Escaping the City for Spirituality and Tradition
After two days of exploring Hong Kong’s urban energy, Day 3 invites you to slow down and reconnect with nature and tradition. Lantau Island, the largest of Hong Kong’s islands, is a world apart from the skyscrapers and neon lights of Central. Here, mist‑covered peaks, Buddhist monasteries, and fishing villages preserve a way of life that feels timeless. It’s a place where spirituality and simplicity coexist with modern attractions like the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car.
This day is about contrasts: you’ll start with a humble breakfast in Tung Chung, soar above the sea and mountains, stand in awe before the Big Buddha, enjoy a vegetarian monastery lunch, wander through a fishing village on stilts, and then return to the city for rooftop drinks. It’s the yin‑yang of Hong Kong in a single day.
Breakfast in Tung Chung: Local Bakeries & Congee
Your journey begins in Tung Chung, a modern town on the north coast of Lantau Island. Once a quiet fishing village, Tung Chung has transformed into a residential hub thanks to its proximity to the airport and the MTR. Despite its modern malls and outlet stores, it still offers plenty of local flavor.
Start your day with a classic Hong Kong breakfast:
- Congee (juk): A warm rice porridge topped with pork, fish, or century egg.
- Local bakeries: Grab a pineapple bun, egg tart, or sausage roll from a neighborhood bakery.
- Recommendation: Federal Palace Congee & Noodles near Tung Chung MTR is a reliable choice, while Kee Wah Bakery offers quick takeaway pastries.
👉 Tip: Keep breakfast light — you’ll be climbing 268 steps later at the Big Buddha.
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car: Scenic Ride to the Mountains
A promotional Ngong Ping 360 cable car display recreates the ride’s iconic views of the Tian Tan Buddha and Lantau’s green peaks. 
From the Ngong Ping cable car station in Tung Chung, visitors enjoy a striking mix of urban development framed by lush hills and mountain backdrops. 
Cable cars ready for boarding, offering travelers a scenic ride across mountainous landscapes and coastal horizons.
From Tung Chung, walk to the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car station. This 25‑minute ride is one of Hong Kong’s most spectacular journeys, stretching 5.7 km across Tung Chung Bay and up into the mountains.
You can choose between a Standard Cabin with wide windows, the Crystal Cabin with a glass floor for a thrilling view, or the upgraded Crystal+ Cabin offering nearly 360‑degree visibility through ultra‑clear glass. Tickets are available as one‑way or round‑trip, and it’s best to reserve online in advance to secure your preferred cabin type and skip long queues, especially on weekends and holidays. Combo tickets that include attractions like the Big Buddha or Tai O village tours are also available for added value.
- Best time to ride: Morning, when skies are clearer and queues are shorter.
- Fun fact: Before the cable car opened in 2006, visitors had to take a winding mountain road or hike for hours to reach Ngong Ping.
- For the best view on the cable car: Sit on the right hand side (heading up) for the best views of the airport and coastline.
Ngong Ping Village: Gateway to Lantau’s Spiritual Heart
At the top, you’ll arrive at Ngong Ping Village, a purpose‑built cultural village that serves as the gateway to the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. While it’s undeniably tourist‑oriented, it’s worth a short stop. Opened in 2006 alongside the cable car, Ngong Ping Village was designed to introduce visitors to Lantau’s cultural and spiritual heritage. It features traditional‑style architecture, souvenir shops, snack stalls, and small attractions.
What to do:
- Sample local snacks like tofu pudding or herbal tea.
- Browse shops selling Buddhist trinkets, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
- Catch cultural performances or short films (seasonal).
While not “authentic” in the same way as Tai O, it’s a convenient place to pause, refresh, and orient yourself before tackling the Big Buddha’s steps.
