CHI LIN NUNNERY

Description

Essentials about the Chi Lin Nunnery in brief

The Chi Lin Nunnery is one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in Hong Kong. Whoever sees the large temple complex with its elegant wooden architecture for the first time, feels directly transported back to the China of the Tang Dynasty (in the 7th to 9th century). In fact, however, the Chi Lin Nunnery was founded as a refuge for Buddhist nuns only in 1934 and rebuilt in 1990 in the style of the Tang Dynasty.

The buildings of the Chi Lin Nunnery

The amazing thing about the temple complex is that it was built entirely of cypress wood without using a single nail. The buildings are based on traditional Chinese construction techniques that use special interlocking serrations to firmly connect the wooden planks. This makes the Chi Lin Nunnery the largest handmade wooden building in the world.

Covering over three hectares, the nunnery complex consists of 16 temple halls, a library, a pagoda, a bell tower and a drum tower. The architecture of the entire temple complex is supposed to represent the harmony of man and nature. This succeeds quite well until the visitor looks up to the sky and sees the gigantic skyscrapers of the surrounding Diamond Hill district. Not a particularly harmonious sight – but Hong Kong is one of those cities in the world where every square meter counts. However, the many Buddha statues on the monastery grounds, which are made of different materials such as gold, clay, wood and stone, are particularly beautiful to look at.

Nan Lian Garden

Right next to the Chi Lin Nunnery is the peaceful Nan Lian Garden. The public park is also designed in the style of the Tang Dynasty. Covering an area of 3.5 hectares, every hill, rock, body of water and plant has been meticulously arranged according to special rules. Permanent exhibitions allow visitors to the garden to learn about Chinese wooden architecture, rocks and plants.