Tian Tan Buddha

Wofford Girls at the Tian Tan Buddha

Today we went to Tian Tan Buddha, also known as the Big Buddha. The Big Buddha was completed in 1993 and is located on Ngong Ping Lantau Island in Hong Kong. It is one of five large buddha statues in China.  The Tian Tan's Buddha had his right hand raised, representing the removal of affliction. His left hand rests on his lap in a gesture of giving dhana. Also the Buddha faces north, which is unique among the five big Buddha statues because all the others face south. 

There is also a monastery located at the Big Buddha sight. Lunch is served, however it is vegetarian as Buddhists do not eat any meat. 

We were originally going to go to the Tian Tan Buddha the Wednesday of the Chinese New Year holiday but because we thought it would be extra crowded we decided to go Saturday. THANK GOODNESS WE MADE THAT DECISION! On Wednesday the 5.8K long cable car up to the Big Buddha broke! Tourists were stuck in the cable cards for 90 minutes. I honestly think I would have had a panic attack. And my mom definitely would have, as she is afraid of heights!

Garden at the base of the Tian Tan Buddha

So today we decided to go to the Big Buddha and take the 45 minute bus up to the statue (the cable car was still closed for repair). We then walked up 240 steps to see the BIG Buddha up close. It was a remarkable experience.