Lantau Island: Relax and Unwind in the “Back Garden of Hong Kong”

Written by Veronica | Updated March 09,2026

Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong, the tenth largest in China, and nearly twice the size of Hong Kong Island. It sits to the west of Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula, mostly belongs to the Island District. Lantau Island is relatively undeveloped compared to Hong Kong Island, with mountains, forests, and beaches. It’s been named the “Back Garden of Hong Kong.”

In the past, lacking the means of transportation made it little-known among visitors. But these days, there are a variety of options that will easily take you to the many tourist attractions on Lantau Island, such as the Big Buddha, Ngong Ping 360, Hong Kong Disneyland, and the Tai O fishing village. Visiting Lantau Island is definitely one of the top things to do in Hong Kong.

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• Fast Facts about Lantau Island
• What to See and Do on Lantau Island
• Tips for Visiting Lantau Island
• Attractions nearby Lantau Island
• Best Private Hong Kong Tours with Chinaxiantour

Fast Facts about Lantau Island

• • In Chinese: 大屿山岛
  • Location: Southwest Hong Kong, Island District
  • Recommended Visit Time: at least one day
  • Best Time of the Year: October till December when the weather is cool and dry
  • Suited to: nature lovers, culture seekers, anyone who wishes to see a different side of Hong Kong

What to See and Do on Lantau Island

Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car & Ngong Ping Village

The world famous Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car connects Tung Chung city center with Ngong Ping and takes you straight to Ngong Ping Village. This 25-minute ride is not just a unique way of transportation, but also one of the world’s top 10 cable car experiences. On this ride, you’ll have the best view of Lantau Island, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, the Big Buddha, as well as the ocean below.

Ngong Ping 360 will drop you off at Ngong Ping Village, which has traditional Chinese architecture and tea houses. Here, you’ll find the tourist center, souvenir shops, restaurants serving a wide range of cuisines.

Tian Tan Buddha & Po Lin Monastery

The greatest landmarks of Ngong Ping, as well as Lantau Island, are the Big Buddha statue and Po Lin Monastery. The 34-meter-tall (112 feet) Tian Tan Buddha is the world’s tallest and second largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha. It sits on Muyu Peak of Lantau Mountain. Ascend 268 steps to reach the base of the statue and be rewarded with an amazing view of Lantau Island.

Head to the nearby Po Lin Monastery after visiting Tian Tan Buddha. It is a century-old ancient temple known as the Buddhist Kingdom in the Southern Heaven. It has been a popular place for religious practice among locals and visitors for many years. You’ll see halls, shrines, gardens, and a scripture library with Chinese architecture and enjoy the Buddhist vegetarian dishes served here.

To complete your spiritual journey on Lantau Island, make a stop to the nearby Wisdom Path. It’s a large outdoor group of 38 wooden steles with calligraphy of verses from the Heart Sutra, arranged in the shape of the infinity symbol.

Tai O Fishing Village

Tai O Fishing Village is one of the oldest and the most famous fishing village in Hong Kong. It is known as the “Venice of the East” for its intricate network of waterways and floating huts. Away from the busy city life, Tai O still retains the life of early Hong Kong. It only has about 2,000 permanent residents, mostly Hakka, who make a living by fishing. Walk about the village and experience the simplicity of their lifestyle.

Tai O Fishing Village has been an essential stop of Hong Kong tours for many foodies and photographers, because of its unique waterside lifestyle, well-preserved local culture, and gorgeous scenery.

Take a boat ride through the distinctive stilt residences above the water. Explore the village to find century-old temples like Guan Yin Temple, Guan Yu Temple, Yang Hou Temple, as well as cultural sites such as the old Tai O Police Department and schools. You can also visit exhibitions of historical artifacts mostly donated by villagers.

Yong’an Street in Tai O Fishing Village is one of the best places to eat on Lantau Island. You’ll find both fresh and dry seafoods that you might bring home as gifts. Traditional salted fish and shrimp paste are the signature here. The view of the ocean is absolutely stunning, especially at sunset. You can also go out to sea to look for the rare pink dolphins that inhabit the waters around Tai O.

Lantau Trail & Sunset Peak

Hiking is another popular activity on Lantau Island. The famous Lantau Trail, divided into 12 sections, cuts across the island. They vary in difficulty and length, so choose what suits you the best. The trail will lead you to Sunset Peak, the third-highest peak of Hong Kong at 869 meters (2,851 feet). As its name suggests, you’ll get the best view of the sunset, as well as greeneries and seas of grass during your hike.

Cheung Sha Beach & Pui O Beach

Cheung Sha Beach and Pui O Beach are the two most famous beaches of Lantau Island, HK. Cheung Sha Beach is the longest beach of Hong Kong, and Pui O Beach is named one of Hong Kong’s most beautiful beaches. You can rent equipment in the stores nearby for water activities. And you’ll find public barbeque sites on Cheung Sha Beach.

Hong Kong Disneyland

The world-famous Hong Kong Disneyland is also situated on Lantau Island. Visiting it is one of the best things to do with kids. The park is divided into eight themed areas, including Adventureland, Fantasyland, Toy Story Land, Marvel Land. Have fun with exciting rides, shows, parades, fireworks, plus the chance to meet your favorite Disney characters.

The Simple Forest of the Heart Sutra

Most people know the Tian Tan Buddha on the mountain. However, only a small fraction of them are aware of this simple forest. Walking about ten minutes from the Tian Tan Buddha & Po Lin Monastery, you will see this large outdoor wood-carved group of the Simple Forest of the Heart Sutra.

