Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) & South China Sea from Ngong Ping Piazza

This image is of the Tian Tan Buddha (Big Buddha) on Lantau Island, with South China Sea in the background. I flew my drone from the open space at Ngong Ping Piazza. You can take a ferry to Mui Wo from Central, then Bus No 2 from the Mui Wo Ferry Pier. A more exciting route would be to take the Ngong Ping Cable Car from Tung Chung MTR station. Tickets aren't cheap, but you'll get incredible views of the island along the way. Consider doing a one-way up, and then walk down to the Mui Wo ferry pier while enjoying the beautiful natural environment.

You can photograph the statue and area any month of year, but the surrounding landscape will be at its peak green from March to October.

I took this photograph in the late-afternoon when the light was more soft, although you can capture beautiful views of the Buddha and surrounding landscape any time of day. The area is a very popular tourist destination, so to avoid the crowds, I recommend visiting during the morning on weekdays.

Follow local drone regulations and permit requirements if flying a drone.

I composed my image with the stairs protruding from the bottom left corner, leading into the massive Buddha statue. I also made sure to incorporate the South China Sea in the background. Fly around and find your own creative perspective!

Experiment with flying high and low. There are so many perspectives you can create at this beautiful area, and changing the height of your composition can really give the image a different feel.

Climb the 268 steps and explore the area! There are six smaller bronze statues known as "The Offering of the Six Devas" offering flowers, incense, lamp, ointment, fruit and music to the Buddha. There are also three floors beneath the statue: the halls of the Universe, of Benevolent Merit and of Remembrance. There's even alleged cremated remains of Gautama Buddha within.