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Ngong
Ping 360, Hong Kong’s
stunning new
tourist attraction is set to open in June 2006. Ngong Ping 360
combines a cable car journey to the Tian Tan Buddha Statue on Lantau
Island with a cultural themed village where visitors can immerse
themselves in the culture and heritage of Hong Kong in a way which
is both fascinating and fun.
Ngong Ping 360 starts at the Tung Chung Skyrail Terminal,
conveniently located just five-minutes by taxi from the airport or
steps from Tung Chung MTR station, 30-minutes by MTR from Central.
Ngong Ping Skyrail, an unforgettable 5.7 km cableway trip, is the
first leg of Hong Kong’s newest multi-faceted tourist experience.
The
25-minute journey gives a sensational bird’s eye view of the planes
taking off and landing at Hong Kong International Airport and
stunning vistas of the South China Sea. As the Skyrail glides
silently over the scenic North Lantau Country Park, visitors will
see a canopy of trees beneath, and catch glimpses of natural wonders
such as waterfalls, wildlife and the mountain scenery.
At the end of the 25 minute journey, Ngong Ping Skyrail Terminal
located at Ngong Ping Village near the imposing Tian Tan Buddha
Statue becomes visible.
Ngong Ping Village has been designed to reflect the area’s
cultural heritage and spiritual history. The village features a
comprehensive range of shops and restaurants to compliment the
attractions set in this unique venue.
Against the backdrop of a picturesque garden and the traditional
Chinese architecture, a number of themed attractions await. These
are Walking with Buddha, the Monkey’s Tale Theatre and Ngong Ping
Tea House.
Walking with Buddha uses modern multimedia to give an absorbing
insight into the life of Siddhartha Gautama, the man who lived 2,500
years ago in Nepal and became Buddha. The atmospheric drama
heightens as mist descends through a magic Bodhi tree and incense
smoke billows. Visitors hear the voice of the spirit of the tree
telling the story of the man who asked himself: “Who am I and why am
I here?” They can feast their eyes on a 2.5 metre high translucent
image of Buddha and enjoy two short three-minute movies describing
his path to enlightenment through seven scenes.
The Monkey’s Tale Theatre takes place in a magical courtyard,
under the branches of the majestic Bodhi tree. It is a charmingly
comical show with a moral twist, inspired by the famous Buddhist
Jataka stories. It is designed to be a complete sensory experience
for visitors of all ages. High definition animation, special visual
effects and surround sound tell the story of a selfish monkey who,
with the help of the Monkey King, learns his lesson about humility
and kindness.
After these exciting attractions, it’s time for a soothing
demonstration of traditional tea ceremonies at the Ngong Ping Tea
House, set in a beautiful Chinese garden.
The day would be incomplete without a trip up the steps to see
the remarkable Tian Tan Buddha Statue and Po Lin Monastery. Visitors
can take their time at the village, and return by Skyrail to Tung
Chung at their leisure during the daylight hours.
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