Chi Lin Nunnery
Chi Lin Nunnery
4.5
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Top ways to experience Chi Lin Nunnery
The area
Neighborhood: Wong Tai Sin District
How to get there
- Diamond Hill • 5 min walk
- Choi Hung • 9 min walk
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
1,810 within 3 miles
Attractions
701 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Dan LBunbury, Australia8,750 contributionsBuddhist Temple ComplexLocated across the road from Nan Lian Garden this is a remarkable complex dating to 1934 when it was established as a place of retreat for Buddhist nuns. The current buildings date to 1998 after a rebuild based on traditional Tang Dynasty architecture. The nunnery is constructed from cypress timber and utilises an ancient Chinese interlocking system to hold the structure together without the use of nails or similar fastenings. Beautiful gardens and structures with many statues of the Buddha. It is a place of beauty and serenity, a tranquil oasis complimenting the Nan Lian Garden.Visited November 2023Traveled as a coupleWritten December 17, 2023
- ArpitaS27 contributionsBeautiful nunneryOne of the most calming places in Hong Kong. It is in the middle of the city and yet one of the quietest places. The architecture is beautiful with dark woods. There are many halls with deities and yet it does not look cluttered. Nice place to visit for a breathe of fresh air.Visited November 2023Traveled soloWritten April 5, 2024
- mfilcol2014Lisbon, Portugal1,841 contributionsPeacefulLocated on a hill and next to the beautiful gardens of Nan Lian, this convent enjoys unique peace and tranquility. It is a convent for nuns. You can only visit part of it, but it's worth it. The surroundings are fabulous with beautiful temples and wonderful views of the city below.Visited March 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 19, 2024
- WanderingRoosterSeattle, Washington250 contributionsAn Unexpected DelightThe Chi Lin Nunnery was a very surprising highlight to our trip. I thought it was be interesting to go, but it was absolutely stunning and probably somewhere I would go back to over and over. It was incredibly peaceful and tranquil. The buildings and grounds were immaculate and beautiful.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 27, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
3,372 reviews
Excellent
2,225
Very good
941
Average
186
Poor
8
Terrible
12
JoeBenevides
Fresno, CA382 contributions
Feb 2020
The Chi Lin Nunnery is a large Buddhist temple complex located in the Diamond Hill neighborhood of Kowloon, just a few minutes walk from the Diamond Hill MTR station. It was founded in 1934 as a retreat for Buddhist nuns and was rebuilt in 1998 following the traditional Tang Dynasty architecture. The temple halls have statues of the Sakyamuni Buddha, the goddess of mercy, Guanyin, and other bodhisattvas.
Written February 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MHL
London, UK284 contributions
Dec 2019 • Solo
Oasis escape from busy urban Kowloon.
Quite relaxing place offering variety of beauty, knowledge, history, art, landscape, architecture and spiritual atmosphere.
Different beautiful gardens including ponds with beautiful lilies (which were highlight for me), stunning collection of rocks, wise quotations, authentic templates, architecture model exhibition with history information posters, religious jewellery exhibition.
All free of charge.
Souvenir shop with free tea tasting; coffee shop & restaurant on site
Quite relaxing place offering variety of beauty, knowledge, history, art, landscape, architecture and spiritual atmosphere.
Different beautiful gardens including ponds with beautiful lilies (which were highlight for me), stunning collection of rocks, wise quotations, authentic templates, architecture model exhibition with history information posters, religious jewellery exhibition.
All free of charge.
Souvenir shop with free tea tasting; coffee shop & restaurant on site
Written February 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
arefl02
Hong Kong, China323 contributions
Jun 2022
A friend of mine recommended to go and visit this place. I am not a practicing buddhist but I am surprised that there is a certain calmness of mind during meditation inside the nunnery. There are also some rock artifacts and plants showcased upon entering where there are philosophy/quotation on it. There is also a nearby park. It is easy to find this place. Must try!
