Trifter

Coming from or going to the Hong Kong airport, it’s hard to miss that gigantic Buddha. Near this are cable cars sliding across like tiny spiders upon a fragile web. Ngong Ping and the Big Buddha in Lantau island is but another landmark reminding you that while Hong Kong is a Chinese country, it is also very much capitalist and, well, touristy.

The path begins with a cable car ride that begins near the Tung Chung MTR station in Lantau Island. The ride takes about 15 minutes and presents you with a bird’s eye view of the island. The brochure will point out so-called interesting photo-ops like the airport.

The other end of the ride is the Ngong Ping Village, a replica of an old Chinese neighborhood but fitted with souvenir shops, restaurants and a Starbucks. There’s a regular mascot show for kids and a large fiberglass enlightenment tree with a nook for hanging written wishes and prayers.

This village replica is small, having only one main avenue that leads to the Big Buddha. Known more properly as the Tian Tan Buddha, this giant copper structure stands nearly 10 storeys high. You need to take some 200-plus steps to get to the base.

The Buddha is part of the nearby Po Lin monastery, which manages the temple across the area where they sell and burn incense. There’s a small vegetarian restaurant inside the complex where you can recharge on affordable and healthy dishes.

A small wooded trail near the grounds of the Buddha will take you through a paved nature walk known as the Wisdom Path. This is also part of the Lantau Trail, which covers one of Hong Kong’s highest peaks.

It can be a rather strange experience for those unfamiliar with Buddhism or the purists. The Ngong Ping village may seem either as a fun and touristy way to learn Chinese culture, or as a sell-out for Chinese Buddhism. But there’s no stopping the flow of tourists. The path of enlightenment, it seems, can be well-trodden.

For another take on Chinese culture in Hong Kong, visit the Nan Lian Garden. Or to really experience rural Hong Kong, have lunch or dinner at Cheung Chau island.

Hikers can get another view of Hong Kong from Jardine’s Lookout.

Photos taken with my very unpredictable yet lovable Diana F+ 35mm analog film camera.