A trip to Hong Kong would not be complete without seeing the world's largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha. It is located amidst spectacular mountain scenery next to the Po Lin Monastery on the 520-meter-high plateau of Ngong Ping. A total of 268 steps must be climbed to reach the Buddha's platform. The eyes, lips, tilt of the head, and even the position of the right hand (raised to bless) give the statue an indescribable dignity and grandeur. The majestic figure of the seated Buddha stands 34 meters tall and was cast in China. It took ten years to complete the 250-ton masterpiece. Finally, the Buddha was unveiled during a religious ceremony in 1993. Not only Buddhists from all over Asia are drawn to the Giant Buddha. Almost overnight, the statue's overwhelming presence transformed the remote location on Lantau Island into a "must-visit" for every Hong Kong visitor.
