Wisdom Path is at the foot of Lantau Peak on Ngong Ping, Lantau Island. It is a hidden treasure in the close vincinity to the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery. As its name indicates, it is a path with the verses of the Heart Sutra inscribed on the wooden columns.
Although it’s not well known by tourists, since it is close to the other popular sightseeing attractions, many visitors will choose to take a close look of the Wisdom Path. Especially for those who loves landscape，hiking and photography, it worths you some time for a walk.
All you need to know about Wisdom Path
Wooden Columns of Wisdom Path on Ngong Ping
Besides Wisdom Path, there are many other attractions, such as the Big Buddha, Cable Car, viewing platforms, hiking trail, fishing village and beach resorts on Lantau Island. Check out how to arrange the itinerary and insider tips.
More to Know
What to do in Ngong Ping and on Lantau Island
Lantau Island is a great treasure when it comes to attractions. Besides the Big Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, Ngong Ping Cable Car and Tai O fishing village, you may also be interested in hiking, scenic views, beach resort and pink dolphin. Check out how to plan your itinerary for one-day sightseeing on Lantau Island.
What is Wisdom Path?
There are 38 wooden columns or beams, each of which is about 8-10 meter tall, 1 meter wide and inscribed with Chinese calligraphy. The Chinese characters are the words from the Heart Sutra (般若波羅蜜多心經) written by master sinologist and calligraphy Professor Jao Tsung-I. The Heart Sutra’s Sanskrit title is Prajñāpāramitāhṛdaya, which can be translated as “The Heart of the Perfection of Wisdom”.
Timber Columns standing on the hill
All the wooden columns are displayed in the ∞ patten, representing infinity and blending into the beauty of the landscape. Since the Heart Sutra’s famous state is “Form is empty”, the No.23 column is kept blank to emphasise the core value of the Heart Sutra.
The Wisdom Path has applied the translation version of Heart Sutra from Xuanzang. Xuanzang was a Chinese Buddhist monk in Tang dynasty (602 – 664AD) who travelled to India and brought back the Sanskrit texts. His story and himself have been also featured in one of the great classics of Chinese literature, the novel “Journey to the West”.
Unfortunately, there are no English translations or explanation at this beautiful location, but you still can enjoy the beauty and tranquil atmosphere of this place.
Timber Columns of Wisdom Path on Ngong Ping
The Heart Sutra on wooden columns
The following texts are the Chinese version of Heart Sutra written on the wooden columns:
觀自在菩薩行深般若 波羅蜜多時 照見五蘊皆空 度一切苦厄舍利子 色不異空空不異色 色即是空空即是色 受想行識 亦復如是 舍利子是諸法空相 不生不滅不垢不淨 不增不減是故空中無色 無受想行識 無眼耳鼻舌身意 無色聲香味觸法 無眼界乃至無意識界 無無明亦無無明盡 乃至無老死 亦無老死盡 無苦集滅道 無智亦無得 以無所得故菩提薩埵 依般若波羅蜜多故 心無罣礙無罣礙故 無有恐怖遠離顛倒夢想 究竟涅槃三世諸佛 依般若波羅蜜多故 得阿耨多羅三藐三菩提 故知般若波羅蜜多 是大神咒是大明咒 是無上咒是無等等咒 能除一切苦真實不虛 故說般若波羅蜜多咒 即說咒曰 揭諦揭諦波羅揭諦 波羅僧揭諦 菩提薩婆訶
Text is:”觀自在菩薩行深般若 波羅蜜多時 照見五蘊皆空 度一切苦厄舍利子”
Text is:”舍利子是諸法空相，不生不滅不垢不淨”(right two columns)
Did You Know
When you walk just a few steps further of the entrance of the Wisdom Path, you will get to a small viewing platform where you admire the complete arrangement of the thirty-eight timber columns. It is also the entrance or end of the one of the Lantau Hiking Trails.
Last but not least, the Wisdom Path is also surrounded by stunning and beautiful scenery. Enjoy beautiful views of the Hong Kong’s second highest Peak the Lantau Peak which is famous for its amazing sunrise scenery.
Where is Wisdom Path and how to get there?
Once you reach the entrance of Tian Tan Buddha, you will see the signs leading you to the Wisdom Path in close vicinity. Simply follow the sign.
Way Instruction to Wisdom Path on Ngong Ping
Walking to the Wisdom Path will take you about 10 – 15 minutes depending on your speed. The walk is actually quite nice and gentle and easily manageable for most of people. Since many visitors usually don’t know about the Wisdom Path or bother to take their time to explore it, this attraction is not as crowded as the other nearby main attractions, such as the Big Buddha and Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car.
Way to Wisdom Path and Lantau Peak on Ngong Ping
Ticket price and opening hours of Wisdom Path
The access to Wisdom Path is free of charge and it opens all day.
How to get to Wisdom Path on Lantau Island?
Wisdom Path is close to the Big Buddha and Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car. You can travel to Tung Chung Town Center first and then transfer to either Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car (25-minute ride), bus (50 minutes) or taxi (40 minutes) from Tung Chung Town Center to the piazza.
Alternatively, visitors can also travel from Central by ferry to Mui O then transfer by bus to Ngong Ping.
For saving time and upgrading your travel experience, the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car is highly recommended. You can enjoy the amazing panoramic views on board during the 25-minute ride. Get the ticket discount in advance to shorten waiting time if possible.
For more step-by-step details about how to get to Ngong Ping Piazza, please refer to more details on how to get to the Big Buddha.
General Info and Details
Locations: At the foot of Lantau Peak on Ngong Ping, Lantau Island
Opening Hours: Always open
Ticket Fare: Free admission
How to get to Wisdom Path?
Depending on your starting location and budget, you can get to Wisdom Path by the Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car, taxi or bus: See details above