Across Asia, colossal Buddha statues, Buddhist monuments and cave temples serve both as spiritual sites and tourist attractions. Buddha sculptures and cave temples became popular in the 3rd and 5th centuries; these massive constructions were usually sponsored by the government and took countless hours to complete.
© Pindiyath100 | Dreamstime
Whether you are Buddhist or not, these architectural and artistic feats are worth a visit. They serve as rich reminders of the cultural history of a country and show how religion and art continue to play a role in society.
Visit Hong Kong’s Po Lin Monastery and Big Buddha statue. The 34-meter high Tian Tan Buddha statue, or Big Buddha, took 12 years to construct. This modern day project — built in 1993 — pays homage to older Buddhist statues in the vicinity. The Tian Tan Buddha has 268 steps that allow visitors an up-close look at the statue as well as a stunning mountain vista.
© Alexirina27000 | Dreamstime
The nearby Po Lin Monastery is one of the most visited Buddhist attractions. Originally called Da Maopeng, this monastery is colorfully decorated and open to the public. There is a sacred bell, rung every 7 minutes, that visitors believe has curative properties. Po Lin is only a short distance from Hong Kong proper; take the time to visit this memorable and historic site.
Read This Next
Top 5: Armenia’s Most Impressive Monasteries
Europe
Dec 15, 2014#TrazeeTravel
Insta Feed6 Skincare Mistakes to Avoid Before and After a Flight This Winter
An airplane’s cabin is already dry, but add in the winter climate and your skin practically begs for help. This season, keep skin healthy and moisturized by avoiding these six common mistakes when traveling:
Sponsored Content
Extraordinary Moments, Made to Keep
The Excellence Collection offers a curated collection of luxurious resorts across Mexico and the Caribbean, promising exceptional experiences for every guest and taste. From upscale suite concepts to a plethora of gourmet dining options, from wellness experiences to curated activities, The Excellence Collection guarantees all this and more.
Destinations / Europe
Oct 21, 2026Ease Into Autumn with Anantara’s European Wellness Retreats
Anantara Hotels & Resorts welcomes travelers to an autumnal escape with a collection of wellness experiences across its European properties. From hot mindful yoga and meditation to signature treatments like a Monoi Oil Body Wrap, these immersive retreats let guests unwind and rejuvenate as the seasons fade into one another.
Surveys
Oct 21, 2026Business Travel Bigger Than Ever, According to New Hotels.com Study
While just a few years ago, the travel industry may’ve been worried about business travel returning to its pre-pandemic numbers, according to a new Hotels.com study, that worry is no more. Business travel is back — and even more, it’s busier than ever for some travelers.
Sponsored Content
GET TO KNOW TAP FORBIZ
Unlock flexible, refined business travel with TAP Air Portugal’s program, TAP FORBIZ. Developed for small, medium and large Companies, with options for corporate events, TAP FORBIZ offers exclusive advantages adapted to each type of business.
Destinations / North America
Oct 21, 2026Massive Resort Planned for Florida’s Forgotten Coast
Known as Florida’s Forgotten Coast, this stretch of the Florida Panhandle is often overlooked for more well-known destinations in the state, such as Panama City Beach, Miami and Tampa. But the region’s quiet and laid-back atmosphere slowly draws travelers wishing to escape the crowds and high prices of Florida’s other cities, and one hospitality brand just announced plans to bring a 55-acre resort and community to the area.
ShareThis