DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Chi Lin Nunnery

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°9
Chi Lin Nunnery (Hong Kong SAR China)

Weather…

The Chi Lin Nunnery is a sweeping Buddhist complex located in Diamond Hill, Kowloon. Established in 1934 and meticulously rebuilt in 1998, it stands as a prime example of Tang Dynasty style architecture. The most remarkable aspect of the nunnery is its construction method: the entire complex was built using ancient interlocking wooden joinery techniques without the use of a single iron nail. This makes it the largest handmade wooden structure in the world. The serene grounds feature four main courtyards with elegant lotus ponds, manicured bonsai trees, and temple halls housing exquisite gold-leaf statues of the Sakyamuni Buddha. The surrounding high-rise apartments provide a dramatic backdrop, emphasizing the nunnery's role as a spiritual sanctuary. It is a good spot for meditation and appreciating traditional craftsmanship, often visited alongside the adjacent Nan Lian Garden.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C161820232628292928252217
Rain mm352969109231288197234173562921

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The nunnery is a fully functioning Buddhist monastery open to the public for peaceful visits. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and maintain silence.
🕒
Typical hours
The nunnery is open daily, typically from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM. However, some halls may close earlier; check posted hours on site.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed in the courtyards and gardens but not inside the prayer halls. No flash on statues.
⏱️
Time needed
A thorough visit of the complex and adjacent Nan Lian Garden takes about 1-2 hours. Meditation enthusiasts can stay longer.
➕
Combine with
Immediately adjacent is Nan Lian Garden, a classical Chinese garden. Also nearby is the Diamond Hill shopping mall and the Wong Tai Sin Temple.
🧭
Getting there
Take MTR to Diamond Hill station exit C2; the nunnery is a 5-minute walk through Nan Lian Garden. Also by bus from Kowloon.
💡
Insider tip
Visit early in the morning for a serene atmosphere and fewer tourists. The vegetarian restaurant on site provides excellent Buddhist cuisine - try the lunch set.

Geography

Coordinates
22.34000, 114.20520

Facts

  • The nunnery was founded in the 1930s.
  • Rebuilding took place between 1995 and 1998.
  • It is built of wood without nails.
  • The Hall of Great Hero is 33 meters high.
  • There is a 100-meter-long corridor.
  • It is located in Wong Tai Sin.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Nan Lian Garden PavilionNan Lian Garden Pavilion<1 km · SEExplore →
Tate's CairnTate's Cairn2 km · NWExplore →
Sung Wong ToiSung Wong Toi2 km · SEExplore →
Kwun Tong PromenadeKwun Tong Promenade2 km · NEExplore →
Tsang Tai UkTsang Tai Uk2 km · SWExplore →
North PointNorth Point3 km · SEExplore →
Lion Rock Country ParkLion Rock Country Park3 km · SExplore →
Hong Kong Museum of HistoryHong Kong Museum of History4 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Chi Lin Nunnery (9)

Jehovahjireh Concert Hall🎭 culture

An indoor performance venue situated near the serene grounds of the Chi Lin Nunnery.

Hammer Hill🌿 nature

A prominent urban hill offering elevated views over the surrounding residential districts of Kowloon.

Bun Ha Tung⛪ religious

A traditional local place of worship tucked away within the urban landscape of Kowloon.

Chi Lin Nunnery⛪ religious

This large Buddhist complex is renowned for its elegant wooden architecture constructed entirely without the use of nails.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-16:30

Hammer Hill Park🌳 park

A landscaped green space that complements the nearby traditional aesthetics of the Nan Lian Garden.

SKH Kindly Light Church📍 landmark

An Anglican church building serving Christian worshippers in the Diamond Hill neighborhood.

Abounding Grace Baptist Church📍 landmark

A Baptist congregation gathering space established among the residential towers of the district.

FRESHIN (Tsz Wan Shan Market)🎭 culture

A modernised indoor wet market providing fresh food and daily supplies to the Tsz Wan Shan community.

