Across Asia, colossal Buddha statues, Buddhist monuments and cave temples serve both as spiritual sites and tourist attractions. Buddha sculptures and cave temples became popular in the 3rd and 5th centuries; these massive constructions were usually sponsored by the government and took countless hours to complete.
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Whether you are Buddhist or not, these architectural and artistic feats are worth a visit. They serve as rich reminders of the cultural history of a country and show how religion and art continue to play a role in society.
Visit Hong Kong’s Po Lin Monastery and Big Buddha statue. The 34-meter high Tian Tan Buddha statue, or Big Buddha, took 12 years to construct. This modern day project — built in 1993 — pays homage to older Buddhist statues in the vicinity. The Tian Tan Buddha has 268 steps that allow visitors an up-close look at the statue as well as a stunning mountain vista.
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The nearby Po Lin Monastery is one of the most visited Buddhist attractions. Originally called Da Maopeng, this monastery is colorfully decorated and open to the public. There is a sacred bell, rung every 7 minutes, that visitors believe has curative properties. Po Lin is only a short distance from Hong Kong proper; take the time to visit this memorable and historic site.
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