Tian Tian Buddha

On a hill above the Po Lin Monastery sits the Tian Tan Buddha, a seated representation of Lord Gautama some 23 m high (or 26.4 m with the lotus). The large bell within the Buddha is controlled by computer and rings 108 times during the day to symbolize escape from what Buddhism terms the 108 troubles of mankind'. The podium is composed of separate chambers on three different levels. On the first level are six statues of bodhisattvas, each of which weighs around two tonnes. On the second level is a small museum containing oil paintings and ceramic plaques of the Buddha's life and teachings.