Fu Shan Estate Market🎭 culture

Situated within a public housing estate, this local market caters to the everyday shopping needs of the residents.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee for the nunnery?
No, admission to the temple complex is free for all visitors.
Is photography allowed inside the halls?
Photography is permitted in the outdoor courtyards but strictly prohibited inside the temple halls.
Is there a dress code for visitors?
Visitors should dress respectfully and modestly; shoulders and knees should be covered.
What is special about its architecture?
The wooden buildings were constructed in the Tang Dynasty style without using a single metal nail.
Is there a place to eat on-site?
Yes, there is a well-known vegetarian restaurant located in the adjacent Nan Lian Garden.
Chi Lin Nunnery: where is it located?
Chi Lin Nunnery is located in Hong Kong SAR China.
Chi Lin Nunnery: what is there to see?
Highlights include Jehovahjireh Concert Hall, Hammer Hill, Bun Ha Tung.
Chi Lin Nunnery: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Mar, Nov, Dec.
Chi Lin Nunnery: why is it worth visiting?
The Chi Lin Nunnery is a sweeping Buddhist complex located in Diamond Hill, Kowloon.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
Asia
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in Asia
More places in Hong Kong SAR China →

Nearby cities

Sha Tin — Chi Lin Nunnery (Hong Kong SAR China)
Sha Tin
Sha Tin is a major planned new town in the New Territories, situated along the Shing Mun River and known for its residential areas.
Sham Shui Po — Chi Lin Nunnery (Hong Kong SAR China)
Sham Shui Po
Sham Shui Po is one of Kowloon's oldest and most authentic neighborhoods, famous for its street markets and cheap electronics.
Wong Tai Sin — Chi Lin Nunnery (Hong Kong SAR China)
Wong Tai Sin
Wong Tai Sin is a residential district in Kowloon named after its famous temple, offering a mix of tradition and modernity.
Ma On Shan — Chi Lin Nunnery (Hong Kong SAR China)
Ma On Shan
This new town is situated on the Tolo Harbour under the mountain of the same name, known for its promenade and high-rises.
Wan Chai — Chi Lin Nunnery (Hong Kong SAR China)
Wan Chai
Wan Chai is a dynamic district on Hong Kong Island known for its nightlife, business buildings, and the convention center.
Nam Cheong — Chi Lin Nunnery (Hong Kong SAR China)
Nam Cheong
Nam Cheong is a modern residential neighborhood in West Kowloon developed around a major transport interchange.
Mong Kok — Chi Lin Nunnery (Hong Kong SAR China)
Mong Kok
Mong Kok is considered one of the most densely populated neighborhoods in the world, famous for its vibrant street markets.
Mong Kok Retail District — Chi Lin Nunnery (Hong Kong SAR China)
Mong Kok Retail District
One of the most densely populated areas in the world and a hub for small retailers and markets.
Jordan — Chi Lin Nunnery (Hong Kong SAR China)
Jordan
Jordan is a vibrant neighborhood in Kowloon known for its colorful markets, temples, and diverse dining scene.
Yau Tong — Chi Lin Nunnery (Hong Kong SAR China)
Yau Tong
Yau Tong is transforming from an industrial area into a modern residential district with direct harbor access.
Lei Yue Mun — Chi Lin Nunnery (Hong Kong SAR China)
Lei Yue Mun
Lei Yue Mun is a famous fishing village in Kowloon known for its fresh seafood and the lighthouse at the harbor entrance.
Tai Kok Tsui — Chi Lin Nunnery (Hong Kong SAR China)
Tai Kok Tsui
Tai Kok Tsui is a rapidly changing neighborhood in Kowloon where old industrial blocks are giving way to new luxury towers.
Yau Ma Tei — Chi Lin Nunnery (Hong Kong SAR China)
Yau Ma Tei
Yau Ma Tei is a historic district in Kowloon that has preserved many traditional trades and historical buildings.
Tsim Sha Tsui — Chi Lin Nunnery (Hong Kong SAR China)
Tsim Sha Tsui
This district at the southern tip of Kowloon is famous for its museums, shopping malls, and views of the Hong Kong Island skyline.
Tsim Sha Tsui Commercial District — Chi Lin Nunnery (Hong Kong SAR China)
Tsim Sha Tsui Commercial District
A major tourist hub and retail district at the southern tip of Kowloon.

History & landmarks

Harbour City — Chi Lin Nunnery (Hong Kong SAR China)
Harbour City
Harbour City is Hong Kong's largest shopping mall, located in Tsim Sha Tsui.