Categories > Guides and Tips

chi-lin-nunnery

Everything You Need to Know about Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery in Hong Kong 

| Last Updated: August 2024

Amidst the bustling streets of Kowloon, you can immerse yourself in a tranquil escape like no other. Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery are the twin gems you shouldn’t miss in Diamond Hill! 

Nan Lian Garden features 3.5 hectares of landscaped gardens, while the nunnery showcases 3.3 hectares of land filled with halls, lotus ponds, and Buddha statues. Together, they’re the perfect spots for a scenic and nostalgic stroll. 

Where is Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery? 

nan-lian-garden-google-maps-location

Nan Lian and Chi Lin Nunnery are nestled in the center of Diamond Hill in Kowloon. A footbridge connects these two attractions. Both are conveniently accessible via Diamond Hill MTR Station. 

What is the main street in Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery? 

Fung Tak Road is the main street to explore when you visit Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery. It’s set halfway between Diamond Hill and Wong Tai Sin, so many restaurants and attractions in eastern Kowloon are accessible from here.   

How to get to Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery? 

Closest subway stop: Take the train from Central MTR Station, get off at Diamond Hill MTR Station, and take Exit C2. The entrance of Nan Lian Garden is just a 5-minute walk away from Exit C2 or Plaza Hollywood.

Chi Lin Nunnery is just across the garden, accessible through a pedestrian footbridge over Fung Tak Road. 

What to Do and See in Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery 

Stroll along the Pavilion of Absolute Perfection  

Media Credit: lindagoeast 

Location: Nan Lian Garden 

Phone: +852 3658 9366  

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 9 PM

The Pavilion of Absolute Perfection is nestled in the middle of a picturesque pond filled with lotus flowers. It’s an octagonal golden-colored structure surrounded by eight Buddhist pines, so people also call it the Golden Pavilion. 

They say that the pavilion symbolizes absolute perfection and fulfillment in all of life’s aspects, hence the name.

You can stroll along the pavilion through the landscaped Zi Wu bridges connecting it to the mainland. The one-way walking path is the best way to explore the beautiful Tang Dynasty-style gardens in the area!

Visit the Rockery  

Media Credit: alexandracaerio

Location: Nan Lian Garden 

Phone: +852 3658 9366  

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 9 PM

The Rockery in Nan Lian Garden showcases an extensive collection of sedimentary rocks of different shapes, sizes, and colors set in raked gravel. Some of the rocks displayed indoors are deemed unique because they were formed 260 million years ago in the Hongshui River! 

Here, you can learn all about these rocks and why they’re vital to the overall structure of Chinese gardens. Besides the rocks, you can also check out ornamental bonsai trees in front of the Rockery building.

Unwind with a cup of tea at Song Cha Xie Tea House  

Media Credit: fanny_chopsticks

Location: Nan Lian Garden, 60 Fung Tak Rd, Diamond Hill

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 12 PM to 7 PM 

We Hongkongers love a good cup of tea, so Song Cha Xie Tea House is a favorite hangout spot in Nan Lian Garden. This traditional Chinese tea house features wooden walkways and cozy nooks where you can unwind and enjoy your alone time.  

Here, you can indulge in all kinds of fancy teas, from oolong to white and green teas. 

And if you want the classics, try their aged Pu-erh teas. These teas give off a unique earthy flavor with a bit of a bitter finish, so they go really well with their savory dim sum and vegetarian buns!

Appreciate the beauty of the Silver Strand Falls  

Media Credit: yahgurlaine 

Location: Nan Lian Garden 

Phone: +852 3658 9366  

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 9 PM

The Silver Strand Falls lies in the northeastern part of the garden. It’s right across the Pavilion Bridge. 

This cascading waterfall is streaming along the glass facade of Long Men Lou, which is where the Chi Lin Vegetarian restaurant is nestled.   

Here, you can sit back, relax, and just listen to the soothing sound of the flowing water. At night, the waterfall looks even more majestic with the lights shining on it.

Take IG-worthy pictures at Blue Pond and Pavilion Bridge  

Media Credit: chris_d19 

Location: Nan Lian Garden 

Phone: +852 3658 9366  

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 9 PM

The Blue Pond and the Pavilion Bridge are iconic structures in the Nan Lian Garden. These spots are where many locals and tourists pose for pictures. 

The Blue Pond is one of the two large ponds inside. Here, you can marvel at the beautiful red, pearl, and gold koi fish and a variety of unique rock formations. 

Meanwhile, the Pavilion Bridge is set on the east end of the Blue Pond. It’s a nice spot to take snaps of the surrounding garden while staying cool and comfy under the shade. 

Explore the Hall of Heavenly Kings 

Media Credit: travel_with_jp

Location: Chi Lin Nunnery 

Phone: +852 2354 1888 

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4:30 PM 

The Hall of Heavenly Kings, also known as Celestial Kings, is a must-visit spot in Chi Lin Nunnery. It’s where the statues of deities representing the four directions of the compass are located. It allows visitors to appreciate the beauty and intricacy of the Buddhist religion.

Speaking of religious figures, the statues here are said to be protection against evil, so they’re all placed near the entrance of the temples. As you explore the temple halls, you’ll see little shrines and displays with English signs explaining their meaning. 

Just a reminder: don’t take pictures inside the shrines and temple halls. It’s considered disrespectful to the sacred space. 

