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📍 Nan Lin Garden
When it comes to Hong Kong, the first thing many visitors think of is the bustling high-rise buildings, yet many people overlook the traditions. Nan Lian Garden is connected to Chi Lin Sanctuary. Enjoy a quiet afternoon here and experience a different kind of Hong Kong. It's quaint and very picturesque.
💡 Location: 60 Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill, Kowloon/MTR Diamond Hill Station Exit C2 (map requestClick here)
💡 Official website:www.nanliangarden.org
💡 Opening hours: 7:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Nan Lian Garden was modeled after the Tang Dynasty's Guoshu Garden Pond, and the characteristics of Tang Dynasty gardens were brought to Hong Kong. The entire design is full of antiquity. In accordance with the principle of “one person, because of the place, the whole sky”, garden architecture, landscape and trees are used to create a beautiful landscape. Visitors can walk through the park along a one-way path, as if going back to ancient times.
The “Chinese Timber Architecture Art Museum” in the park showcases the architectural principles of Chinese history and analyzes how different dynasties built great buildings one after another without nails. Miniatures of famous buildings from all over China are also displayed. In addition to this, there is also a special exhibition that requires a fee, and the subject changes regularly. Various types of beads were on display when we visited. In addition to admiring the scenery and visiting, you can also enjoy vegetarian dishes at the “Dragon Gate Tower” in the park, or tea at the “Song Tea Pace”.
Gintai Falls + Water Mill
As you continue to walk deeper, you'll see a flowing man-made waterfall hanging down from the Dragon Gate Tower, like a thin layer of thin cloth. The waterfall cascades down to Huan Yuetsu Pond, and the water mill next to it stands still. The water mill is very important to Chinese farmhouses. The roof is made of small grass, simple and fine. The water wheel is powered by water power to help stone mills. It is an ancient tool for grinding food. Currently, this water mill is just a small tea mountain, making visitors feel the idyllic scenery.
Ishidate
The stone pavilion at Nan Lian Garden displays various strange stones from the Kansai region of China, including large fossils, wood fossils, colored jade, etc. Each stone is also accompanied by different verses, creating a poetic and emotional atmosphere.
📍 Chi Lin Nunnery
💡 Location: 5 Chi Lin Road, Diamond Hill, Kowloon/MTR Diamond Hill Station Exit C2 (request map)Click here)
💡 Official website:www.chilin.org
💡 Opening hours: Lin Wai - 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM, Tsuen Temple - 9:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Closed on Wednesday)
After crossing the “Flat Bridge” from Nan Lian Garden, you will reach Chi Lin Sanctuary, a Buddhist charity in Hong Kong. Shiren Shoen is modeled after a Buddhist temple in the Tang Dynasty, and a small portion of the architectural rules adopted the Japanese “Japanese” style. The layout is clear, and includes halls such as the Tenno Hall and Daiouden, as well as a lotus pond. Before entering the main hall, you need to cross the “temple gate”, also known as the “three gates.” It symbolizes breaking out of the three realms (the world of desire, the world of color, and the colorless world), so it has the meaning of entering a clean world.
Tenno-den
The gilt tail design at the top of the Tenno Hall preserves traditional Chinese techniques. The temple enshrines the fictional Buddha, which is relatively rare in Hong Kong. The Buddha statues at Zhilian Jingyuan all follow the style of the Tang Dynasty. Each Buddha statue has a different shape and instrument, thus showing the unique virtues and wishes of the various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
Lotus pond
Outside the Tenno Hall, the empty lotus pond is covered with lotus leaves. Many strange-looking trees are also displayed on the side, some with hundreds of years of history, showing the wonders of creation. Due to respect for beliefs, many of the Buddha statues in the park have not been photographed. There are Chinese and English presentations next to each temple, so everyone is recommended to visit in person.
In summary, when it comes to Hong Kong, the first thing many visitors think of is the bustling city full of tall buildings, yet many people ignore its traditions. Nan Lian Garden is connected to Chi Lin Sanctuary. Enjoy a quiet afternoon here and experience a different kind of Hong Kong. It's quaint and very picturesque.
