This post brings us to our first weekend in Hong Kong when we were able to have a weekends exploration with our local guides Selina and Chris. On the Saturday we had a very interesting day visiting Lantau Island, the largest outlaying island in Hong Kong, almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island. More than half of it has been designated as Country Park area. Its tranquil and green environment makes it a popular spot for nature's lovers and hikers. We took the MTR out to Tung Chung and then the Ngong Ping Skyrail, actually a cable car which takes you up to the Lantau Peaks and the Ngong Ping Village in around twenty-five minutes.
The walk through this traditionally built village takes you to visit the amazing Giant Buddha or Tian Tan definitely worth the climb up the 268 steps and the adjacent Po Lin Monastery which is fascinating.
Tian Tan is the world's tallest, outdoor, seated bronze Buddha The eyes, lips, incline of the head and even the right hand (raised to deliver a blessing to all), combine to lend great depth of character and dignity to this extraordinary statue.
The majestic figure of the seated Buddha is 34 metres high, was cast in China and took over 10 years to complete. Weighing 250 tonnes, it was unveiled in 1993 amid deeply religious ceremonies.
I have posted just a small selection of the many photos I took that day, so if you would like to see more please visit my Flickr account. http://www.flickr.com/photos/mctumble/
The next day, Sunday we headed out to lunch in Lei Yue Mun a fishing village southeast Hong Kong where after a walk through the village and out to the temple we headed for the fish market to choose our lunch! You buy the fish fresh from the market traders and then take it to the restaurant of your choice for cooking.
I took photos of the fish Garoupa, Scallops and Prawns,, they were all still alive at this stage.
and some more when they appeared after cooking on our table in the restaurant.
After lunch we took the MTR to Diamond Hill to visit the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Gardens One of the most beautiful and arrestingly built environments in Hong Kong; this large Buddhist complex is built completely of wood without the use of a single nail. It is intended to demonstrate the harmony of humans with nature and is pretty convincing, until you look at the skyline! The gardens are peaceful and serene in the midst of the urban hustle and bustle.
I took many more photos of these beautiful gardens which if you are interested in seeing you may view at http://www.flickr.com/photos/mctumble/
I loved Lantau. When we were there, work on the airport had just started. No MTR or skyrail. That is where I bought beer from a vending machine, walked accross the street and sat on a beautiful cresent shaped beach all by myself to enjoy it. Not in a private resort either. Then just an unspoiled, underpopulated part of Hong Kong. Hope it is still that way
ReplyDeleteThis post was so amazing and incredible. That statue...oh my gosh...that last image (just before the live fish) really shows the immense scale of it. Really enjoy reading about your HK trip. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWow!What a beautiful city! Thanks for sharing all these sights with us.
ReplyDeleteOh my god, you did for sure an incredible experience, Lindy! Did you know HK is still on my wish list. I read all of your related posts, and big big thank for sharing your notes here as they will be helpful when I am heading out to this amazing country.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that you had a great visit in Hong Kong. I love going to the outlying islands, too, but have yet to take the kids. The Ngong Ping Skyrail has been in operation for a while and I've yet to take it! :)
ReplyDeleteMartha - I think you would find it somewhat changed:)
ReplyDeleteRowena - Big Buddha really is gigantic!
lakeviewer - it is a pleasure to share with you.
Nihal - There is so much to see, make sure you plan a long enough visit :)
Buckeroomama - I just loved HK, the skyrail is very touristy but worth it to see the Big Buddha :)
Hi Linda, sorry its taken me so long to get over here, I missed this post. How amazing, and just look at the view from the cable car :-)
ReplyDeleteI like the idea of your fish dinner, but I think my hubby and I would still be walking around looking for a restaurant to cook it.. :-) :-)
Fantastic experience for you all, thanks for sharing!
Anne: you have been rather busy being a Nana! The view was incredible, did you notice the airport?
ReplyDeleteNo problem finding a restaurant as there were lots vying for business!