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
VickyLargs
Largs, UK857 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
Easily accessible by MTR (Diamond Hill station in Kowloon), it’s a must-see when visiting Honk Kong. It’s so calm and serene that, along with Nan Lian garden nearby, definitely creates a sense of harmony with nature. Right in the middle of a huge megapolis HK is, surrounded by sky scrapers, it’s utterly beautiful. Got to know later that it’s the largest wooden building in the world. Allow at least an hour to enjoy not just the nunnery but also charming Chinese garden across, with pagodas, streams, bridges, waterfalls. Pop in to a little cafe in the garden for a cup of tea and try traditional toast with butter and condensed milk there.
Written December 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Michael K
San Jose, CA1,144 contributions
Oct 2022
This is a stately set of temples completely enclosing a central coutyard with four symmetrical lotus ponds. When I visited, quite a lot of lotus flowers with different colors were in bloom. In contrast, all the temples are of a sombre dark brown color. Do not expect to find the golden pagoda and the connecting red bridge that some reviewers wrongly attributed to this temple. They are actually located in Nan Lian Garden.
Written November 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Penrapee R
Bangkok, Thailand211 contributions
Mar 2023
The nunnery is within a walking distance from Diamond Hill MTR, making it convenient to visit when you want to getaway from the buzz of the city. The wooden building is beautiful, perfectly preserved and it's peaceful inside with serene garden in the middle. It's a perfect place to spend some time relaxing and being with yourself while visiting such a busy city like Hong Kong.
Written April 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jenkle89
Hendaye, France417 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Such a beautiful place...the dark wood buildings, golden statues, beautiful gardens and ponds. You completely forget that you are in the middle of busy city. A really peaceful place, i could have spent hours here.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
🩶⚜️ 𝓝𝓪𝓽𝔂® ⚜️🩶
Moscow, Russia165,977 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
Chilin Nunnery was founded in 1934 and built in the style of the Tang Dynasty. Chilin is a temple complex of wooden architecture, with Buddhist relics, lotus ponds, sculptures and a beautiful park. The monastery was built according to all the rules of Feng Shui.
Written November 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan L
Bunbury, Australia8,750 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Located across the road from Nan Lian Garden this is a remarkable complex dating to 1934 when it was established as a place of retreat for Buddhist nuns. The current buildings date to 1998 after a rebuild based on traditional Tang Dynasty architecture. The nunnery is constructed from cypress timber and utilises an ancient Chinese interlocking system to hold the structure together without the use of nails or similar fastenings. Beautiful gardens and structures with many statues of the Buddha. It is a place of beauty and serenity, a tranquil oasis complimenting the Nan Lian Garden.
Written December 18, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
wcockerall
Melbourne, Australia248 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
What a surprise to find such a beautiful Nunnery to spend 2 hours resting and enjoying the amazing serenity in a city that always runs fast. From the Nunnery through to the gardens it's a place you go to just relax. For me I read my book and had coffee. Early visits before 10.30am is advised if you want it to yourself.
Written November 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’m the outer area, yes. Not in the temple itself.
Written May 17, 2020
I googled it for you and the hours are 9am to 4.30pm
Written August 24, 2019
I am only in Hong Kong for one day and would like to visit. Can I walk from metro and which station do I have travel to, please?
Written August 2, 2018
I think it’s Diamond Hill. An easy walk from there. It’s pretty well signed.
Written August 9, 2018
Hi does anyone know how to book an english speaking tour, if available? I can't get their website to come up in any english :) Thanks
Written September 10, 2017
few senior nuns speak good english but i doubt you can meet them as they are always busy.
Written September 11, 2017
just go to Diamond Hill and actually there a small sign to Nan Lian Garden (via Plaza Hollywood). you can enter the Nan Lian Garden first. from there theres actually a bridge that connect directly to the Chi Lin Nunnery.
Written May 18, 2017
No, it only opens for lunch and dinner everyday. For the 1st and 15th day of Chinese lunar calendar, it will be very crowded and unlikely to get a table. Pre booking will be helpful.
Written September 12, 2017
A couple of hours between the Nunnery and the Gardens, linked by a foot bridge. It's a peaceful break from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong.
Written October 9, 2016
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