I’m in Hong Kong with my lovely friends Anup and Poorna. They have lived here for almost 10 years and know lots of fun things to do. Sunday was overcast and drizzling, but we headed off anyway to Wong Tai Sin temple in Kowloon. They led, I followed.
The Wong Tai Sim temple was crowded with people out and about on a damp Sunday afternoon. You can buy bundles of incense, light them, put them in trays in front of the temple and perhaps have a wish granted. It was worth a try.
I love the red lanterns hanging overhead. They look so cheerful.
We wandered under colorful arches on the way out.
There were stalls outside the temple selling incense and various other interesting things. There was one selling only tassels. What a good idea, you can never have too many tassels.
It was then back on the train to go one stop further to Nan Lian Garden.
The garden features artificial hillocks, ornamental rocks, water features and some wonderful old trees as well as the Chi Lin Nunnery.
The distinctive timber structures, including pavilions, terraces, a tower, bridges and the Black Lintel Gate were built in the Tang architectural style. Unlike the temple, the gardens were almost deserted and we were able to wander along the serene winding paths alone. The drizzle only added to the atmosphere.
The gardens are beautifully manicured and well cared for.
The garden is completely surrounded by high rise buildings. It must offer a beautiful view from above.
Please find below the promised orange bridge.
I did warn you that it was orange.
The Nunnery is a beautiful wooden building with lovely pools in front.
The pools were full of water lilies.
I love the wooden architecture and the angles on the buildings.
There is a beautiful gift shop, of course. We made our selections and came out to quite heavy rain.
This looks like a bucket, but it is in fact part of a chain which carried water from the roof to the drain, very effective.
To escape the rain we went into the traditional tea house. The Song Cha Xie is a beautiful timber building beside Blue Pond. The tea leaves are processed according to traditional ancient methods under the supervision of the Chi Lin Nunnery. The tea is sipped from tiny cups and is delicious.
Photos were not allowed inside, but Anup and Poorna made their way onto my camera anyway.
By the time we left it was dark. The gardens took on another atmosphere entirely.
The garden is free to enter. I suggest you do just this when you are in Hong Kong.
Go to 60 Fung Tak Rd Diamond Hill, Kowloon.
There are some rules you must abide by when entering the garden. I read them on the back of the brochure. Please note, you must not litter, shout, frolic or run, release birds or aquatic animals or wear special costumes. There are other rules, but this should be enough for now.