Deck, Hong Kong’s largest alfresco restaurant, which offers 180-degree views of the sea. Still close to the bay is Hemingway’s, which has a varied vegetarian menu – this place is extremely popular with Discovery Bay tourists.
Lantau Trail
The 70km Lantau Trail stretches along the length of the island, taking in some of the most memorable views and unspoiled nature. The route is divided into 12 sections varying in difficulty. Some of them are quite challenging, so it’s no surprise that this trail forms a significant part of the route of the annual TransLantau Super Marathon and remains a popular destination for hikers and trailrunners. Don’t miss the opportunity to climb Sunset Peak at 869 meters. It is the third highest point in Hong Kong.
Tai Ou Fishing Village
Tai Ou Village dates back to the Ming Dynasty and is filled with historical and cultural heritage sites. It was originally inhabited by the Danjia people who established a community of fishermen who built their houses on stilts over the tidal flats. This village should definitely be included in your Lantau Island sightseeing plans. Boats float on the canals between the houses, filling the place with a special flavor. This is not the only thing that deserves a post on your Instagram account. Some of the enterprising locals have turned their houses on stilts into restaurants and cafes, including Solo, which serves a variety of teas, coffees, and homemade pastries.