A must-see for any visitor to Hong Kong, Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden in Diamond Hill, Kowloon, are where you can explore amazing Chinese heritage
No matter how long you’ve lived in Hong Kong, a break from the expensive city life and high-rise buildings can do some good. Whether that’s exploring heritage and art at Tai Kwun, enjoying therapeutic forest walks with Kembali, or exploring the islands around Hong Kong, there’s always somewhere to explore. And next up on your to-go list should be Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden in Diamond Hill, as they are great places to escape from the noise. Join us as we introduce you to the sites’ gorgeous architecture, temples and tranquil rock gardens.
Chi Lin Nunnery in Diamond Hill, Kowloon
Chi Lin Nunnery is actually a temple complex founded in 1934 as a retreat for Buddhist nuns. In the 1990s, it was rebuilt in Tang Dynasty style to include elegant architecture, crafted from cypress wood.
Based on traditional Chinese architecture, the complex features an interlocking system of joints. This means that not a single nail was used during its construction – a rather astonishing feat. Inside, the temple halls include a range of statues of the Sakyamuni Buddha, bodhisattvas, and Guanyin, the goddess of Mercy.
Chi Lin Nunnery, 5 Chi Lin Drive, Diamond Hill, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 九龍鑽石山志蓮道5號志蓮淨苑
Nan Lian Garden: A photographer’s dream
Just opposite Chi Lin Nunnery is Nan Lian Garden. With a backdrop of Hong Kong’s famous high-rise apartment buildings, this place is an oasis of calm. A public park, the garden has also been meticulously crafted in Tang dynasty style. Also, it includes the Pavilion of Absolute Perfection and water features, making the garden ideal for photography.
Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden are great places to take visitors to Hong Kong or to escape from the busy streets. A vegetarian restaurant serving Chinese food is also located in the garden, as well as a Chinese Tea House.
Nan Lian Garden, 60 Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 九龍鑽石山鳳德道60號南蓮園池