It is said that a renowned master specially designed this forest under the supervision of the first Chief Executive before he stepped down from office, to ensure the continuation of the local glory. If you walk in a double “eight” pattern both inside and outside, you can recite the Heart Sutra text once.

Discovery Bay

In Hong Kong, there is a very non-Hong Kong-style fairy-tale town, with a style quite different from that of Hong Kong’s main island and other outlying islands – it has a more southern European flavor. It is Discovery Bay, which is far away from the cramped high-rise buildings of Hong Kong and boasts a unique island scenery of its own.

Discovery Bay is located in the northern part of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. The natural environment here is beautiful, surrounded by mountains and water. Gardens, the sea, beaches, mountain paths, and the beautiful scenery of water and mountains are like a painting, truly picturesque.

It is very popular among expats and families.

Tung Chung Fort

Tung Chung Fort is a Qing Dynasty military site located in Leng Pei Tsuen, Lantau Island, New Territories. It was originally the barracks of the Right Wing of Dapeng Garrison. This fort was built during the Daoguang period of the Qing Dynasty and completed in 1832. Initially, it was equipped with 6 cannons for defending against the opium trade and pirate attacks.

The existing wall is constructed of granite and measures approximately 70 meters by 80 meters. Three city gates – the Gongchen Gate on the north, the Jixiu Gate on the east, and the Liangen Gate on the west – have been preserved. On the city walls, there are 6 cannons with Chinese date markings of 1805, 1809, and 1843.

Tips for Visiting Lantau Island

How to Get to Lantau Island

By Air

Hong Kong International Airport is on Chek Lap Kok Island, adjacent to Lantau Island. There are a lot of options for getting to Lantau Island depending on where you’re heading, including metro, buses, and taxi.

By Ferry

Board a ferry at Central Ferry Pier No. 6 for 35-55 minutes (depending on the ferry type) to Mui Wo on Lantau Island.

From Tsim Sha Tsui or Kowloon: Take the MTR to Central Station, either on Tsuen Wan Line or Tung Chung Line. Then walk to Central Ferry Pier No. 6 to take the ferry.

By MTR

Take the Tung Chung Line to Tung Chung Station on Lantau Island. It’ll take about 30-40 minutes. If you’re heading to Hong Kong Disneyland, transfer at Sunny Bay Station for the Disneyland Resort Line to Disneyland Station.

From Kowloon: around 30 minutes on the Tung Chung Line

From Tsim Sha Tsui: Take the Tsuen Wan Line (Red Line) from Tsim Sha Tsui Station to Lai King Station. Then transfer to the Tung Chung Line. It’ll take 40-50 minutes.

By Bus

There are a number of buses running between most of the attractions on Lantau Island. Travel time is between 20 and 40 minutes.

By Taxi

Grab a taxi from either Mui Wo or Tung Chung to different parts of Lantau Island. You can also take a taxi from Hong Kong Island, but the fares will be higher due to the distance.

Accommodation Options on Lantau Island

You have many options when it comes to accommodation on Lantau Island. From high end beach resorts to budge friendly inns. In general, Tung Chung is convenient for transportation to the airport or Hong Kong Island. Mui Wo is close to the beaches. Staying in Tai O will give you a more cultural and authentic experience. Discovery Bay has many resorts and dining options. Ngong Ping is close to the main attractions.

Here’re some recommendations:

• Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel in Disneyland Resort, Sunny Bay
• Auberge Discovery Bay in Discovery Bay
• Tai O Heritage Hotel in Tai O Fishing Village
• Silvermine Beach Resort in Mui Wo
• Novotel Citygate Hong Kong in Tung Chung
• YHA Ngong Ping SG Davis Youth Hostel in Ngong Ping
• Espace Elastique B&B in Tai O Fishing Village

When is the Best Time to Travel to Lantau Island

It is from October to November. The dry and mild weather is perfect for Lantau Island sightseeing, and for hiking.

In summer (June to August), there will be more rain and sometime even thunderstorms.

How to Plan Your Lantau Island Tour

• One-day itinerary: Ngong Ping 360 cable car – Tian Tan Buddha – Po Lin Monastery – The Simple Forest of the Heart Sutra – Tai O fishing village
• Two-day itinerary: Tour the Ngong Ping Cultural District and Tai O. Hike the Lantau Trail (for active travelers), explore the beaches (for leisure travelers), or visit Disneyland (for families with kids).
• Recommended Lantau Island Hiking Route(5 km/ 2 hours/Intermediate level): Ngong Ping Village – Ngong Ping Nature Centre – Fa Mun Ancient Trail – Maitreya Hill Country Trail – Ngong Ping Plaza – Tian Tan Buddha.

Attractions nearby Lantau Island

Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge is the world’s longest sea-crossing bridge, connecting Hong Kong, Zhuhai, and Macao.

Jao Tsung-I Academy showcases the life and works of Professor Jao Tsung-I, including his calligraphy, paintings, academic achievements, and cultural activities.

Best Private Hong Kong Tours with Chinaxiantour

The most popular Hong Kong tours with Lantau Island are favorite choices for international travelers on a multi-day Hong Kong trip or a Hong Kong layover tour wishing to check out the must-see attractions. From the wonderful experience of the Ngong Ping 360 cable car and the world-famous Tian Tan Buddha, to the relaxing and fun-filled beaches, you’ll soak up Lantau Island’s traditional culture and breathtaking landscapes. Plan your Hong Kong trip with China Xian Tour today – our travel experts will customize the perfect itinerary.