1. Po Lin Monastery

A 102-hectare plateau in the western-central part of Lantau, Ngong Ping sits high on the uplands some 460 meters above sea level. Monks and priests began settling in this pristine part of Hong Kong in the last century. They live in recluse and practise Buddhism. Today, apart from some original rural settlements, Lantau is mostly known for its religious establishments. Among the many monasteries, retreats and Buddhist halls, none other is more magnificent or sizeable than Po Lin Monastery – one of the three greatest Buddhist holy grounds in Hong Kong.

2. Tian Tan Buddha Statue

You look up to the southwest from Tei Tan square in the middle of the Po Lin Monastery plaza, you see a flight of 260 steps leading to the world's largest outdoor bronze statue of Buddha. The huge statue body is a breathtaking sight, and the kind smile on His face instills a sense of peacefulness. The Tian Tan Buddha sits solemnly atop the 482m Muk Yue Shan. Standing opposite to the monastery, the whole complex is 6,547 m2 in size.

3. Wisdom Path

Wisdom Path features an arrangement of 38 giant wood columns measuring 8-10 metres long and 1 metre wide to showcase calligraphy by master of Chinese studies Professor Jao Tsung-I. These wood columns are arranged in a "∞" pattern.
Heart Sutra, full name Sāhasrikā-prajñā-pāramitā Heart Sutra, is a famous Buddhist classic. Heart Sutra was one of them.

4. Ngong Ping Fun Walk

About half way down the path that leads from Wisdom Path, you find the Tea Garden. At the end of the Tea Garden a side path forks out to the left. That is the starting point of Ngong Ping Fun Walk. It takes only 45 minutes to complete. Although merely 1.5 km in length, it offers six attractions: Misty Lantau, Ancient Gateway, Tree Walk Exploration, Sunrise on Lantau, Scenery of Lakes and Tea Walk.

Misty Lantau

Lantau Peak is Hong Kong's second highest peak. The range is made up of two spurs that surge 150 metres apart. The main peak is 934 metres high and the secondary peak is 920 metres. Shrouded in mist almost all year round, these peaks seldom give visitors a chance to see their true faces. In Chinese culture, even numbers are auspicious signs that represent completeness and good fortune. The twin crests of Lantau peak resemble a phoenix in flight. This graceful shape gives the mountain its Chinese name: Phoenix Hill.

Ancient Gateway

Back in the days when transportation vehicles were scarce, Ancient Gateway was a main access road that linked up Tung Chung with Ngong Ping, Shek Pik and Tai O. This ancient trail begins at the Dong Shan Fa Mun archway and takes you through Tei Tong Tsai, Shek Pik Au and San Keng to arrive at Shek Mun Kap. This scenic circuit, passing by rock streams and woodlands where wild birds dwell, gives a spectacular bird's eye view of the Hong Kong International Airport in Chek Lap Kok. Along the way you can stop by ancient temples and monasteries for an enlightening visit. The trail is 4 km long and takes 1.5 hours to complete.

Tree Walk Exploration

The AFCD has included a Tree Walk in the Ngong Ping Fun Walk, so that visitors can learn more about native wild flora and appreciate the importance of preserving wild plants. The 350m Tree Walk showcases 20 native wild plants.

Sunrise on Lantau

Sunrise at Lantau Peak is one of the most famous sights of Hong Kong. Numerous visitors scale the heights of Lantau Peak for this great scene every year. The best time to climb up Lantau Peak for a spectacular sunrise is between November and February. Any night before a cold front arrives is ideal. The clear vision provides the best condition for a beautiful sunrise.

Scenery of Lakes

At the Lantau Sunrise archway you can see the great expanse of Shek Pik Reservoir. Built half a century ago, this reservoir is still serving the public today. In 1959, the government decided to construct Shek Pik Reservoir in southwestern Lantau. Shek Pik Reservoir was completed in 1963. It was the largest reservoir at the time it was built.

Tea Walk

In Hong Kong, a British barrister named Brook Bernacchi visited Ngong Ping after the Second World War. He fell in love with the pristine, rustic setting. He noted the mist at dawn and dusk, and the relatively high humidity. After studying the place in detail, he decided to cultivate a tea plantation on the plateau to produce a good local variety. The Tea Garden occupies a vast plot of 14.5 hectares. In the latter years, business was not good and the plantation was closed down eventually after continued loss. Yet the tea trees have remained on the slopes to this day.

5 .Hiking on Lantau

Many nature lovers choose to spend their free time in the wide open countryside, where they can enjoy the natural beauty of Hong Kong's wild terrains. Catering to the needs of hikers and holiday-makers, Lantau Country Park has a good variety of hiking routes within its boundaries. These include the Lantau Trail, several country trails and a Fun Walk. These routes of different lengths are designed to suit individual preferences.

