Chi Lin Nunnery

Architecture & Design

Built entirely without iron or steel nails, the Chi Lin Nunnery complex exemplifies Tang Dynasty architectural traditions. Interlocking wood joinery secures the cypress timber frames across sixteen halls. The main courtyard organizes structures symmetrically along a central axis, featuring lotus ponds, bonsai displays, and meticulously pruned scholar trees. Adjacent to the complex, Nan Lian Garden extends the aesthetic through classical landscaping, featuring a gold-plated pagoda and black pine specimens over 47 hectares of reclaimed urban space.

History & Context

Founded in 1934 as a retreat for Buddhist nuns, the institution underwent a complete reconstruction in 1998. Master builders utilized traditional Chinese architectural methods to rebuild the complex, adhering strictly to the modular scaling systems recorded during the Tang Dynasty. Today, the site functions as both an active religious sanctuary and a cultural preservation center, housing rare Buddhist relics alongside traditional vegetarian dining facilities.

Practical Information

Visitors can reach the site efficiently via the MTR system. Take the Kwun Tong Line to Diamond Hill Station, exit at C2, and follow the covered pedestrian walkway for a five-minute walk to the entrance. Admission to the nunnery grounds and Nan Lian Garden is free of charge. Photography is prohibited inside the main halls to protect the statues and interior woodwork. Modest attire covering shoulders and knees is required upon entry.