Uniquely HK

Feature Story

Photogenic Ngong Ping and Tai O – Lantau’s Treasures

We embark on a photo-journey that offers indelible images of the spectacular Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car ride, the enchanting Ngong Ping Village, the majestic Big Buddha, and cool Instagram spots of the idyllic fishing village of Tai O.

Since the opening of the Hong Kong International Airport in 1998, Lantau, Hong Kong's largest island, has gone through an amazing transformation. World class bridges, expressways and a rail system connect the once-isolated island to the heart of the city. The airport has become one of the world's best and busiest transport hubs. The satellite town of Tung Chung adjacent to the airport is now a large, thriving residential community and home to Citygate Outlet Mall, one of Asia's largest and most upscale outlet malls. And with the recent completion of Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge, an engineering marvel in its own right that enters Hong Kong close by the airport, Lantau is lauded as the crown jewel of Hong Kong's infrastructure works, a city already known for its ultra-efficient built environment.

Despite the impressive development, North Lantau remains green, thanks to the rugged mountains and coastline that form the bulk of the island. The varied natural beauty remains largely untouched, making it a favourite getaway for locals and visitors alike. Hiking trails criss-cross the mountains and beaches; long stretches of sandy beaches invite lovers of sun and surf, and hamlet fishing villages harken back to a bygone era.

One of the more enjoyable outings to Lantau is a day trip to Ngong Ping via the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car and a guided tour to Tai O, a fishing village on southwestern Lantau and a popular destination known for its stilted houses over water, local food products, nearby Chinese dolphins, and traditional way of life. The cable car ride is spectacular and awe-inspiring; Ngong Ping village is a quaint tourist spot located high in the mountains adjacent to the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery, and the visit to Tai O is absolutely enchanting. Best of all, there are so many photogenic spots to satisfy even the most discerning social media glutton.

So, be sure to set aside a day and enjoy the best that Lantau had to offer.

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car

Named one of the ten best cable car rides in the world by CNN, the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car delivers breathtaking views of Lantau Island and the South China Sea. The ride passes over a sea channel before steeply ascending the mountain, with a spectacular view down across the airport. Snaking off into the distance across the mouth of the Pearl River, the 45-km Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge disconcertingly descends into the sea for its tunnel section. The mountains below are sheathed in an endless emerald canopy of trees and more trees. For a real visual treat take the glass-bottom Crystal Cabin ride and enjoy the vertigo sensation and the views directly beneath your feet. Even at 25 minutes, the ride is over too soon, so enchanting are the views.

For the physically fit and the intrepid, there is also a footpath directly below the cable car route that follows it all the way to Ngong Ping. The whole hike takes about 3 to 4 hours. We suggest that you try to take the trail coming down from Ngong Ping on the way back as it is slightly easier. Catch the cable car near the Tung Chung MTR Station.

Ngong Ping Village, Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery

The cable car brings you to the enchanting Ngong Ping Village, to stroll through the culturally themed hamlet, its main street lined with souvenir shops, arts and crafts outlets, and a variety of eateries. Three mini-theatres offer multimedia presentations and live performances. For a cool photo experience, check out the long wall mural just a short distance from the cable car station. The mural is bursting with illustrations of iconic Hong Kong symbols, and there are several spots ideal to grab a stylish photograph.

The iconic Big Buddha is just adjacent. At 34 metres high, it is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Climb the 286 steps for a close-up encounter with the imposing statue.

The Po Lin Monastery is an active and important Buddhist centre, as well as a visitor attraction. Take a stroll through its pleasant garde

Tai O via 360 IG Tour from Ngong Ping.

From the village, you can book guided bus tour packages or just take a public bus to visit the ancient fishing village of Tai O, where fishermen still live on houses built on stilts over water, and where local traditional culture is both lived and preserved. Visitors may also purchase local handmade food products including shrimp paste, XO sauce, salted fish and dried seafood. Or try out street foods such as the Chinese egg waffle – you’ll have to wait in line or have a meal at the beautifully renovated Tai O Heritage Hotel.

For millennials and social media mavens in particular, you’ll want to join the 360 Lautau IG tour, which departs daily at 2pm. Designed by professional guides of “360 Holidays”, this is a tour that walks you through local culture. The tour offers one-of-a-kind views of the village and tips from professional photographers on how best to create memorable pictures that you can share on your social media platforms. The tour includes 5 or 6 photo locations that encapsulate the idyllic village and that will make you the envy of your social media peers. The tour includes a round-trip Ngong Ping Cable Car rode, a special boat excursion around the waterways of Tai O, a visit to Ngong Ping village and the Tai O IG tour. Two 4R photo prints are also included in this package!

The tour takes approximately three hours and you should try to book it one day in advance if possible. Original price of a standard cabin is HK$450 per adult; HK$380 per child aged 3-11. Exclusive 12% discount for online booking on the official website. Go check it out!

https://www.np360.com.hk/en/ticketing/tickets-tours/guided-tour/360-Lantau-IG-Tour