Ngong Ping 360

Ngong Ping 360 is the cable car that links Tung Chung, on the north coast of Lantau Island, with the Ngong Ping plateau, home of the Tian Tan Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. The ride takes around 25 minutes and gives wide views across the island and the sea as it climbs to the plateau. For many visitors it is as memorable as the Buddha itself.

There are standard cabins and premium Crystal cabins, and the operator's website explains the current cabin options and ticket types, so compare them before you book. At the top, Ngong Ping Village has shops and the Holidays 360 Information Centre, which offers left luggage, useful if you are heading to or from the airport.

The cable car and Ngong Ping Village operate from 10am to 6pm on weekdays and from 9am to 6.30pm on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. Special arrangements and maintenance days are announced on the official website, so check before you go. The operator advises buying tickets only through its own website or authorised channels, as tickets from unofficial sources can be cancelled without refund.

Queues can be long on weekends and public holidays, especially mid-morning, so arrive early or book ahead. The ride may be suspended in high winds or bad weather, so look at the forecast and the website on the day. A return ticket is the simplest option, but some visitors ride one way and take the bus back to Tung Chung for variety. Allow half a day for the round trip with time at the Buddha and monastery.

The guest services hotline can help with questions about left luggage and visitor arrangements, and the website lists any special operating notices, such as changes to hours on particular dates, so it is worth a quick look on the morning of your trip.

The Tung Chung terminal is next to Tung Chung MTR station, about a five-minute walk from exit B, which makes the cable car easy to reach by public transport from the city. The ride suits families, couples and photographers, though anyone uneasy with heights should consider the ride before committing. Combine it with the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery for a full day on Lantau.