Lantau - Tian Tan Buddha Statue

Over the Temple of Heaven (Tian Tan), which was dedicated in 1993, towers a 34m/112ft high bronze figure of Buddha, believed to be the largest free-standing statue of its kind in the world. The 164 segments of the statue were made in China and then shipped to Hong Kong. The cost of some HK $68 million was met by subscriptions from Buddhists in Hong Kong and China and from donations from all over the world. Completed in 1990, the statue can be seen from the Chinese mainland, and is designed to symbolize peace and religious freedom.

It is well worth rising early to climb Lantau Peak (934m/3065ft), under the guidance of a monk, to witness the magnificent sunrise.

Below the monastery, to the south, are Hong Kong's only tea plantations.

To the west of the beaches of Pui O and Cheung Sha (north of the road to Tai O), amid scenery of breathtaking beauty, is the Shek Pik reservoir. There is an attractive walk round the lake.