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Standing a lofty 26 m (85 ft) high, this mighty bronze statue is among the largest seated Buddha images in the world. The statue, which was cast in more than 220 pieces, sits on a throne of lotus – the Buddhist symbol of purity.

Attracted by its seclusion, Buddhist monks began arriving on Lantau in the early 20th century. The Po Lin or “precious lotus” monastery really developed as a place for pilgrimage in the 1920s when the Great Hall was built and the first abbot appointed.

The Tea Gardens just west of the Buddha statue boast their own modest tea plantation. The café sells tea leaves from the bushes and makes a pleasant shaded place to enjoy a drink or cheap Chinese meal away from the crowds.

Meal tickets for three good-value restaurants are sold at the entrance to the Buddha statue (they also allow access to the displays inside the Buddha). The vegetarian food includes convincing mock meat dishes.

The main temple houses three large golden Buddha images. Don’t miss the ceiling paintings, the elaborate friezes around the exterior and the elegant lotus-shaped floor tiles.

On each side of the staircase are statues of Buddhist saints. They are venerated for deferring heaven in order to help mortals reach enlightenment. Throw a coin into their cupped hands for luck.

A sacred relic of the real Buddha (a tooth in a crystal container) is enshrined within the Buddha image, but is difficult to make out. Below the statue is a display about the life of the Buddha and his path to enlightenment.

Walk back down to Tung Chung MTR via the lovely 4-mile (7-km) wooded path through the Tung Chung Valley. You will pass some small monasteries including Lo Hon, which serves cheap vegetarian lunches.

You may glimpse the grey-robed, shaven-headed nuns and monks at prayers in the old temple behind the main one. Entry is forbidden to tourists during the 3pm prayers.

Guarded by twin lions, the temple gateway is said to replicate the southern gate to Buddhist heaven. As found elsewhere in the temple, the gateway is decorated with reverse swastikas, which is the holy sign of Buddhism. The three Chinese characters at the top read “Po Lin Monastery”.