The Ngong Ping 360 is a great way to explore Lantau Island. This cable car travels between Tung Chung, on the north coast of Lantau, and Ngong Ping, a hilly, once-remote area. Ngong Ping is home to the famous Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan or “Big Buddha,” which were both popular tourist attractions even before the cable car was constructed.

It’s worth waiting for a clear day to enjoy Ngong Ping 360. The 25-minute ride begins in urban Tung Chung. After crossing Tung Chung Bay, the car turns 60 degrees and heads for the tranquility of North Lantau. Sit back and take in the views of the vast South China Sea, and the lush green hillsides of North Lantau Country Park below.

For an unobstructed view of the rolling hills, take the glass-bottom Crystal Cabin. Lines are shorter for this more expensive option. It’s best to book online in advance for either cabin since lines can be several hours long, especially on weekends and holidays.

The cable car also passes Hong Kong International Airport and the Tian Tan Buddha before the 360-degree view of the Ngong Ping Plateau opens up below. Arriving in Ngong Ping, you’ll find the Ngong Ping Village, a retail complex which is part of Ngong Ping 360.

Children will enjoy the animated stories in the Monkey’s Tale Theater, while the multimedia Walking with Buddha exhibition introduces visitors to the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the man who became Buddha. Admission to these attractions is free with certain cable car tickets and packages, so be sure to check the different options available on the official website before you go.

From the village, you can easily reach the renowned Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery by foot. Afterward, take the cable car back to Tung Chung at sunset for a spectacular end to the day.

The cable car terminal in Tung Chung is around five minutes’ walk from Tung Chung MTR Station Exit B