The Big Buddha, a large bronze statue of Buddha completed in 1993, is located at Ngong Ping near Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island, Hong Kong. The base of the statue is modeled after a similar structure in the United Kingdom. As one of the five major Buddha statues in China, it sits enthroned on a lotus atop a three-tiered platform.
Surrounding the statue are six smaller bronze figures known as 'The Offering of the Six Devas.' These figures present symbolic gifts—flowers, incense, a lamp, ointment, fruit, and music—representing the Six Perfections: generosity, morality, patience, zeal, meditation, and wisdom, which are essential for achieving enlightenment.
Standing 34 meters (112 feet) tall and weighing over 250 metric tons (280 short tons), the Big Buddha was constructed from 202 bronze pieces supported by a robust steel framework. Visitors can ascend 268 steps to reach the statue, though there is also a winding road for vehicles, offering accessibility for disabled visitors. The statue’s raised right hand symbolizes the removal of affliction, while the open left hand resting on its lap signifies generosity.
Beneath the statue are three exhibit halls: the Hall of the Universe, the Hall of Benevolent Merit, and the Hall of Remembrance. A notable feature inside is a relic of Gautama Buddha, believed to be part of his cremated remains.
Construction of the Big Buddha began in 1990 and was completed on December 29, 1993, a date commemorating the Buddha’s enlightenment in Chinese tradition. The unveiling ceremony included monks and distinguished guests from around the world, including representatives from mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, India, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the United States.
The Big Buddha has also been featured in philatelic commemorations. On October 18, 1999, the Hong Kong Post Office issued a definitive landmark stamp series, with the HK$2.50 stamp depicting the statue. Later, on May 22, 2012, the Big Buddha appeared on the HK$3 stamp in the Five Festival series, celebrating the birth of Sakyamuni Buddha.

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Inserted: 05-01-2025 01:01:01