The Nan Lian Gardens is a lovely classical Chinese landscaped park in Hong Kong that offers the perfect place to escape from the concrete jungle of the city.
If you’re after some greenery, a place to reflect, and a break from the hustle and bustle of fast paced Hong Kong, then Nan Lian Garden is just the place to visit! It’s also a lovely place to get some Instagrammable photos of the golden pavilion with skyscrapers in the background.
This article explains all you need to know about a visit to Nan Lian Gardens, including how to get there, when to visit, and what else to do in the area!
What Is Nan Lian Garden?
Nan Lian Garden is a large and beautiful public park hidden in the Diamond Hill area of Hong Kong. It is known for its beautiful Chinese landscape design, relaxing ambiance, and beautiful golden pavilion known as The Pavilion Of Absolute Perfection.
The garden is inspired by ancient Chinese landscape gardening principles and is a very peaceful place to spend an hour or so.
Where Is Nan Lian Garden?
Nan Lian Garden is located in Diamond Hill, Kowloon, Hong Kong. It is roughly 7.5km north east of the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade in Hong Kong. Here is the Google Maps location.
How To Get To Nan Lian Gardens
Nan Lian Gardens are easily accessible by public transportation. You can take the MTR to Diamond Hill Station, which is a 350 metre walk from Nan Lian Gardens.
From Mong Kok MTR Station, the ride is just 12 minutes. You will need a transport card to travel on the MTR.
Or you can take the number 10 bus from Mong Kok. The bus takes half an hour and drops you off right outside the gardens. Buses run roughly every 20 minutes.
Opening Times & Entrance Fee To Nan Lian Gardens
Nan Lian Garden is open daily from 7am until 9pm.
Entrance to Nan Lian Garden and the neighbouring Chi Lin Nunnery is free.
What Is There To See At Nan Lian Gardens?
There is lots to see at Nan Lian Gardens when you walk around. There are many beautiful traditional pavilions around the gardens to admire, all made of wood, which are impressively built using ancient techniques without the use of nails!
There is even a Chinese mill at the back of the gardens.
Around the gardens there are also lots of pretty rock formations, ponds and waterfalls which also give the gardens a really peaceful environment.
You’ll also see lots of plants and trees, sculptures and ancient stone carvings.
My favourite part of the gardens though, is the centrepiece: The Pavilion Of Absolute Perfection. It’s a stunning golden pagoda building in an octagonal shape with a red bridge leading up to it.
It’s located in the middle of a lotus pond on an island. You can’t walk on the bridge but you can get some really nice photos of the classical Pavilion contrasting with the modern skyscraper apartment buildings and the mountains behind.
I just love this contrast as it shows the different sides of Hong Kong in one shot: modern urbanisation, the strong Chinese influence, and nature co-existing together. Plus, the contrast of the colours in the shot is so beautiful.
Afterwards if you’re after a drink or snack, visit the traditional tea house where you can enjoy some Chinese tea at a traditional tea ceremony, or head to the vegetarian restaurant that offers lots of healthy and delicious meals.
What Else Is There To Do Near Nan Lian Gardens?
Chi Lin Nunnery is adjacent to Nan Lian Garden, connected by a little bridge, and is also a beautiful place to visit.
The Chi Lin Nunnery is a Buddhist temple complex and is also a very peaceful place.
Nan Lian Gardens are also very close to the famous Choi Hung Basketball Courts – it’s just a couple of stops on the bus or a 20 minute walk away.
Therefore I would definitely combine a visit to save time and tick two places off in one go as these spots are a bit out of the way to get to otherwise.
Like Nan Lian Gardens and the Chi Lin Nunnery, the Choi Hung Basketball Courts are a very Instagrammable spot in Hong Kong and definitely worth a visit on any Hong Kong itinerary.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Nan Lian Gardens?
Morning is the best time to visit Nan Lian Garden as this is when the gardens are the quietest and you can enjoy them without the crowds. Nan Lian Garden is a popular place for locals as well as tourists.
Visiting in the morning also means you’ll get to visit when the lighting isn’t too harsh for your photographs.
Summary
Nan Lian Garden is a lovely traditional Chinese garden that offers the perfect opportunity to get away from the bustling city life of Hong Kong.
Caterina McGrail is a Travel Writer and ex-Flight Attendant based in Australia. She has visited 85 countries and lived in several – including Italy, Australia, United Arab Emirates and England. Her work has been featured in a variety of popular travel publications including Fodors, Escape, Australian Traveller and Bear Grylls, as well as several international aviation and travel companies. She only writes about places she has personally visited, and aims to give real, honest advice to help her readers.