As one of Hong Kong’s largest Buddhism temple complexes, Chi Lin Nunnery is well-known among Hong Kongers. Built in 1934, Chi Lin Nunnery is situated on the southern foothill of Diamond Hill, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Facing the sea, it overlooks Hong Kong Island with the mountain as its backdrop.
Chi Lin Nunnery was once an old mansion named Chan Chat Mansion, which Buddhist Nam Chong Yuen donated to master Kok Yet and Wai Um in 1934; a place was then set up for nuns to pursue their religious practice and named Chi Lin Nunnery.
Architecture style
Based on the Great East Hall of Foguang Temple in Shanxi and the Tang timber architecture depicted in Dunhuang Cave murals, Chi Lin Nunnery had been redeveloped in the 90s, successfully transforming into a ‘seven-hall’ timber monastic complex. After that, Chi Lin Nunnery collaborated with the government and developed the land to the south of Chi Lin Nunnery. Together, they built a comprehensive monastic architecture and landscape garden with construction techniques and craftsmanship that adhered strictly to the Tang Dynasty. Besides its religious value, the nunnery also has significant architectural value.
Exquisite offerings in Buddha’s Halls
Demarcated by the north-south central axis, the main hall is located on the central axis, and symmetrically, the auxiliary halls are on the east and west sides. There are three different gates at the complex entrance, each with its own significance. The Hall of Celestial Kings protects the temple and welcomes and guides all living beings. The Hall of Avalokitesvara and Bhaisajyaguru are halls for praying and religious practice.
The most important building of Chi Lin Nunnery is the Main Hall. It has statues of Sakyamuni Buddha in the centre of the hall; two holy people of the Buddhist religion, known as Bodhisattva Manjusre and Bodhisattva Samantabhandra, are on either side of Buddhas. In addition, two of the followers of Buddha named Mahakasyapa and Ananda, are standing with the statue. People can hold religious practices or pray to Buddha in the main hall. Another important building is the Ten Thousand Buddhas Pagoda. It is located on the east-northern side of Chi Lin Nunnery. Pagoda has several floors, and over ten thousand Buddha statues are honoured.
Once through the north gate of the main hall, there is the Prayer Hall, Scripture Hall and Residence for the nuns. Located on the upper floor of the Dharma Hall, The Scripture Hall possesses a library preserving important Buddhist literature for research and study by resident nuns. Whereas the Prayer Hall provides a peaceful environment for the nuns to practice their religion.
Culture activities
Besides promoting Buddhism, Chi Lin Nunnery also contributes to social welfare and culture, including establishing a primary and secondary school and a college. The college provides a wide range of diploma courses, including Buddhism, philosophy studies, linguistics, literature, music and art. In addition, Chi Lin Nunnery is dedicated to two Intangible Cultural Heritages – Qin and Kunqu, regularly holding Qin and Kunqu Opera performances. For those interested in Buddhism Art, visit the current
exhibitions at Chi Lin Nunnery.
Vegetarian food restaurant
When visiting Chi Lin Nunnery, you can go to the vegetarian food restaurant ‘Chi Lin Vegetarian’ at the east-northern corner of Nan Lian Garden. The restaurant serves a healthy vegetarian meal cooked traditionally. It is worth a try for green-aged people who love healthy food. Whether it is lunch, afternoon tea or dinner, all are available at the restaurant. Click
here for more details.
Opening hours:
9:00 am to 4:30 pm (Chi Lin Nunnery)
7:00 am to 9:00 pm (Nan Lian Garden)
Reference
Chi Lin Nunnery
Chi Lin Nunnery (hongkong.net)
Chi Lin Nunnery (wikimapis.org, Chinese version only)
Chi Lin Nunnery (somanhing.com, Chinese version only)
Nan Lian Garden Hong Kong (Facts-About-Hong-Kong.com)
Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden (Next Stop Hong Kong)
