Chi Lin Nunnery, Hong Kong (must see)

Chi Lin Nunnery is a large Buddhist temple complex located in Diamond Hill, Kowloon, Hong Kong. It was founded in 1934 as a retreat for Buddhist nuns and was rebuilt in the 1990s following the traditional Tang Dynasty architecture. It is constructed entirely with cypress wood, without the use of any nails, and is currently the world's largest hand-made wooden building. This construction is based on traditional Chinese architectural techniques that use special interlocking systems cut into the wood to hold them in place. The complex with 16 halls, a library, a school, a pagoda, a bell tower and a drum tower, covers an area of more than 33,000 square metres (360,000 square feet). The Chi Lin Nunnery buildings are the only buildings to be built in this style in modern-day Hong Kong.

The Nan Lian Garden, located in the opposite of the Chi Lin Nunnery, is a Chinese Classical Garden also built in the style of the Tang dynasty. The scenic garden covering an area of 35,000 square metres (380,000 square feet) is maintained by the Chi Lin Nunnery.

The temple halls and the Chinese garden in front of the nunnery are open to the public daily free of charge.

Why You Should Visit:
One of the most serene locations in HK and in the world, hands down!
You just feel a tranquility and peacefulness wash over you, like you've left your burden at the door.

Tip:
Group walking tours are available by appointment only and are conducted in Cantonese, Mandarin and of course, English.
Downstairs there is a gift shop which sells vegetarian items, prayer beads and more.