In short: A public holiday on Thursday 13 May 2027 marked by the bathing-the-Buddha ritual at temples citywide and at the Big Buddha on Lantau.
Buddha's Birthday is a public holiday in Hong Kong, observed with the gentle 'bathing the Buddha' ritual at temples across the city. The most atmospheric place to mark it is Ngong Ping on Lantau, in the shadow of the giant Tian Tan Buddha.
Event Essentials
WhenThursday 13 May 2027 (public holiday)
WhereTemples citywide; Po Lin Monastery, Lantau
Getting thereNgong Ping 360 cable car / bus from Tung Chung
CostFree (temple entry)
NearbyCheung Chau Bun Festival
Officialdiscoverhongkong.com
What happens
Devotees pour fragrant water over statues of the infant Buddha in a ritual of purification, and temples hold ceremonies and serve vegetarian food. Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha draw the largest crowds.
Tips for visitors
Make a day of Lantau: ride the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, visit the monastery and Big Buddha, and combine it with the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, which often falls around the same time.