Po Lin Monastery

Wikimedia Commons

Po Lin Monastery

Monastery

A Chan Buddhist monastery on Lantau Island, visited for its temple halls and the adjoining Tian Tan Buddha statue which crowns the Ngong Ping plateau.

Po Lin Monastery ShenzhenGuangzhouZhuhaiDongguanFoshanJiangmenHuizhouChaozhouPo Lin Monastery

Po Lin Monastery essentials

Address: Ngong Ping, Lantau Island, Hong Kong

Po Lin Monastery sits on the Ngong Ping Plateau on Lantau Island and is one of Hong Kong’s best-known Buddhist sites. It began in 1906 when three monks from Jiangsu Province built a simple retreat and was renamed Po Lin in 1924.

The main temple contains three bronze Buddha statues representing past, present and future lives and houses many Buddhist scriptures; the modern Tian Tan Buddha statue, completed in 1993, is an extension of the monastery complex. Architecturally the site mixes traditional temple halls with wide courtyards and incense-filled interiors.

Visiting feels contemplative yet popular: the monastery operates as an active religious community, offers vegetarian food nearby, and is often paired on itineraries with the views around Ngong Ping Plateau and the climb up to the Tian Tan Buddha.

  • Tian Tan Buddha: The large bronze Buddha statue sits above the monastery and is approached by a long flight of steps offering wide views over Lantau.
  • Main Shrine Hall: Home to three bronze Buddhas and rows of incense burners, the hall gives a close look at the monastery’s devotional life and art.
  • Hall of Bodhisattva Skanda: A traditional temple hall dedicated to Skanda with carved details and ritual objects used by resident monks.
  • Ngong Ping Plateau views: The plateau offers open panoramas of Lantau’s hills and sea, pleasant for short walks and photography.
  • Local craft and offerings: Small stalls around the Buddha sell wooden bracelets and devotional items that are commonly purchased by visitors.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Po Lin Monastery#

Lantau has a subtropical climate with a distinct wet season; choose cooler, drier months for the clearest visits.

Winter (best)
November - February · 10°C - 22°C (50°F - 72°F)
Cooler, drier weather and lower rainfall make walking the plateau and climbing to the Buddha more comfortable.
Spring (pleasant)
March - May · 14°C - 26°C (57°F - 79°F)
Warming temperatures and moderate rain; many days are pleasant for sightseeing before the heavy summer rains arrive.
Summer (wet and hot)
June - September · 22°C - 29°C (72°F - 84°F)
Frequent heavy rain and occasional typhoons affect transport and visibility, so check forecasts and services before travelling.

Weather & Climate near Po Lin Monastery#

Climate

Po Lin Monastery's climate is classified as Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) - Humid Subtropical (Dry Winter) climate with hot summers (peaking in July) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 10°C to 29°C. Abundant rainfall (1941 mm/year), wettest in August with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 60 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
OctoberNovemberDecember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
34°
Warmest Month
4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Very Good 10° - 16° 13° 26 mm partly cloudy 75% 3.9 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.8h
February Good 11° - 17° 14° 48 mm overcast 79% 4.1 m/s 1.1 high 11.3h
March Good 14° - 19° 17° 75 mm overcast 81% 3.5 m/s 1.1 high 11.9h
April Good 18° - 23° 20° 174 mm overcast 83% 3.4 m/s 1.4 high 12.6h
May Good 21° - 26° 24° 289 mm overcast 85% 3.1 m/s 1.7 very high 13.1h
June Good 23° - 28° 26° 322 mm overcast 87% 3.3 m/s 1.9 very high 13.4h
July Very Good 24° - 29° 26° 280 mm partly cloudy 85% 3.4 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.2h
August Very Good 24° - 29° 26° 336 mm partly cloudy 84% 3.1 m/s 2.0 very high 12.8h
September Very Good 23° - 28° 25° 219 mm partly cloudy 81% 3.2 m/s 1.7 very high 12.2h
October Excellent 20° - 26° 23° 110 mm partly cloudy 76% 3.5 m/s 1.4 high 11.5h
November Very Good 16° - 22° 19° 34 mm partly cloudy 75% 3.7 m/s 1.1 high 10.9h
December Very Good 12° - 18° 15° 28 mm partly cloudy 71% 4.0 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.7h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Po Lin Monastery#

The monastery is on Ngong Ping plateau on Lantau Island; the nearest major transport hubs are Hong Kong International Airport (Chek Lap Kok) and Tung Chung station on the MTR Tung Chung line. From Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, Tung Chung is a common rail interchange for journeys to Ngong Ping.

The final stretch up to Ngong Ping can be covered by the Ngong Ping cable car from Tung Chung, by local buses that serve Lantau, or by taxi; once at Ngong Ping the monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha are short walks from the plateau centre. Check current services and schedules locally, especially in bad weather.

Tips for Visiting Po Lin Monastery#

  • Observe temple etiquette: remove hats, speak quietly and avoid pointing cameras at people praying.
  • The climb to Tian Tan Buddha involves many steps; wear comfortable shoes and take water in warm months.
  • Vegetarian meals are available at or near the monastery; they are busiest around midday.
  • Weather on Lantau can change quickly; bring sun protection in summer and a light rain layer during the wet season.