Chi Lin Nunnery

Hey Everyone

Aunt P and I went to the Chi Lin Nunnery in Diamond Hill. The nunnery is said to
be the largest nunnery in Kowloon and houses a nunnery, temple halls, Chinese gardens, hostels, and even a vegetarian restaurant for visitors. The buildings on the premise
were built following the style of the Tang Dynasty, which is the traditional
Chinese architectural Style.

The view of the temple halls upon entering the central garden

One of the interesting things that I learned was that the Tang Dynasty was known for their wood framed building construction. What was so different about this style was the absence of fasteners such as iron nails. The Tang Dynasty specialized in an interlocking wood system that held the structure in place. According to one of the brochures, Chi Lin Nunnery is the only place where this style of building still remains in today's Hong Kong.

Scene from one of the bridges in the entry garden

Aunt P and I arrived relatively early in the morning and walked on the grounds, following the paths, but it was very hot and extremely humid. Not only did we arrive earlier in the day to avoid the sun, but also so that we could have lunch at the vegetarian restaurant, which the nunnery was famous for.

Looking towards one of the sitting areas

The restaurant was not exactly what I thought it was. I actually took a picture of it, because it was hiding behind a lot of vegetation, and a waterfall! Upon walking inside, the waterfall really did give a different atmosphere to the restaurant. You were isolated from your environment and through the glass you could only see water.

Vegetarian Restaurant under a waterfall

Okay, so the next segment are the dishes we ate. I'm not a vegetarian by any means, but I was very happy when the food came. We ordered a set menu, and were able to taste several very delicious vegetarian dishes.

Pickled Eggplant

Some Version of Vegetable Soup

Deep-fried Stuffed Eggplant

Shredded Potato with Mixed Vegetables

Fried Enoki Mushrooms Topped with Seasonal Greens

Fresh Beancurd sheet rolled with Chinese Spinach

Fresh Beancurd Rolls in Mushroom Sauce

After we had finished our meal, and were about to leave, a couple of ladies sat next to us. Upon hearing them speak, they had to be either American or Canadian. And of course I asked! And guess what, one of them was from Canada, and had actually lived in Winnipeg for a few years! It's funny how small the world is.