Even before planning our short Hongkong trip, I already have Nan Lian Garden on my list after I saw an instagram post from a Philippine actress when she visited the place with her family. I told myself that if ever I have an opportunity to be in Hongkong I will pay a visit to the same place because I’m a nature-lover too. Whenever I make plan for short layover, I’ll make sure that every place we visited is 1. near to MTR and 2. no admission fee/or only minimal fee. Luckily, this place aligns within our desired purpose.
Coming from the airport, we travel directly to Nan Lian Garden as this is the farthest on our list. Exiting from Diamond Hill Station (C2), you will pass by Plaza Hollywood first before you reach the road leading to Nan Lian Garden. It’s a short walking distance only and lots of sign on the street so no need to worry of getting lost.
Nan Lian Garden is a free public park built in modern times with a classical touch of Tang Dynasty to promote Chinese culture in today’s era. When we saw the good landscaped inside all our exhaustion from long hours of flight suddenly vanish in an instant. The place is picturesque of perfect serenity and peacefulness in the middle of the city.
The heat of the sun is at its peak when we start our stroll in the park. Thanks to its greenery lush trees that help us to feel at ease despite of uncontrollable sweat of excitement.
One of the main attraction inside the garden is the Pavillion of Absolute Perfection connected by two Zi Wu bridges. The mini-gate serves as barrier because they are not allowing any tourist to walk inside the pagoda.
A closer look on its perfection.
There is a Chinese Timber Architecture Gallery that houses some of important mini-wooden archetype related to chinese regime.
The copious trees surrounding the garden gives any visitors an intimate session of relaxation.
As you can see on my captured photo below, there is always a better way of introducing a green park amidst metropolitan neighborhood.
While following a one-way route, we ambled on Xiang Hai Xuan means a house embracing a sea of fragrance hedge with a courtyard of lawn grass.
Our simple way of taking rest under a Tang architectural-inspired roof.
Continuing our journey with Lunar Reflection Terrace and Pagoda Tree Pavillion where we lounge a bit of fresh air overlooking the ponds with Koi and scenic view.
Another interesting feature of Nan Lian Garden is the gigantic rocks and artificial clouds formation that will left you in awe by merely staring on it.
Adjacent to Nan Lian Garden is another tourist spot in Hongkong- Chi Lin Nunnery. It is also inspired by Tang Dynasty and known for being large Buddhist monastic complex.
This is the Shanmen (first door) welcoming us in the first courtyard.
The Main Hall homes for 5 gilded Buddhas.
The Lotus Pond inside Chi Lin Nunnery.
One thing that I admired about this place is how they squeeze a historical tourist spot with a high-rise building as backdrop.
Another splendid Temple Hall where you may notice a meticulous wooden decoration visible on its facade. Would you believe that all buildings constructed inside the Chi Lin Nunnery didn’t use any nails. So impressive yet it’s true.
This is the Hall of Celestial Kings where you can find the statues of Buddha on every corner. We’re so grateful to visit this place without too many people around. We have all the time to observe the stillness of this religious shrine.
On our way back to Diamond Hill Station, we take a short stop to Plaza Hollywood to check what’s inside and a simple photo-op.
In case you will visit Hongkong soon, all this place are situated in single destination. It’s like hitting three birds in one stone. If you want to escape from the normal busyness of the city, then Nan Lian Garden, Chi Lin Nunnery and Plaza Hollywood is a perfect place to find tranquility.
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