Visiting the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden Hong Kong
The Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden offer a blend of cultural history, architectural beauty and spiritual tranquility within Kowloon’s cityscape. Respectively, they are a complex of stunning Buddhist temples and a well-manicured Chinese garden, both designed in the Tang Dynasty style. Together these two separate attractions create an oasis of peace in the heart of Hong Kong’s urban hustle, making them a worthwhile place to catch your breath in an otherwise busy trip! They are frequently visited together given their proximity, hence I’ll be exploring both attractions in this blog post.
Having spent over a week in Hong Kong, and can safely say that I experienced nothing similar during my stay. So continue reading to learn more about how to visit the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden Hong Kong.
About Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden
The Chi Lin Nunnery was founded in 1934 and was reconstructed in the 1990s using traditional Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD) techniques. This means that it’s built without any nails (relying on interlocking systems instead). It’s one of the largest handmade wooden building in the world, and is the only building in Hong Kong built in this style! It’s an active monastery as a Buddhist nunnery, providing a peaceful sanctuary for meditation and spiritual reflection.
The Nan Lian Garden (also owned by the Nunnery) were developed in 2006 and once again designed according to Tang Dynasty landscape principles, meaning it complements the Nunnery. Covering 35,000 square meters, the public park is truly beautiful and a popular spot for photographers.
What to expect at Chi Lin Nunnery
The Entrance: Shan Men
‘Shan Men’, meaning Mountain Gate or Three Gates, is the main entrance to the traditional Chinese monastery. It symbolises the path to eliminate worldly troubles. Very apt given how peaceful the monastery is!
As you walk through Shan Men, you will see a couple of boulders on either side of the doorway which represent two guardian Bodhisattvas.
NOTE: Bodhisattva is anyone on the path to enlightenment.
First Courtyard: Lotus Pond Garden
Beyond Shan Men is the front court of the complex – Lotus Pond Garden. So-named for obvious reasons, this symmetrical courtyard is home to a lotus pond in each quarter. The design is actually based on an illustration of the Pure Land of ‘Amitayurdhyana Sutra”.
Each pond contains water lilies, and there are several other plant and tree species scattered around including bonsais, cypress and peony trees. They are perfectly groomed and symbolise the blend between man and nature. There are also ‘Sutra Pillars’ made of white marble, intricately carved dragon fountains and a series of other exhibitions surrounding the edge of this first courtyard.
You can also access this courtyard via East Gate, along Fung Tak Road. However, the main entrance is more impressive and links better with Nan Lian Garden.
Hall of Celestial Kings
At the opposite end of the entrance is the Hall of Celestial Kings. This spectacular building is a stop of several steps, and in between the Drum Tower and Bell Tower.
Inside are a series of Buddha Statues including the Maittreya Bodhisattva flanked by four celestial kings who defend Buddhism. Dhrtarastra (King of the East) holding a mani pearl, Virudhaka (King of the South) holding a sword; Virupaksa (King of the West) holding a rope, and Vaisravana (King of the North) holding a stupda.
It’s very ornate with lots of gold, as well as clay, wood and stone used to create these structures.
Beyond the hall, you can continue into the next courtyard via the north door or through the passageway on the east side.
Main Courtyard: Dan Chi
Slightly smaller than the Lotus Pond Garden, the second courtyard is full of even more Buddhist pines – a symbol of discipline, meditation and wisdom.
In the middle is a bronze incense burner where people regularly provide offerings. At the base, it’s covered with the twelve Chinese zodiac signs which is pretty cool.
On either side of the courtyard are the Hall of Bhaisajyaguru and the Hall of Avalokitesvara. Then at the back is the Main Hall, the main focal point of the monastery containing give Buddhas. Sakyamuni Buddha is honoured, alongside Manjusri Bodhisattva and Venerable Mahakasyapa on the right and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva and Venerable Ananda on the left.
Inside each of these halls is lots of decadent gold and offerings. However, you will need to go up to each individually to look inside as they are shelters from sight.
Beyond the Main Hall is the third courtyard with the Scripture Hall, Prayer Hall, Dining Hall, the residence for nuns (60+ nuns are housed here), and Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda. Unfortunaely, none of these are accessible to the public.
NOTE: You might have noticed I have no photos of the Buddha status. This is because you are not allowed to take photos of them. The only places photography is allowed in the Chi Lin Nunnery is in the courtyards. No photography is allowed in the halls nor of the Buddha statues.
Hours: Daily, 09:00-16:30 (Temple), 07:00-19:00 (Lotus Gardens)
Admission: FREE
Address: Chi Lin Nunnery, 5 Chi Lin Dr, Sheung Yuen Leng, Hong Kong
Info and Contact: www.chilin.org/, (852)2354 1888, info@chilin.org
What to expect at Nan Lian Garden
There is a footbridge linking the Chi Lin Nunnery to Nan Lian Garden (known as Link Bridge). This will bring you to the north side of the park. From there wander down the steps and explore.
Nan Lian Garden offers a circular route that takes you around the water and through the highlights of the garden. The most noteworthy include the Pavillion of Absolute Perfection and the Zi Wu Bridge. Though you’d have to try pretty hard to miss these colourful timber structures!
