… and the spectacular Nan Lian Garden. It was a quick walk to the subway from the ship’s new berth, and we hopped on the red line, switched to the green line, and got off at Diamond Hill. The Nan Lian Garden is a block from the subway, but a world away aesthetically. Opened in 2006, the Garden and adjoining nunnery were designed in Tang Dynasty style by Chi Lin. Although so recently constructed, the complex is currently being evaluated for inclusion as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a treat for the senses: meticulously pruned topiary trees, magnificent rocks placed precisely in the landscape, water features including lily ponds, a lake and several large waterfalls – with a restaurant behind one of them! Five large timber structures include the aptly named Pavilion of Absolute Perfection, a golden pagoda in the middle of the Lotus Pond. We loved the garden’s rockery, a large building housing huge rock specimens.
Access to the Chi Lin Nunnery is through the Garden, over a walkway that unseen actually crosses a busy Hong Kong street. Lily ponds with fat carp lead up to the main halls with seven beautiful large golden Buddhas (no photos allowed).
We took the subway back to the Mong Kok station for a quick stroll through the Ladies Market. We left the market to find a battery for Frank’s camera. Success! We decided to say farewell to Hong Kong with a nice lunch at the Peninsula Hotel, one of Hong Kong’s great hotels. Chesa, their Swiss restaurant, was recommended by friends; what a great choice! Here’s Frank sampling the best cheese fondue we’ve ever had. Hong Kong - we’ll be baack!
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