Chi Lin Nunnery

Chi Lin Nunnery is a large Buddhist temple complex located in Diamond Hill, Kowloon, Hong Kong. It covers a space of more than 33,000 square meters. It features in imitation of the Tang Dynasty wood construction. This construction is based on traditional Chinese architectural techniques dating from the Tang Dynasty that uses special interlocking systems cut into the wood to hold them in place. It combines a complex building group along with Fushan Hill and Nan Lian Garden, being one of the featured architectures and attractions in Hong Kong. The temple complex includes a nunnery, temple halls, Chinese gardens, visitor's hostels and a vegetarian restaurant. The temple halls have statues of the Sakyamuni Buddha, the goddess of mercy Guanyin and other bodhisattvas. These statues are made from gold, clay, wood and stone.

This special nunnery is connected to the Nan Lian Gardens which are also a 'must do' while in Hong Kong. This attraction is very easy to get to - just a short MTR ride to Diamond Hill then follow the signs.

History

Chi Lin Nunnery was founded in 1934. In 1948, it offered free school for poor children with educational opportunities. And in 1957, it offered non-profit orphanage homes, accommodating the poor and helpless. It was rebuilt in the 1990s following the style of Tang Dynasty traditional Chinese architecture. The present-day buildings are wood frame buildings built without the use of any iron nails. The building style of it is on the basis of traditional architectural techniques of Tang Dynasty in ancient China. This skill applies unique interlocking systems cut into the wood to tie them together intensively. It is said that it is the only building that are constructed in such a special style in the modern day of Hong Kong.

Visitors can see the garden architecture features in this nunnery. So if guests who want to have a look at the Chinese garden architecture but they can get a chance to go to other places of China, Chi Lin Nunnery is good choice in such a metropolis.