The Tian Tan Buddha on Lantau Island is a 34-metre bronze statue of Sakyamuni sitting cross-legged at the top of 268 steps, visible from a considerable distance on clear days — reputedly even from Macau. Completed in 1993, it sits next to the Po Lin Monastery, which has been here since 1906. The monastery serves vegetarian lunches that are worth the trip alone.
Getting there is part of the experience. The Ngong Ping 360 gondola from Tung Chung (25 minutes, spectacular views) is the easiest option; the bus (NLB 23 from Tung Chung) is cheaper and slower. From Mui Wo on the east coast of Lantau, bus NLB 2 also connects. Aim to arrive early on weekends — it gets very crowded by midday.