Big Buddha, Hong Kong

Formally known as the Tian Tan Buddha, this 34-metre bronze seated figure on Lantau Island was completed in 1993 and is oriented to face north toward China. The statue sits on three-tiered lotus throne atop a hillside at 520 metres, accessible via 268 steps or the Ngong Ping cable car. The Po Lin Monastery complex at its base dates to 1906 and contains an active community of Buddhist monks.