The Big Buddha or the Tian Tan Buddha is one of the five largest Buddha statues in China. It is constructed largely from bronze and steel framework and measures 34 meters tall.

The statue is designed based on the 32 physical marks of the Buddha as described in Buddhist sutras. The Big Buddha statue is also visible from Macau on a clear day.

Visitors to the Big Buddha have to climb 268 steps in order to reach the Buddha’s statue and then circulate around the platform at the lotus seat.

At the base of the Big Buddha statue are three halls; the Hall of Universe, the Hall of Benevolent Merit and the Hall of Remembrance. Located inside is said to be a relic of Gautama Buddha.

Next to the Big Buddha statue is the famous Po Lin Monastery. This is a century old Buddhist temple founded back in 1906. The main temple buildings are decorated with Buddhist mythical figures. In addition, there are impressive patches of Zen-like gardens scattered within the monastery compound with fruit trees, a lotus pond and classical Chinese landscaping.


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