Nan Lian Garden 

My first out-of-the county travel happened in 2013 when I joined friends on a five-day trip to Hongkong and Macau. Such a delightful experience. 

I just graduated from my masteral studies and being able to travel to a foreign land with nothing to think but to enjoy the place, taste local dishes and visit amusement parks was such a  good breather at that time.

Beautiful pagoda inside Nan Lian

Hongkong is a vibrant metropolis, with state-of-the-art infrastructures, transportation and facilities. Glittery pubs and malls are everywhere.

Everyday the city is in high spirit, people are always on the go. Indeed, an ultra-modern environment,  both in its economy, infrastructures and lifestyle. 

Having been a colony of Britain for more than five hundred years helped them evolved into a financial city hotspot. Since 1997, it has been the special administrative region of China.

Its culture is largely entrenched to its motherland. Very oriental, highlighting some of the most important traditions in the Chinese culture. Tea house, therapy gardens, etc. 

Hongkong seems reminding visitors that despite being under the British rules for more than a hundred years, they're still very much a Chinese territory.

One of its landmarks that remind visitors of the territory's original roots is Nan Lian Garden, a fine example of a magnificent Chinese landscape architecture. 

This is a must visit place in Hongkong. Apart from the free entrance, this magnificent Chinese garden offers the visitors with a unique tranquility. 

Lotus Garden 

A variety of oriental plants and trees spread throughout the area. And there's a water curtain that helps relax tired senses after having an exhausting day visiting the amusement parks.

It happens to be my favorite tourist spot in Hongkong. I adored its very serene atmosphere and quiet environment. The relaxing green landscape is cool to the senses.

Nan Lian Garden is a scenic public park in Kowloon that's beautifully built under the Tang Dynasty influence. 

Smack in the middle of Diamond Hill's myriad of apartments and commercial buildings, this garden covers an area of more than 3 hectares of land. 


At the bright pagoda within the ground of Nan Lian Garden 

It is meticulously landscaped according to the Tang Dynasty tradition. It has ponds, a variety of Bonsai trees and hillocks that run through the rock formation and oriental trees. 

Potted plants, clay avenues and waterfalls complete the picturesque atmosphere. 

If you're someone who enjoys the tranquility of nature, and the silence of the environment, this place is a perfect destination for you.

Within the garden is Chi Lin Nunnery, a huge Buddhist temple complex with cluster of wooden buildings that house precious treasures and Buddha relics. 

It has a lotus garden and a spacious ground for strolling in the upper level of the park, an area that overlooks the bustling thoroughfare of Diamond Hill. 

In the middle of Nan Lian Garden is the bright Pagoda temple. It is beautifully surrounded with a lotus pond that runs along the rock formation and water mill. 

However, going inside the complex is largely prohibited. During our visit we're only advised to take pictures outside.
Out side the vegetarian restaurant 

Completing the oriental wonder of Nan Lian Garden is the vegetarian restaurant that serves authentic Chinese dishes and teas. 

Beside the restaurant is a wood and rock museum. Taking pictures while inside the museum is strongly prohibited. So don't dare to get your camera you'll be reprimanded.


Museum and Vegetarian restaurant 

Tranquil atmosphere 

At the rock formation and oriental plant landscape 


Nan Lian Garden has no entrance fee and open to the public everyday from 6:00 in the morning to 7:00 in the evening. 

The best time of the day to visit this place is at 4:00 in the afternoon when the heat of the sun thaws down and weather temperature is no longer punishing. 

At the Chi Lin Nunnery complex with my friend, Dr. Maribeth Galindo

Exact location is at 60 Fung Tak road, Diamond Hill, Kowloon, Hongkong. If you're traveling from Tsim Sha Tsui (like we did), catch an MTR ride and alight at Diamond Hill station Exit C2. Then cross the street, Nan Lian is just around the area.

Important tip when visiting Hongkong: Buy an Octopus Card upon arrival, perhaps in the airport. 

Commuting in all public transport is paid through Octopus Card. Upon departure, any remaining balance in the card will be reimbursed to you provided you'll return it to any establishments that accept reimbursement of the card.

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