It was the first proper conference day for Chantal so this blog post is all about my (Chris’s) activities for the day.
A Serene Escape at Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery
After the bustling chaos of yesterday’s streets and markets, I decided to replan today’s itinerary for a more tranquil experience. Instead of exploring more urban areas, I ventured to Nan Lian Garden and Chi Lin Nunnery, two adjacent sites that promised calm and serenity.
Following a few easy train rides, I arrived at Nan Lian Garden. As I wandered through, I was immediately struck by its beauty and peacefulness. The place was almost empty, giving me the rare sensation of having such a stunning locale all to myself. Near the entrance, a small hall featured intricate miniature models of all the halls within the garden and nunnery, detailing the unique construction techniques. Remarkably, the Chi Lin Nunnery is the world’s largest hand-made wooden building, using no nails but interlocking wooden pieces.
After leisurely strolling through the garden, I found myself at the Chi Lin Nunnery, an immense Buddhist temple. The lotus pond garden at the front, featuring four peaceful lotus ponds, was a haven of tranquility. The soft sounds of water and distant birdsong made it a pleasure to walk around and absorb the serene atmosphere.
Spending some time circling the lotus ponds, I walked through a hall at the back where a sign indicated no photographs were allowed due to a ceremony. Intrigued, I entered the square inner courtyard called the Dan Chi, which connected to four halls. Only a few people were inside, and I couldn’t see much happening until a drum sounded. Suddenly, a large group of monks and nuns poured through, heading to the main hall. I stayed for about 30-40 minutes, watching this incredible ceremony unfold. The people in the courtyard occasionally bowed to the ground, mirroring the monks and nuns participating in the ceremony.
After the ceremony, I continued my exploration, observing koi fish in the nearby pond and walking through a fascinating museum dedicated to music boxes. My stomach’s growling cut my visit short, prompting me to seek out some food. I soon found myself savoring delicious chicken cheese curry at a nearby street food stall.
Discovering History at Kowloon Walled City Garden
After a bit more exploring, I began my train journey back to the hotel. On a whim, I decided to get off early and visit Kowloon Walled City Park.
This park, once a fortified military outpost, carries a complex and layered history. Originally built during the Song Dynasty, the site transformed over the centuries; in the 19th century, it became a stronghold for the Qing Dynasty before morphing into a largely anarchic enclave following the British handover of Hong Kong. As unregulated development ensued, the area turned into a densely populated slum notorious for its illegal activities and unlicensed businesses. By the late 1980s, efforts to reclaim the space commenced, leading to a redesign into the park that stands today.
The park itself was quite beautiful, offering a pleasant environment for a quiet stroll. After some peaceful time here, I made my way back to the hotel to relax.
Reuniting and Culinary Adventures
Once back at the hotel, Chantal and I reunited. We decided to head out for dinner at TamJai SamGor, where we enjoyed delicious noodles. Despite both opting for milder spice levels—Chantal choosing mild and myself mid-mild—the noodles were incredibly spicy. We could only imagine the intensity of the actual hot spice level! Nevertheless, the meal was delightful.
On our way back to the hotel, we indulged in some ice cream to cool our mouths, rounding off an eventful and memorable day in Hong Kong.
Chris and Chantal 