The 11th Panchen Lama visited Hong Kong from Wednesday to Friday and attended the Third World Buddhist Forum, marking his first public appearance outside the Chinese mainland.

The 11th Panchen Lama Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu visited the Liaison Office of the Chinese central government in Hong Kong, as well as the Hong Kong Buddhist Association, according to an official press release.

The living Buddha also visited Golden Bauhinia Square, the Hong Kong Bank of China Tower and the headquarters of Phoenix TV, as well as two local Buddhist temples.

"I always hoped to visit Hong Kong, and now I got what I wanted," the press release quoted the Panchen Lama as saying.

The Panchen Lama said he "learned a lot" during his three-day visit, adding that he believes Hong Kong has enjoyed a "good situation" in terms of its economic development, social stability and harmony between different religions.

The Panchen Lama said he believes Hong Kong will have a "better future" and voiced a wish for good luck for the region.

On Thursday morning, the Panchen Lama delivered a keynote speech to over 1,000 monks and scholars at the Third World Buddhist Forum.