Does Ngong Ping360 ring a bell? I bet it does! This must-visit attraction gives breathtaking vistas of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. The cable car ride connects Tung Chung’s city center, Lantau, and Ngong Ping, and gives locals and tourists alike a chance to explore other interesting spots.
You can explore the Wisdom Path/Trail, Tian Tan Buddha, Ngong Ping Village, or Po Lin Monastery, which are already pretty amazing in their own right.
Experience the perfect blend of nature, culture, and adrenaline!
The 25-minute cable car ride begins the moment you leave the terminal. You’ll be treated to a 360-degree view of Tung Chung (part of the new development of Lantau North), Tung Chung Bay (famous natural habitat for wildlife), Hong Kong International Airport (one of the largest airports in the world when it comes to passenger volume), Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (the longest sea crossing and the longest open-sea fixed link in the world), Lantau North Country Park, Nei Lak Shan (Hong Kong’s sixth tallest peak), Tian Tan Buddha (world’s tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha which symbolizes the union of man and nature), and Ngong Ping Village!
I highly recommend taking the glass-bottom crystal cabin because it offers more than 80% visibility. It quite visually blurs the gap between you and the rolling terrain down below, so you’d appreciate the ride even more.
Plus, the regular cabins have so many people lining up for it. If you have somewhere to be after your Ngong Ping 360 visit, this is one way to make the most out of it quickly.
In our experience, the ride honestly felt longer than 25 minutes. It’s probably because we were too immersed in looking at the lush mountains as we were gliding above them.
I’m not afraid of heights, but since this was my first cable car experience, I had to calm my nerves a bit for the first few minutes. After that, there’s just pure awe and photo moments.
What to Expect
Snag discounted tickets when you buy online. We bought our Ngong Ping 360 tickets via Klook before even setting foot in Hong Kong. I love how it’s not just cheaper, but also helps you save time! Tickets bought via Klook have a different queue, and it moves way faster than the regular one. Get yours here.
Next is you can explore other attractions once you get off the cable car! There’s Ngong Ping Village – a culturally-themed village where you can indulge in the entertainment facilities, try out simple, authentic, or international food choices, shop for exquisite art and souvenirs, take your time in the photo spots, or just stroll. It’s up to you if you’re game for lots of activities, or if you’re just looking for a chill time.
You can also visit Po Lin Monastery (this dates back to 1906) and marvel at the assorted architectural designs inspired by different dynasties (Song, Ming, and Qing). The Big Buddha is worth visiting as well. It’s my personal fave! Climb the 256 steps to visit the hall inside its base, and enjoy the scenic nature view or a glimpse of the monastery.
Lastly, there’s the Wisdom Path, perfect for those who want a spiritual or Instagram-worthy stroll on a beautiful winding path (sadly, we missed this one). Both novice and seasoned hikers also shouldn’t miss the different trails that will get them closer to nature. It’s worth noting Lantau Trail and Nei Lak Shan Country Trail.
ALSO READ: Ultimate Guide to Your Hong Kong-Macau Escapade (2023 – 5D4N Itinerary)
How to get there
The Ngong Ping 360 Tung Chung Cable Car Terminal is only a five-minute walk from the Tung Chung MTR station. Just take Exit B, walk for a few minutes, and you’ll see it right away (it’s past Citygate Outlets). Some visitors also just take bus 23 from Tung Chung Tat Tung Road Bus Terminus. If you take the bus, travel time will be around 50 minutes. Detailed directions here.
The cable car service runs from 10am to 6pm, but I suggest checking the site just to be sure that it’s open on your day of visit. Last I checked, they had scheduled maintenance days for May, and only the Ngong Ping Village was open.
Leaving Ngong Ping
It’s up to you if you want to take the cable car from Ngong Ping back to Tung Chung, or return by bus 23.
Cost
We got our discounted NP360 cable car tickets from Klook, and at the time, the cost was P2,183. Expect to shell out more or less this amount if you plan on getting the crystal cabin too. Click here for the discounted ticket
Verdict: Do you keep or skip this attraction?
Honestly, I’d say go for it. The Ngong Ping 360 experience is a must, especially for first-time Hong Kong visitors! (ahem, that would be me). Here’s what actually went down during our visit.
It’s up to you how you want your visit to be anyway! You can take a peaceful stroll, go on an adventurous hike, shop for cultural finds, (finally) face your fears in the high-flying ride, meditate as you walk up the 268 steps to the Big Buddha, camp out, or stay longer to take beautiful photos of the starlit sky! Whatever you decide – make sure to stay energized because it can be hot, and there’s a lot of walking (maybe a bit of running) involved). 😉
THE BDT 
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