Look at the blooms in Lotus Pond Garden  

Media Credit: _alinamalina 

Location: Chi Lin Nunnery 

Phone: +852 2354 1888 

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4:30 PM 

The Lotus Pond Garden is perhaps the most famous photo spot in Chi Lin Nunnery. This picture-perfect place is set on the side of the main courtyard, so it’s also a nice spot to unwind and appreciate the beautiful scenery. 

In this garden, you can find four lotus ponds dotted with many lotus plants and flowers. Besides that, the area is also adorned with stunning dragon fountains and bonsais.

Enter the Mountain Gate  

Media Credit: baz.conn

Location: Chi Lin Nunnery 

Phone: +852 2354 1888 

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 4:30 PM 

The Mountain Gate is the first thing you’ll see in Chi Lin Nunnery if you’re coming from Nan Lian Garden. You can commonly see this structure at the entrance of Chinese Buddhist temples.

This is more than just an ordinary gate. The Mountain Gate symbolizes a gateway to the mountains, where you can leave all the worldly distractions and worries behind you. 

As you go inside, you can find an expansive courtyard with artfully trimmed bonsai trees. This area is perfect for a moment of relaxation and reflection.  

Where to Eat and Drink Nearby Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery 

Chi Lin Vegetarian  

Media Credit: fanny_chopsticks

Address: Nan Lian Garden, 龍門樓地下至二樓, 60號 Fung Tak Rd, Diamond Hill

Phone: +852 3658 9388   

Pricing: $$ 

Operating hours: Monday to Friday – 12 PM to 3 PM, 6 PM to 9 PM, Saturday to Sunday – 12 PM to 5:30 PM, 6 PM to 9 PM  

Good to know: Excellent vegetarian Chinese cuisine 

Chi Lin Vegetarian is set behind the stunning Silver Strand Waterfall in Nan Lian Garden, so you can’t miss it. In this restaurant, the stars of the show are meat-free dishes that have been adapted from the staple diet of Buddhist practice for centuries.  

Its vegetarian menu highlights classic Chinese cuisine using seasonal vegetables, mushrooms, and tofu. Even if you’re not a fan of veggies, you’ll have something you’ll enjoy munching on because their savory dishes are must-tries. 

Some of our favorite picks are their Braised Fresh Morel Mushroom and Steamed Vegetable Buns. These are best paired with their fresh fruit drinks, like the Blooming Myrtle and Green Fairies. 

Just a heads up, though. It can get pretty hectic here on weekends, so we recommend you book a reservation if you’re visiting during those days. 

House of Ho Yuen Noodle Cuisine

Media Credit: houseofhoyuen  

Address: Shop 21, G/F, Lions Rise Mall, 8 Muk Lun St, Chuk Un 

Phone: +852 2323 1883  

Pricing: $

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 10:30 PM 

Good to know: Best for homemade egg noodles 

Website

House of Ho Yuen Noodle Cuisine has been serving Hong Kong family-style delicacies for over 50 years. They use fresh, seasonal ingredients and secret homemade recipes to create dishes that keep customers coming back for more. 

This restaurant serves breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner every day of the week. It can be your go-to spot before or after visiting Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery. 

If it’s your first time dining here, we suggest you try their House Special Noodles, Satay Beef Fried Noodles, or Curry Beef Brisket & Beef Tendon.  

Modern China Restaurant  

Media Credit: mdchr_hk  

Address: 312A Level, Plaza Hollywood, 3 Lung Poon St, Diamond Hill 

Phone: +852 2697 3033  

Pricing: $$  

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 11:45 AM to 4:30 PM, 5:45 PM to 11 PM 

Good to know: Great for family gatherings  

Website

Modern China Restaurant offers authentic Chinese cuisine in a cozy, modern setting. Most of the dishes served here are deeply rooted in Beijing, Shanghai, and Sichuan cuisine, so you can try a range of flavorful, hearty meals. 

We recommend this restaurant if you’re eating out with the whole family because its servings are good for sharing. And don’t worry about the kiddos – the restaurant has high chairs, so they can eat more comfortably. 

Many customers rave about their Xiao Long Bao, Tan Tan Noodles, and Peking Duck, so make sure you try them.   

Where to Shop Nearby Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery 

Plaza Hollywood  

Media Credit: plaza_hollywood 

Address: 3號 Lung Poon St, Tai Hom, Kowloon  

Phone: +852 2118 8811  

Operating hours: Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 12 AM 

Website 

Plan to add a shopping stopover to your route? Plaza Hollywood can be your go-to spot when in Diamond Hill. This mall features more than 290 shops and restaurants, so you can easily spend your afternoon checking out boutiques and gift shops. 

When you’re tired of shopping, you can explore the vast exhibition venue. It showcases various products and services, such as artworks, workshops, and more.   

Want to catch a movie after that? No worries! Plaza Hollywood also boasts six cinema theaters, so you can watch the latest flicks and hits. 

Where to Stay Nearby Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery 

Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees  

Media Credit: harbourplaza8degrees

Address: 199 Kowloon City Rd, To Kwa Wan

Phone: +852 2126 1988 

Pricing: $ 

Website 

Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees is optimally nestled in the heart of Kowloon, so it’s an excellent base if you plan to explore Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery.  

After a day of wandering through the gardens and halls, you can stay in one of this hotel’s chic and comfy rooms. All rooms here boast sweeping city views, so you can recharge while admiring the scenery.  

If you want to be refreshed, you can sweat it all out in their sauna or take a dip at the gorgeous outdoor swimming pool.   

FAQ

Related topics