Lantau island
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Why go
- The giant seated bronze Buddha at Po Lin monastery on the Ngong Ping plateau, the largest of its kind
- The Ngong Ping 360 cable car, run by the MTR, the way up to the Ngong Ping plateau.
- Sunset Peak, the third highest mountain in Hong Kong, reached by one of the island's most famous hikes
- The 70 km Lantau Trail, in 12 sections, the best known of the island's trails
- Hong Kong Disneyland in the northeast, with rail and ferry links of its own
Interesting facts7
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The island takes its name from the earlier local name of Lantau Peak, its highest point.
Île de Lantau - Wikipedia -
It is nicknamed the lungs of Hong Kong because of its indigenous forest.
Lantau Island - Wikipedia -
Lantau South Country Park is the largest country park in Hong Kong.
Lantau Island - Wikipedia -
300 years
Tai O, a fishing village roughly 300 years old, is also a tourist hub.
Lantau Island - Wikipedia -
Trappist Haven, a monastery, sits on the east coast between Mui Wo and Discovery Bay.
Lantau Island - Wikipedia -
Silver mining at Mui Wo continued until the 19th century.
Lantau Island - Wikipedia -
The narrow, hilly roads in the south are among the most dangerous on the island, and buses are barred from them.
Lantau Island - Wikipedia
Shorts
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Hong Kong Day Trip: Lantau IslandLonely Planet
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Hiking the Lantau Island Trail in Hong KongKraig Adams
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Big Buddha #Tian Tan Buddha , Lantau island ,Hong kongWalking outdoor
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Must Travel Place in Hong Kong | Lantau Island | Ngong Ping 360 Cable…adventure with me
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The second highest bronze Buddha statue sits in Lantau Island, Hong K…Rose And World
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Lantau Island in Hongkong | Must places to visit in HongKong | HongKo…Life2Wander
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Exploring Hong Kong 🇭🇰 Lantau IslandHaida în Lume
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HONG KONG Travel Guide 2025 🇭🇰 1 day Lantau Island ItinerarySummer Dry
History
Long ago the island had only fishing villages. In earlier times it served as a base for pirates and smugglers. Until the 1990s it was rural and reachable only by ship. A housing project from 1996 turned the village of Tung Chung into a satellite town. Building an airport on an artificial island to the north brought a rail and road link to the island. The timeline below marks the dated turning points, from the Bronze Age carvings to the cable car.
- Bronze AgeRock carvings at Shek Pik are thought to date back to the Bronze Age.
- 1817Tung Chung Fort is built to control the opium trade.
- Second World WarThe island becomes a major site of resistance to the Japanese.
- 1993A giant seated bronze Buddha is added to the Po Lin monastery.
- 1997The Lantau Link, made of two bridges and a viaduct, is completed.
Show all
- 1997The island is handed back to the People's Republic of China.
- 1998The airport at Chek Lap Kok, off the north coast, starts service in July.
Legends and hidden details
- Fleeing emperors are believed to have held court in the Tung Chung valley.
How to get there
- 24 minTrainTake the Airport Express from Central. It takes 24 minutes to the airport and makes no stops on Lantau proper.
- TrainTake the MTR Tung Chung line, which links Tung Chung with Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.
- 30 minBoatTake a Sun Ferry from Central to Mui Wo. The crossing takes about 30 to 50 minutes, depending on the vessel.
- 25 minBoatTake the 24-hour ferry from Pier 3 in Central to Discovery Bay. The crossing takes 25 minutes.
- BoatSmaller inter-island ferries called kai-tos run scheduled services.
- BoatWalla walla water taxis, a traditional kind of boat, link the islands, typically from Cheung Chau.
- BusThe New Lantao Bus runs the main services, including Mui Wo to Tai O and to Po Lin Monastery.
- Cable carTake the Ngong Ping 360 cable car from Tung Chung station to the Ngong Ping plateau. The gondola covers 5.7 km.
- 120 minOn footWalkers can climb from Tung Chung to the monastery in about two hours.
- CarRoute 8 connects the island with the motorway network.
- CarThe Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge starts from the island and has connected Hong Kong with Macao since late 2018.
- CarOnly blue taxis can carry passengers to other places on the island.
Sources: Lantau Island - Wikipedia · Lantau Island - Wikipedia · Île de Lantau - Wikipedia · checked 19 Oct 2026
Questions and answers
Is there a bus to Po Lin monastery on Lantau Island?
Yes. The New Lantao Bus serves Po Lin Monastery, and its routes also run from Mui Wo to Tai O.
Can I take a taxi to other places on Lantau Island?
Blue taxis are the only taxis allowed to carry passengers to other places on the island.
How high is Lantau Peak, the highest point on Lantau Island?
Lantau Peak is 934 metres high. Marked hiking trails reach its summit.
How much of Lantau Island is nature park?
Over half the island is nature parks. Lantau South Country Park is the largest country park in Hong Kong.
Can visitors go inside the Po Lin monastery?
Yes. Its temple and buildings can be visited, and the monastery has vegetarian restaurants.
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