A wonderful place to experience the spirit of Buddhism and serenity.
The nunnery is a large Buddhist monastic complex of fifteen magnificently crafted cedar halls, gardens, courtyards, gilded statues, and lotus ponds and is modeled on the architectural style of the Tang Dynasty. Corridors with colonnades and mullion windows run along either side of the courtyard and at the opposite end of the courtyard to the Shanmen is the Hall of Celestial Kings.
Three different gates, each with its own representation, are at the entrance of the complex. The first gate represents compassion, the second wisdom, and the third, the skills of people.
The complex is based on traditional Chinese architecture and features an interlocking system of joints meaning that not a single nail was used during its construction. Inside, the temple halls include a range of statues of the Sakyamuni Buddha, bodhisattvas and Guanyin, the goddess of Mercy.
In the first courtyard of the Nunnery is the Lotus Pond Garden. The garden features lovely water lilies, four ponds, and beautifully manicured Bonsai Trees. The planters into which the trees are placed are decorated with intricately carved designs. This garden is a place of peace and total tranquility. One of the interesting features of the Lotus Pond Garden is a waterspout in the shape of a dragon's head.
In China, the dragon is the symbol of terrestrial and celestial power. An ancient Chinese myth tells that the dragon controls the rain. Lotus flowers were used in the pond because they are representative of purity.
Chi Lin Nunnery is considered to be one of the most beautiful religious shrines in Hong Kong, and if you love Chinese culture, it is definitely worth exploring.
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