Ngong Ping Village @ Lantau Island [Hong Kong] #ngongpingvillage

I am split over the opinions of whether i am for or against purpose-built themed attractions; on one hand, it is simply a replica although on the other hand, it can help recreate something historical and interesting that can differentiate itself from the concrete jungle we live in nowadays.

Located right at the other end (terminal station) of the Ngong Ping 360 cable car system is Ngong Ping Village; a retail site built using traditional Chinese architectural designs.

With the dome-shaped hill right behind, it's a sight to behold and one could probably imagine people in vintage attire milling in the midst of the low-rise building of this one-street village.

Not far away is the renowned Tian Tan Buddha; artwork for the above melting ice cream (with macaroons) sculpture wasn't completed at the time of my visit, it's baffling to see such contrasting modern image although it's not meant to be permanent.

Blessing drums at the entrance, welcoming you to the village!

Take pictures but don't tap / hit the drums despite the temptations to do so! My hands are known to be attached to itchy fingers and i believe there are many others like me.

Eateries formed the bulk of the offerings at the start of the village and you can even get a cup of starbucks if the addiction hits. For me, i am only craving for Singapore-style kopi-gao...

Fake bodhi tree; given the village's close proximity to the Tian Tan Buddha and the Po Lin Monastery, there are expected Buddhism elements.

There's even a "Walking with Buddha" ticketed attraction which was closed on the day of our visit and would remain closed for upgrading until 16 September (subject to change).

Motion 360 - would be fun if you have kids.

You would see this opening right across from the bodhi tree when you are about halfway along the street; it's important to note the following if you have the intention to visit Tai O Fishing Village.

It's the location of the bus terminal with bus service no 21 that would bring you to the village that's about a 20-minute ride away. In addition, those who bought only a one-way cable car ticket can also board a bus from here that would bring you back to Tung Chung MTR station.

Sleeping dog in the middle of the street.

Towards the tail-end of the wide street in Ngong Ping Village, you would be greeted with the amazing sight of the mammoth Tian Tan Buddha!

Picture of Alex with the Buddha.

"The Art of Chocolate Hong Kong" - a ticketed attraction with close to 400 exhibits made of chocolate, free raw chocolate tasting and a selection of DIY chocolate art workshops.

Nice paintings! Actually, one souvenir i always wanted from each country is a comical caricature of myself in other countries so that i can hang them up on the plain walls in my house; i kept reminding myself yet i kept forgetting! So far, i only had one from Krabi!

Retail shops offering toys, local souvenirs (one has a concept similar to Singapore's Naiise) and auspicious items like fortune cats, beaded bracelets etc.

Prefer something morbid? You can consider the encased insects that's made into paper-weights, key-chains etc. I found such displays disturbing but as a tourist, the best thing we can do is not to buy.