Ngong Ping 360 - Hong Kong’s New Tourist Attraction to open end June 2006

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.

See other recent news regarding: Ngong Ping 360, Hong Kong