NAN LIAN GARDEN

A tranquil feel warmly greeted us when we entered Nan Lian Garden, a public park in Diamond Hill. With an area of 35,000 sq. m., this classical garden was design based on Jiangshouju Garden of the Tang Dynasty, a traditional Chinese landscape garden in Shanxi Province. The garden is adorned with a serene walkway, trees, flowers, springs, plants, pavilions, unique rocks, bridges, and ponds.

one of the stunning rock formations inside Nan Lian Garden

Amidst its location within the bustling city, walking on the pathway and looking at the picturesque ambiance of the garden was mesmerizing. I was captivated by its serene atmosphere, refreshing both my mind and body. Truly, the garden is a manifestation of the classical style, elegance, and beauty.

my very dear friends Day Leen and Amie as we explored other famous tourist spots in Hong Kong

When famished, visitors may try the Vegetarian Restaurant or the Tea House.

Location: 60 Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill, Kowloon
Opening Hours: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
Telephone No. +852 3658 9366
Entrance Fee: Free
Website:  www.nanliangarden.org

MTR Ride: We came from Choi Hung Estate. Nan Lian Garden is just one station away only. Take the Exit C2, follow the signs and for around five to ten minutes you can reach the garden.

CHI LIN NUNNERY

Adjacent to Nan Lian Garden is Chi Lin Nunnery, a large Buddhist temple complex established in 1934 and renovated in 1990 following the traditional Tang Dynasty architecture. This complex is another must-visit attraction in Hong Kong. It gave a feeling of relaxation as we walked around to see what’s inside the temple halls, ponds,  Bonzai trees, and plants.

another beautiful spot to visit in Hong Kong is Chi Lin Nunnery

There are statues in the temple halls which are made from wood, clay, stone, and gold. This represents divinities like Sakyumani Buddha, Guanyin, and other bodhisattvas. We did not stay long in this temple for we will head to Wong Tai Sin Temple before it closes.

where the modern world meets the ancient time

Location: 5 Chi Lin Drive, Diamond Hill, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Telephone No. +852 2354 1888
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 9:00am to 4:30pm
Website: http://www.chilin.org/

MTR Ride:  Wong Tai Sin Temple from Chi Lin Nunnery: Wong Tai Sin is one MTR station away only from Diamond Hill station.

WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE

If you want your wish come true then head off to Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple to make it happen. Wong Tai Sin Temple is one of the famous temples in Hong Kong. Worshipers come to give offerings to this temple to pray for good fortune and divine guidance. It is said to be home to three religions: Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism.

Unfortunately, the temple was already close when we got there. It was so regretful that we came a few minutes late amidst our fast MTR hopping. Anyway, we now head off to Wan Chai for a yummy dinner.

Location: 2 Chuk Yuen Rd, Chuk Un, Hong kong
Opening Hours:  7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Entrance: Free

MTR Ride: In getting to Wan Chai from Wong Tai Sin Temple: board the Wong Tai Sin station, alight at Prince Edward interchange (Tsuen Wan Line) then to Admiralty Interchange, take the Island Line and alight at Wan Chai station.

TANZI YUNNAN RICE NOODLE AT WAN CHAI

After the day’s happy and fast getaway, Dayleen and Amie brought me to Tanzi Yunnan Rice Noodle in Wan Chai to feast on a yummy rice noodle. They ordered Supreme Combo (HK$110 for 2), Sichuan Chicken Wings (HK$32) and Century Egg Spicy (HK$24)

yummy rice noodles.. full and happy tummy

The Supreme Combo an overloaded meal (believe me it was!) consists of fish ball, beef ball, pig’s liver, pork, beef, chicken, pork belly, ham, minced pork, bean sprout, garlic chives, tofu skin, lettuce, and tuff puff and broth soup. Indeed, the serving was so big! Haha!  I wasn’t a fan much of noodles for I prefer Ramen but surprisingly, this rice noodle had filled my tummy to the brim that I can’t finish the whole big bowl

When we got out of the restaurant, I felt my tummy was so heavy that walking may wear me out fast! But it was just fine for we will proceed to one last place to explore.

Location: G/F, Hoi Yuen Centre, 8 Tai Yuen Shop A & B, Wang Chai (2 minutes walk from Exit A3, Wan Chai MTR Station)

THE ANGELS IN LEE TUNG AVENUE

We ended our day in Lee Tung Avenue awe-stricken by the sights of hanging Angels shrouded in white lights. The shopping street was so alive with vivid and colorful Christmas decorations. The “Spirit of Christmas light” in true London style was brought to Hong Kong through the partnership of Lee Tung Avenue and Crown Estate’s Regent Street in London. People may enjoy a festive event with Christmas parade and programs which will run from November 16 until December 31.

There are Angel Wings in some establishments and we had a decent shot with it. Shortly after, there was a snowfall coming from buildings. There was a big LED screen where we watched how the Angels and Christmas trees were created. Indeed, I already felt the Christmas spirit in Lee Tung Avenue in November.

Thankful Me

And so, that’s how I explored Hong Kong on my second day skipping Disneyland. I was so grateful to Dayleen and Amie, my very dear friends for accompanying me again on my second visit to the city. Indeed, the experience was far memorable when you share it with nice and cheerful people whom you have the same passion for traveling.

Till next time my friends!

You may also like:

Part 8: Hong Kong and Macau Trip: My Solo Adventure in Disneyland	A stress-free day at Villa Filomena Natural Spring Resort, Indang, Cavite	The Friendly Trek to Quitinday Green Hills in Camalig, Albay	Singapore’s Pulau Ubin-Part 1: The Treasure of the Past	Apayao Road Trip-Part 2: Rock climbing in Dupag Rock Formation in Marag Valley, Luna
All Hands Beach at Subic Bay: We want to go back!	Singapore Day 4: Palawan Beach-the finest beach in Sentosa Island	Subic Beach, Juag Lagoon & Tikling Island: Matnog, Sorsogon Travel Guide	Bon AppeTEA in Dasmariñas, Cavite	Minor Climb No. 5: The Grotto, Mt Maculot and The Rockies

Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for more of my adventures and travels. Enjoy!