Big Buddha & Po Lin Monastery: Spiritual Heart of Lantau
The highlight of the day is the Tian Tan Buddha, better known as the Big Buddha. Completed in 1993, this 34‑meter bronze statue sits atop a hill, facing north toward mainland China. To reach it, you’ll climb 268 steps — a mini pilgrimage that rewards you with sweeping views of mountains and sea. It was named “Tian Tan” because its base was modeled after the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, symbolizing a sacred link between heaven and earth. The seated Buddha rests on a lotus throne, a powerful Buddhist symbol of purity rising above worldly suffering, and his raised right hand makes the gesture of fearlessness, while the left rests on his lap in compassion. Since its unveiling, the Big Buddha has become not only a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists across Asia but also a cultural landmark representing harmony between people, nature, and faith.
When visiting the Big Buddha and its surroundings, it’s important to observe cultural etiquette by dressing modestly, speaking quietly, and refraining from pointing directly at Buddha statues, as these gestures show respect for the sacred site. Just a short walk away lies the Wisdom Path, an inspiring outdoor installation of 38 towering wooden columns inscribed with verses from the Heart Sutra, arranged in a flowing figure‑eight pattern to symbolize infinity and the timeless nature of Buddhist teachings.
👉 Tip: Even if you’re not religious, approach the site with respect — it’s a place of deep spiritual significance.
Lunch at Po Lin Monastery: Vegetarian Tradition
After exploring the Big Buddha, you’ll likely be ready for a meal — and there’s no better place than the Po Lin Monastery Vegetarian Restaurant. Founded in 1906, the Po Lin Monastery is one of Hong Kong’s most important Buddhist sanctuaries. Its ornate halls, incense‑filled courtyards, and golden statues make it a peaceful retreat. Dining at the Po Lin Monastery Vegetarian Restaurant is part of the experience, as the monastery has long been known for its vegetarian cuisine, prepared in line with Buddhist principles of compassion and balance.
What’s on offer:
- Affordable set meals with soup, rice, and seasonal vegetable dishes.
- Deluxe multi‑course banquets featuring spring rolls, mushrooms with vegetables, bean curd with lemon sauce, and more.
- Snacks: A small shop next to the kitchen sells tofu pudding, steamed cakes, and glutinous rice dumplings with mango filling — the tofu pudding is especially famous.
- Pre‑ordering: Yes, groups can pre‑book meals by contacting the monastery directly. For individuals or small groups, walk‑ins are usually fine, though weekends can be busy.
Beyond the food, it’s about the setting — eating a simple, nourishing meal in the quiet monastery grounds feels like an extension of the spiritual journey.
👉 Tip: The restaurant is open from 11:30 am to 4:30 pm (later on weekends). Plan your visit so you can enjoy lunch before heading to Tai O.
Tai O Fishing Village: Stilt Houses & Living Heritage
Tai O’s iconic stilt houses rise above narrow waterways, where small boats still serve as the lifeblood of daily village life. 
Brightly painted homes and bustling shops line the waterfront, reflecting Tai O’s blend of tradition, commerce, and community spirit. 
The market streets of Tai O overflow with local produce, seafood, and festive lanterns, offering visitors a taste of authentic village life. 
A richly decorated temple stands proudly beside modern shops, capturing Tai O’s unique balance of heritage and everyday life. 
As dusk falls, Tai O’s stilt houses glow softly over the water, creating a serene scene that feels timeless and deeply atmospheric.
From Ngong Ping, hop on Bus 21 (about 20 minutes) to reach Tai O, one of Hong Kong’s most atmospheric villages. Tai O is often called the “Venice of Hong Kong,” but it’s more than just canals and stilt houses. It’s one of the last places where you can glimpse the traditional lifestyle of the Tanka people, a community historically known as “boat dwellers” who lived for centuries on fishing junks along the southern Chinese coast. Although many have since moved ashore, their fishing traditions, seafood culture, and close connection to the sea remain deeply woven into Tai O’s identity. The village feels frozen in time, with wooden houses perched on stilts above tidal flats, drying seafood hanging outside shops, and narrow lanes filled with the aroma of shrimp paste. Tai O is best explored slowly. Wander the lanes, chat with shopkeepers, and soak in the atmosphere — it’s one of the few places in Hong Kong where time seems to stand still.