As you walk around you will see an array of flora and fauna, rocks, and water features. My favourites were the huge koi fish in the pond in the middle! There’s even a hidden restaurant tucked away behind a waterfall! This vegetarian restaurant (Long Men Lou) serves lunch, afternoon tea and dinner for a reasonable price.
There is also a souvenir shop, Chinese tea house, and a rockery on site. I fiound pleasure enough in simply walking around, taking a seat and or enjoying the tranquility and admiring.
The atmosphere is very peaceful. It’s been designed to minimise traffic noise from nearby roads.
Hours: Daily, 07:00-21:00
Admission: FREE
Address: Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill, Hong Kong
Info and Contact: (852)3658 9366
Practical Information for Visitors
How to get to Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden
The Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden are both located in Diamond Hill, Kowloon amidst the highrise apartment blocks.
The best way to reach the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden is by Metro. They are located a short walk from the Diamond Hill Metro Station, reached by the Kwun Tong and Tuen Ma lines. Take exit C2 (Plaza Hollywood) of the Diamond Hill MTR Station. Then follow the signs to the nunnery or garden from the exit – it’s around 5-10 minutes walk.
Alternatively, you can reach the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden by road using both bus and taxi options.
How much is Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden?
There is no entrance fee for the Chi Lin Nunnery or the Nan Lian Garden. Both are completely free to enter! 🙌
Opening Hours
The Chi Lin Nunnery is open every day from 09:00 until 16:30.
The Nan Lian Garden is open every day from 07:00 until 21:00.
Holiday hours may vary.
Dress Code
Whilst there is limited advice given on the dress code for the Chi Lin Nunnery. Given that it’s a religious place, I recommend dressing modestly and respectfully. Shorts are probably fine, but nothing skimpy.
The Nan Lian Garden offers more freedom. But given the peace and serenity, I still recommend dressing modestly. Pkus it gives you the option to go into the Chi Lin Nunnery as well!
Best time to visit Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden
As with most attractions in Hong Kong, the best time to visit the Chi Lin Nunnery and the Nan Lian Garden is in the early morning before any of the crowds.
That being said, neither has such a drastic influx of people compared to popular attractions like The Peak or the Tian Tan Buddha. So if your early mornings are limited (like many Hong Kong itineraries are), I suggest using them for another busier activity and fitting the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden into your day where possible.
Just remember that the nunnery closes at 16:30!
I recommend visiting the Chi Lin Nunnery before Nan Lian Garden, but it doesn’t make a massive difference. I only say this so you can take a seat and truly relax in the gardens.
In total, visiting both attractions should take 1-2 hours in total. You could blitz around in an hour or less if you’re really strapped for time, but I think that would detract from the experience.
Facilities
There are toilets, shaded areas and shops available.
Vegetarian restaurant and tea house in Nan Lian Garden.
There is a car park on the west side of Nan Lian Garden (including 1 designated disabled bay).
What to do near Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden
Choi Hung Estate: a short walk from the nunnery is the famous Choi Hung Estate. Renowned for its vibrantly coloured residential buildings, many photographers visit this spot to capture its pastel hues.
Suicide Cliff: If you want an epic hike near Chi Lin Nunnery, look no further than Suicide Cliff which has insane views over Kowloon.
Wong Tai Sin Temple: a vibrant Taoist temple known for its fortune-telling practices and dedicated to the deity Wong Tai Sin.
Kowloon Walled City Park: A good bit of history to add to your trip. bBilt on the former site of the infamous Kowloon Walled City, the park combines tranquil gardens with remnants of the historic fortress.
Plaza Hollywood – If you want a break for some retail therapy, this nearby shopping mall has a wide range of shops, dining options, and entertainment facilities.
Both are free and they are side by side, so I recommend visiting both if you have time. Personally, I enjoyed the Chi Lin Nunnery more than Nan Lian Garden because of the more cultural aspect. It was also more peaceful than the gardens.
Is the Chi Lin Nunnery or Nan Lian Garden Worth Visiting?
Given that they are both free to visit, I think they are certainly worth visiting if you have time. It’s very much a change of pace from the rest of Hong Kong. So it’s interesting seeing the peace and tranquility compared to other areas. Personally I preferred the Chi Lin Nunnery to Nan Lian Garden because I learned more and it was more peaceful, but you can easily visit both.
I would particularly recommend visiting if you’re on a budget or enjoy photography. This area has a different aesthetic to other places in Hong Kong, offering more traditional Chinese architecture. It’s not uncommon to see Instagrammers milling around the park looking for an interesting backdrop…
However, if you’re on a short timeline, I would perhaps recommend staying more central unless you were coming in this direction for other activities. I wouldn’t class the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden as so-called “must-sees”, however, if you have more time, such as 1 week in Hong Kong, it’s worth visiting to make your trip more complete and varied.
My key takeaway for both attractions is that, whilst there aren’t necessarily specific things to tick off here (other than seeing some buddhas and the Pavillion of Absolute Perfection). Both attractions are based more on experiencing the place and how you feel while you are there.
Before you go
Thank you for reading my guide to visiting the Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden Hong Kong. If guides, itineraries and travel content like this interest you, head over to my blog page to find out more.
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Happy travelling!
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