Po Lin Monastery & The Big Buddha One of Hong Kong's major Buddhist centres, Po Lin Monastery is Lantau's most popular tourist attraction. Set amid spectacular mountain scenery, the monastery shares Ngong Ping Plateau with the famous Big Buddha, the world's largest, seated, outdoor, bronze Buddha statue. Visitors can walk up the 268 steps to visit the 26-metre-high, 202-tonne wonder. More ambitious hikers can climb nearby Lantau Peak. At 934 metres, it is Hong Kong's second highest peak.

Tung Chung The last of the Sung Dynasty emperors and their 'travelling palace' stayed for a while in the valley behind this ancient fishing village, which is a pleasant 90-minute downhill walk from Po Lin Monastery. Be sure to visit Hau Wong Temple, a lovely tiered-roof structure from the 18th Century, as well as the harbourside Qing Dynasty fort. This cannon-decked early 19th Century battery was built to repel pirates and invaders.

Tai O Fishing Village Located on the far north-westerly edge of Lantau, this is a rare example of a Chinese stilt-house community. As its Tanka boat people do not feel safe on land, many live in tiny homes built on stilts above the tidal waters. Their enchanting world is an amateur photographer's paradise accessible by an hour-long bus ride from Mui Wo. A new manually operated drawbridge spans the narrow creek that divides the town. It replaces an old-fashioned rope-drawn "ferry" that operated for over 86 years.

(Source: discoverhongkong.com / Photo: discoverhongkong.com )

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