Lantau: Celebrate Buddha’s Birthday with a Hong Kong Tour
If you’re visiting Hong Kong in early May, you’re in for a rare and meaningful experience. Buddha’s Birthday, celebrated this year on May 5, 2025, is one of the most important spiritual holidays in the region—and there's no better place to witness it than Lantau Island.
Lantau isn’t just home to the airport and stunning nature trails. It’s where you'll find Ngong Ping, a peaceful plateau that transforms into a vibrant gathering space during this annual festival. At the heart of it all stands the awe-inspiring Big Buddha (also known as Tian Tan Buddha), one of the largest seated outdoor bronze Buddhas in the world.
How Locals Celebrate Buddha’s Birthday
Across Hong Kong, temples open their doors to thousands of worshippers who come to pay their respects to Siddhartha Gautama—the founder of Buddhism. But Lantau’s Po Lin Monastery, just a short walk from the Big Buddha, is the spiritual center of the celebration.
Here’s what you can expect to see and experience:
Bathing the Buddha: A beautiful ritual where people gently pour water over a statue of the baby Buddha. It’s a symbolic act that represents cleansing the soul and letting go of past misdeeds.
Incense and Offerings: The air is filled with fragrant incense smoke, while devotees offer fruits, flowers, and prayer scrolls at temple altars.
Chanting Ceremonies: Monks lead the community in rhythmic prayers that echo through the monastery halls.
Vegetarian Food Stalls: Many locals eat vegetarian meals during this time as an act of compassion, and several stalls pop up around the temple serving delicious meat-free local dishes.
Even if you’re not Buddhist, you’ll feel welcomed by the inclusive and peaceful nature of the celebration. It's a rare opportunity to take part in a living tradition and witness the harmony between spirituality and daily life in Hong Kong.
Why Visit Lantau on Buddha’s Birthday?
Visiting Lantau during Buddha’s Birthday offers a completely different side of Hong Kong—one that's spiritual, scenic, and deeply rooted in tradition. Imagine walking up the 268 steps to the Big Buddha while surrounded by incense, chanting, and panoramic mountain views. It’s an atmosphere that’s hard to put into words.
And while many visitors make the trip on their own, joining a guided Hong Kong tour that focuses on Lantau can give you a much richer understanding of what you're seeing.
Explore with a Local Guide on a Private Lantau Tour
If you're the kind of traveler who likes to go deeper, our Private Lantau Tour is designed to show you more than just the famous spots. Along with visiting the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery, we’ll take you to places like Tai O Fishing Village, where traditional stilt houses still line the water, and you'll learn how this quiet community has changed over time.
You'll also hear stories about Buddhist practices, local customs, and how Lantau’s unique blend of old and new shapes life on the island today. It’s a great option for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for something meaningful, personal, and memorable.
Plan Your Visit
Buddha’s Birthday on Lantau Island is a must-see if you’re in town this May. It’s more than just a cultural event—it’s a celebration of peace, compassion, and heritage in one of Hong Kong’s most beautiful settings.
Whether you go on your own or with a local guide, this is the kind of moment that will stay with you long after your trip ends.