The Airport Authority Hong Kong has launched a new Refund Application Platform for the air passenger departure tax (APDT) starting from 1 October 2025. Eligible passengers who have paid the APDT at the time of purchasing the air tickets may easily apply for tax refunds by simply uploading supporting documents to the platform. For more details, please visit the website www.APDTRefund.hk.
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Lantau Island
On Lantau, you can go from the beaches to the Big Buddha to a bar-restaurant in Discovery Bay all in the same day. For those who love getting out and being active, Lantau is the paradise you’ve been looking for, but it has loads to offer history buffs and culture vultures, too. Whether you want to hike to a sunset viewpoint or take a glass-bottomed gondola to the tallest seated Buddha in Hong Kong before going back down to a restaurant by the sea, Lantau has something for you.
Hiking on Lantau Island
Enjoy a spiritual hike at the circular Maitreya Mountain hiking trail, soaking in the quaint vibes of Ngong Ping village and making a stop at the magnificent Big Buddha.
Distance : 5km | Duration : About 2 hours | Difficulty : Moderate
Nestled amidst the emerald hills of Lantau Island, Ngong Ping Village is a cultural haven offering a captivating blend of tranquillity, breathtaking vistas and rich cultural heritage. Throughout the 1.5-hectare open-air village, traditional Chinese architecture flourishes and seamlessly integrates into the area’s stunning natural landscape.
At the heart of the village is a two-storey building featuring over 20 outlets, offering diverse dining options from classic Hong Kong dishes to international cuisine, alongside themed gift shops and specialised boutiques selling souvenirs like jewellery and Chinese arts and crafts.
Starting at the arch of East Mountain Teaching, the beginning of the Ancient Gateway, the trail takes you through dense vegetation as you overlook Sunset Peak (Tai Tung Shan) and Lantau Peak. The area is covered by silvergrass during the wintertime, which turns golden under sunlight.
Covering an area of about 1.5 hectares, the Ngong Ping Piazza exudes Buddhist vibes and blends in with the religious ambience of Ngong Ping. The Piazza links up the various tourist attractions in Ngong Ping, including Po Lin Monastery, the Giant Buddha, Ngong Ping 360 cable car, Ngong Ping Village and Wisdom Path. Set at the entrance of the Piazza, the new Pai Lau is built in the Northern architectural style of the Qing Dynasty, consistent with that of the Po Lin Monastery.
The Big Buddha statue, also known as Tian Tan Buddha, sits atop the 479- metre-high Muk Yue Shan and is located next to the Po Lin Monastery’s main square. The 34-metre-high statue, also the world’s largest seated outdoor Buddha, was created from 202 pieces of bronze weighing a total of 250 tonnes. It symbolises the stability of Hong Kong, the prosperity of China and peace on Earth. Construction of the project began in 1981, and the statue was officially opened in December 1993. Visitors can climb the 256 steps to visit the hall inside its base, while enjoying the impressive view as they look back down at the monastery.
Transport
Getting to Ngong Ping, Lantau Island
Route 1 – Head to the Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal from MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B for a cable car ride to Ngong Ping.
Route 2 – Head to the bus terminus from MTR Tung Chung Station Exit B, take Lantau Bus 23 to the Ngong Ping Bus Terminus.
Route 3 – Take First Ferry from Central Pier 6 to Mui Wo, and then take Lantau Bus 2 to Ngong Ping Bus Terminus.
Leaving from Ngong Ping, Lantau Island
You can take the cable car or Bus 23 back to Tung Chung.