Lantau Trail

The Lantau Trail encompasses the Country Parks of Lantau. This 70 km long trail is divided into 12 stages. There are map boards at all stage junctions, and distance posts at intervals of 500 metres along the route to help hikers identify their location. At each fork junction, a yellow direction sign provides clear guidance with useful information like destination names, hiking time required and distance.

South Lantau Country Trail

Sunset Peak and Lantau Peak are the second and third highest peaks of Hong Kong. They are the two main mountain ranges of Lantau. These magnificent massifs are nourished by hill streams that never run dry. South Lantau Country Trail crosses both of Sunset Peak and Lantau Peak. A hike on this island route lets you appreciate their different brands of beauty.

Nei Lak Shan Country Trail

Nei Lak Shan Country Trail is a 5km route that takes 2 hours to complete. Starting at the front entrance of Dong Shan Fa Mun, it winds up the hill and levels up a little at the 500m point. Here, you can enjoy a distant view of Tei Tong Tsai where white chalets stand out in the middle of sylvan forests. All of these are Buddhist halls and religious retreats where reverent believers practise Buddhism. The biggest one is Po Lam Monastery.

1. Tai O Fishing Village

Tai O is the oldest fishing village in Hong Kong. As soon as you set foot in Tai O, you are captivated by the great charm of a traditional fishing village. The stilt houses unique to Tai O and the down-to-earth way of life never fail to enchant city dwellers. In the narrow streets, tourist crowd into village shops for dried seafood and local delicacies. The small village ferry is now replaced by a large iron bridge. Parked under the bridge are small boats selling seafood.

The name of "Man Cheung Po - Shui Lo Cho" ravine has a two-folded meaning. Translated literally, "Man Cheung Po" means a 10,000-feet tall waterfall, named after its resemblance of a white piece of cloth extending from the sky. "Shui Lo Cho", the second part of the unique name, was inspired by the loud roaring sound at the downstream of Man Cheung Po, near Yi O, after each heavy rainstorm.

3. Wong Lung Ravine

Also known as Wong Lung Hang, the main stream of Wong Lung Ravine came from the forest valleys amongst Sunset Peak (Tai Tung Shan), Yi Tung Shan, Lin Fa Shan and the extension of Pok To Yan. Converging the spring water of the mountains, the Wong Lung Ravine boldly rushes north out of the valleys of Tung Chung with tremendous momentum. The famous and spectacular ravine is a must-see for avid hikers.

4. Nei Shan Ravine

Northwestern Lantau is the home to Nei Shan Ravine, which originates from Nei Lak Shan, the 5th tallest point of Hong Kong, standing at 751 metres. The ravine collects water from the back of the gorge of the northern slope, wriggling down along the mountain contours to the harbour front at Shan Tau Village. The flow of the ravine made it one of the two biggest hydro graphic net of Nei Lak Shan.

5. Shan Tau Wetland

The vast wetland is the backyard for the residents of the Tung Chung new town. The naturalistic scenery comprises of mud-flats, marshes, mangroves, birds, etc. The wetland is also decorated with lantern-like cable cars hanging in mid-air, with a backdrop filled with scattered steel birds taking off and landing onto the most international and modernized airport.

6. The Admiral's Rock

The Admiral's Rock can be found at the northwestern sea cliff of Lantau's Fu Shan. Shaped just like an admiral from the ancient time, the huge rock is one of Tai O's natural attractions. At the "leg" area of the Admiral's Rock is a marine abrasion arch, where loose sandstone was eroded from stronger malmstones.

7. The Fat Pig Rock

The Fat Pig Rock is perhaps the most famous rock formation in southern Lantau Island. The reef shapes just like a big fat pig, standing in the middle of the sea, with its hind leg lifted, as if it is about to fall into the deep blue. Viewing the rock from the opposite side, the pig shows a totally different demeanor: full of pride and arrogance. Nature is undoubtedly full of magnificent wonders.

The Hong Kong Bank Foundation SG Davis Hostel

The Hong Kong Bank Foundation SG Davis Hostel was formally the outdoor education centre of the Department of Geography & Geology of The University of Hong Kong. Embraced with the air of tranquility and neighbouring to the Giant Buddha, Po Lin Monastery and the Wisdom Path, the hostel provides the only service for accommodation and camping around Ngong Ping. Among many popular choices, travelers may enjoy their journey by trying out some Chinese vegetarian dishes nearby, or by climbing up the Lantau Peak for the beautiful sunrise to freshen up their spirits.