What makes it special:
- Stilt houses: A rare sight in modern Hong Kong, these interconnected homes are still lived in today.
- Boat rides: For a small fee, take a boat tour through the canals and out to sea — you may even spot the endangered pink dolphins.
- Shrimp paste heritage: Tai O is famous for its pungent shrimp paste, a cornerstone of Cantonese cooking. You’ll see it drying in the sun outside shops.
- Street snacks: Grilled cuttlefish, fish balls, and Tai O donuts are local favorites.
For those of you who are more adventurous, you can spend a night at the Tai O Heritage Hotel, a boutique property housed in a former police station built in 1902. The hotel preserves its colonial architecture while offering just nine rooms, making it one of the most unique stays in Hong Kong. Inside, you’ll also find the Tai O Lookout, a glass‑roofed restaurant with panoramic views of the village and surrounding waters, serving both local specialties and international dishes. Staying here allows you to experience Tai O after the day‑trippers leave, when the village becomes quiet and atmospheric. Click here for a detailed guide we have written on the Tai O Heritage Hotel.
👉 Tip: For those of you who want further explore the Lantau Island beyond the Big Buddha and Ngong Ping Village, please click here for a comprehensive travel guide we have written for the Lantau Island.
Dinner Back in Central: From Calm to Buzz
If you are not staying in the Tai O Heritage Hotel for the night, you can return to the city by bus back to Tung Chung, then MTR to Central. It takes about an hour to an hour and a half to travel from Tai O back to Central. The contrast between the two district is striking: from quiet monasteries and fishing villages to the neon‑lit bustle of Hong Kong Island.
Dinner ideas in Central:
- Mak’s Noodle (Wellington Street): Famous for wonton noodles.
- Yat Lok (Stanley Street): Michelin‑starred roast goose in a no‑frills setting.
- Ho Lee Fook (Elgin Street): A modern Cantonese bistro with playful twists on classics.
Evening: Rooftop Drinks in Lan Kwai Fong
Cap off the day with a taste of Hong Kong’s nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong (LKF), the city’s most legendary party district. What began as a small cluster of bars in the 1980s has grown into a buzzing hub of more than 90 restaurants, pubs, and clubs, drawing both locals and visitors. Just a short walk uphill from Central, LKF is where the city comes alive after dark — from casual happy hours to all‑night dancing, it’s the place to see and be seen. The narrow streets are packed with energy, especially on weekends and festivals, when the area transforms into a lively street party.
Rooftop picks:
- Sevva (near Central): An elegant rooftop lounge perched above Princes Building, Sevva is known for its stylish cocktails, chic décor, and sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline. The wraparound terrace makes it one of the most photogenic spots in town, especially at sunset.
- CE LA VI (LKF Tower): Located right in the heart of Lan Kwai Fong, CE LA VI combines a trendy rooftop bar with a lively club atmosphere. Expect creative cocktails, a fashionable crowd, and a panoramic view of Central’s skyscrapers that feels electric at night.
- Skye (Causeway Bay): If you’re willing to venture a little beyond Central, Skye at The Park Lane Hong Kong offers a sleek rooftop experience with a futuristic design and a 180‑degree view of Victoria Harbour. Its open‑air terrace and inventive cocktail menu make it a favorite for those who want a more relaxed yet upscale vibe.
👉 Whether you’re after a quiet glass of wine, a stylish rooftop cocktail, or a night of dancing, LKF and its nearby rooftops deliver the quintessential Hong Kong nightlife experience.
Wrap‑Up: The Yin‑Yang of Hong Kong
Day 3 is all about contrasts. You’ve experienced the serenity of Buddhist temples, the charm of a fishing village, and the natural beauty of Lantau’s mountains. Then, in the same day, you’ve returned to the city’s buzzing nightlife. This yin‑yang — spirituality and modernity, calm and chaos — is what makes Hong Kong so endlessly fascinating. Don’t end the day too late though, because our exciting Dragon’s Back & Shek O village journey on Day 4 (Nature & Hiking) does require a decent amount of walking.