Lantau and its great sitting Buddha statue.. Mui Wo, Lantau island, Hong Kong city

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Not even an hour's journey on the Star Ferry lead me to Mui Wo, a village known by the name of Silvermine Bay, the numerous silver mines that once were present nearby island of Lantau, the largest of Islands of Hong kong. Lantau island today is modern and developed, but retains rustic and relaxed atmosphere, is twice the size of Hong kong, but is inhabited by only 45,000 people. I take the bus from Mui Wo to Ngong Ping No.2, a plateau that is located in the western part of the island that guards the splendor of the Po Lin Monastery, or Precious Lotus. (Photo 1) The monastery was once a quiet retreat, free from crowds of curious tourists and hordes of pilgrims, in the late '80s was built right here the largest sitting Buddha statue in the world, and this has since been a strong attraction for foreign pilgrims. Initially the number of tourists know it was limited by the difficulties met to walk the narrow streets leading to the mountain, then even this obstacle was overcome. Today every half hour up a bus from Mui Wo to the monastery. Even I was moved by curiosity to see the huge Buddha, and I have not regretted it. Already on the street, on the bus, you can see the huge statue that dominates the hill, an impressive figure in the green landscape. As you arrive go down a bit 'annoyed by the crush of people and pulling from the air, seems to be at an amusement park, but I remain impressed by the place immediately. (Photo 2) on the hill above the monastery, on top of a staircase of 260 steps, governs the undisputed figure of seated Buddha, 26 meters high, seated on a platform, will be enchanted to see his sweet expression, his solemnity . (Photo 3) Around six Buddha statues in bronze offer gifts, they also have expressions that give sweetness and peace, are beautiful figures. (Photo 4) I turn to observe the landscape and is the more suggestive one can imagine, despite the crowds of people, dominates the silence. Not far from the steps leading to the Buddha there is the Po Lin Monastery, with its richly decorated buildings, ornaments, carved wood, the pictures that cover windows and doors. (Photo 5) Here the atmosphere is relaxed and quiet. To the left of the Monastery there are numerous and vast dining halls, I decide to dine here, of course only serve vegetarian food (and frankly is not great), I spend the rest of the afternoon in this garden, I read a book and took pictures , waiting for the day goes by, the light fades and the Buddha to me being in a different guise, the beautiful evening. The grandeur of the statue, the monastery and the quiet beauty of the landscape will make this visit one of the most beautiful made in Hong kong.

Simona Salini

Interesting news: * The entrance to the monastery is free and is from 9 am to 18 * The good meal for lunch at a restaurant near the monastery you can take to shop at the foot of the stairs leading to the Buddha