Nan Lian Gardens (Hong Kong)

​Visits to Hong Kong feels incomplete without lots of eating and shopping, but seeing a garden that's situated in the middle of a metropolis?  I'm all for it.   It makes sense when you want a moment of peace in a bustling city.   Enter in Nan Lian Garden in Kowloon. 

Just get off at the Diamond Hill MTR stop and cross the street.  Entry is free too.

Entrance of the Garden.

So much rules. But worth it. Opened from 7a-9p daily.

The Gardens and the Chi Lin Nunnery (at the very end) is managed by the Hong Kong government.  It was built in 2006 so it's technically pretty new.   The garden features are style after the Tang Dynasty.  With this, the government wishes to create interest in Chinese gardens.

Believe it or not, there's a vegetarian restaurant behind the waterfall.

Pretty Bonsai plants in front of the gift shop ( aesthetics of the structure is similar to what the Tang buildings used to look like).

How thoughtful, even their wastebaskets are neatly disguised.

Walkway from the Gardens to the Nunnery. Photo credit to my friend Jade.

Chi Lin Nunnery.

I thought this picture was very funny. I don't know why all those people were snapping pictures at the same time towards my direction (they were standing from tallest to shortest too). Perhaps they are part of a photography club?

You can stand right by here to take a picture, but beyond that is prohibited (according to security).

I think it says "don't touch" or something to that effect.

One can actually spend a nice morning or afternoon here.  I need to re-visit again as they were renovating several places throughout the grounds which was disappointing (Zi & Wu bridge, and Pavilion of Absolute Perfection which was the whole reason of the visit).    

Overall, Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery is a beautiful place to gather your thoughts and worth seeking out if you have spare time in Hong Kong.