The Po Lin Monastery was an obscure retreat hidden among the mountain top vegetation on Lantau Island, Ngong Ping, until the Tian Tan Buddha or Big Buddha was erected in 1993. The huge figure is 112 feet high (and that's in addition to the fact that it already towers over the city from the mountain top); weighs 250 tons (22,6796kg) and is made of bronze. The statue faces north and the inclination of its head with the eyes looking down gives the impression that the figure is really looking down on the people below. The right hand of the Buddha is raised as if he were blessing someone. The Buddha took 12 years to build and was completed in 1993. It is the largest Buddha of this kind in the world. Below the Buddha statue are three levels of exhibition space.

Travelers reach the site by first taking a 25 minute cable car (Ngong Ping 360) ride from MTR Tung Chung Station. To reach the Buddha visitors need to climb 268 steps but once at the top they can enjoy amazing views of the sea and city below.

The Po Lin Monastery lies opposite the statue and is an important sanctum for Buddhist monks. The monastery was founded in 1906 and in 1924 established under its present name. Since then structures have been added to the complex. The Big Temple is the main building within the monastery. Within the monastery complex there is a collection of Buddhist figures including three bronze figures of Buddha in his past, present and future form. The monastery holds a large number of precious Buddhist scriptures and has beautiful gardens and a peaceful atmosphere. The monastery is a good place for visitors to get acquainted with the Buddhist culture.