Whether you're in search of spiritual enlightenment, a serene retreat from the city bustle, a delectable vegetarian feast, or a combination of the three, Chi Lin Nunnery(志蓮淨苑) and Nan Lian Garden（南蓮園池） are your go-to destinations.

Founded in 1934 and rebuilt in 1998, the Chi Lin Nunnery situated in Diamond Hill, Kowloon, is a large Buddhist monastery complex that perfectly demonstrates Tang dynasty techniques, aesthetics, and philosophy- it is the world's largest hand-made wooden building using interlocking sections of wood joined without a single nail(If you have ever visited or known temples in Japan, that architecture looks pretty similar, because it is actually originated from China's Tang dynasty). Such design is intended to demonstrate the harmony of humans with nature.

The main areas open to the public are the Lotus Pond Garden and the Hall of Celestial Kings. To enter, you first walk through a series of ‘three gates’ representing the Buddhist precepts of compassion, wisdom, and skillful means. You're then greeted by the enchanting Lotus Pond Garden before stepping into the regal Hall of Celestial Kings, a world accentuated by water lilies and meticulously maintained bonsai trees.

Inside the hall, there is a gigantic golden Buddha statue guarded by the four deities at each corner of the hall. The statuary showcases an exquisite blend of gold, clay, and wood.

Established in 1934, this former villa went through several stages of renovation in the 1990s, before finally opening to the public in 2000. The monastery complex has since grown into a multifaceted facility housing a school, library, dental clinic, and residences for the elderly, alongside serving as a focal point for Buddhist worship.

Chi Lin Nunnery is considered to be one of the most beautiful religious shrines in Hong Kong. In 2018, lighting design work was done to give the building a new aspect, as close as possible to the original design of the building. If you love Chinese culture, it is worth exploring. 

Adjoining the Chi Lin Nunnery is the tranquil Nan Lian Garden, a splendid manifestation of traditional Chinese landscaping aesthetics. Embodying the four fundamental elements of Tang-style gardens - hillocks, ornamental rocks, water features, and timber structures - the garden is an ode to the harmony of nature.

Echoing the architectural ethos of Chi Lin Nunnery, the timber structures including the striking red bridges and the garden’s centerpiece, the magnificent golden pavilion are built in Tang architectural style, meaning solely wood, no nails. The winding paths resonate with nature and creative perspectives.

In the garden, there is a souvenir shop, a vegetarian food restaurant, a traditional Chinese tea house, and a multi-purpose function room to meet the various needs of visitors.

Sitting behind a waterfall in the northeast corner of the garden, the renowned restaurant has a panoramic window where diners can look through the cascading water into the gardens. The restaurant serves high-quality vegetarian food with a variety of gourmet meals for lunch, afternoon tea sets, and dinner. Various Chinese dishes are available including starters and stewed broths, main dishes and hotpots as well as rice and noodles plus a variety of beverages.

The temple halls of Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden warmly welcome the public daily, offering a Free-of-charge spiritual and aesthetic retreat in the heart of the city.