It was a foggy day when I visited Lantau Island back in 2016, but rather than spoiling the visit, I’d say it made it all the more memorable!

Lantau Island is one of the must-visit cultural hubs of Hong Kong. Despite its title as an island, it’s accessible via car as it’s all connected via roads and bridges and is particularly close to the airport. Known for its temples, food markets, and the Big Buddha, Lantau Island was my most memorable experience during my time in Hong Kong.

Gorgeous Temples

Before reaching the Big Buddha, which is the pride and joy of this scenic island, you’ll come across beautiful Chinese architecture in the form of temples and small villages. Not only is the design of the structures a sight in themselves, but also the lovely flower gardens that decorate the vicinity.

Intoxicating Incense!

The eyes aren’t the only senses that derive pleasure at Lantau Island, but the nose too! At every corner, you’ll smell the calming scent of incense candles, a sensation that I find difficult to describe in words but that certainly has me feeling very much alive and awake (maybe it’s a drug?).

Staircase To Heaven!

Unfortunately, when it’s this foggy, the only way you’re going to see the Big Buddha is by climbing this marathon of stairs! Regardless, I’d recommend taking the journey through these 200-plus stairs as the experience of being so close to something so massive will be a memory for life that you won’t regret!

The Big Buddha!

In many ways, the heavy fog at Lantau Island that day created a rather mysterious ambiance near the Big Buddha that was both eerie yet strangely alluring. As one of the world’s largest seated Buddha statues in the world, I can attest to the grandeur of its presence when you’re up close. I felt as though the statue was alive with its massive hands and looming presence piercing through the mist that had all visitors in awe.

A Foggy Visit…But Well-Worth It!

This photo says it all – a view of the Big Buddha without the Big Buddha! Regardless, there’s enough vision to see the amazing cultural structures, temples, and incense candle exhibits. Furthermore, as I’ve mentioned, the fog creates an even more memorable experience once you get close enough to see the Buddha statue peering from the mist in an epic cinematic manner.