Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery, Hong Kong_2025

It's easier to get there than you think. Take the MTR brown line and get off at Diamond Hill Station, Exit C2. You'll see an escalator going up to Plaza Hollywood (if you need to use the restroom, go up to the mall, the restroom is on the right and very clean). After exiting the MTR station, walk to the right and head straight to the road. You'll see signs pointing to Chi Lin Nunnery. Follow the signs, and when you reach the intersection, if you want to go to Nan Lian Garden, turn left and cross the road. The entrance to the garden will be right in front of you. Walk in, and you'll find the entrance gate. The garden has a walkway that connects to Chi Lin Nunnery. If you want to go directly to the nunnery, when you reach the intersection, just go straight, cross the road, and walk to the right for a short distance. The nunnery will be on your left, and there are signs making it easy to find. - Nan Lian Garden is designed in the style of the Tang Dynasty. It's a peaceful oasis amidst tall buildings. My favorite trees here are the Japanese pine trees, which come in various shapes, and the bonsai. The Zen rock garden is quiet and cool, perfect for sitting and relaxing, giving a sense of tranquility. There's also an exhibition hall with Japanese-style garden decorations outside, which are simple and pleasing to the eye. The exhibition hall is air-conditioned. During my visit, there was an exhibition of antique music boxes, both small and large, with QR codes to scan and listen to the music. The staff mentioned that these music boxes are still functional (Note: You are not allowed to eat while sitting outside the exhibition hall). Additionally, there's a large koi pond, which is beautiful. There's a restaurant that you might not recognize as a restaurant at first glance because there's a large water wheel and a simulated waterfall in front. I initially thought it was part of the garden's decoration until I saw people walking behind the waterfall and realized it was a restaurant. Diners can look out through the water curtain. I remember my first visit to this garden; I wandered around for almost 3 hours, causing me to reschedule other plans. - Then, follow the walkway to Chi Lin Nunnery. It's stunning, spacious, and very clean. There's a lotus pond in front, and many foreigners were taking pictures. There are also pruned trees that look like artificial flowers, but upon closer inspection, they are real. The bougainvillea, pruned beautifully, was particularly impressive. After paying respects to the Buddha, I noticed a walkway leading underground with a souvenir shop and a large hall for people to pray. Visitors must remove their shoes and change clothes before praying. If you're tired from walking around, this is a great place to rest. The view is beautiful, and it's cool and refreshing. Just don't fall asleep, as the security guard patrols regularly and is very strict.