A Little Bit of Calm

Sightseeing on a hangover - not the most sensible of things i'll admit, but it can be made bearable depending on the location. One such location was found on the mandatory Sunday sightseeing visit (before these were decided on being pointless when one was in a less than bouncy state, especially in the ever increasing heat!)

The Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lain Gardens at Diamond Hill were just the place to wander around on a lazy Sunday. Large, tranquil and not overcrowded, I felt so much like I was in China and rather zenned out (and shattered) by the time I was on my way home.

Entering into the gardens you are met by masses of shrubs, trees and rocks all laid out neatly and pruned to perfection. I find the precision in the gardens here far from fussy. On the contrary the neatness and organisation has a calming effect. Whether it is tailored to do so I do not know, but if this is the case it works and allows magical moments like this to pop up:

The path continued on its winding way eventually leading to more open views:

Eventually it seems that almost a full circle has been covered and signs (of which there are many, but subtly so) point you in the direction of the lily garden that is in fact in the same location as Chi Lin Nunnery. The two are linked by a bridge that crosses the road. Looking back on the Nan Lian gardens as you climb the stairs gives you this stunning view - I still have't tired of looking at it!

Finally you reach the Nunnery and the lily garden. It is a beautiful place, welcome and calming. There are often many people milling about but never does it feel crowded. 

This is one of my favourite places in Hong Kong and one I keep going back to. You can alter your route around the garden, find new nooks and crannies and focus on different details every time, sometimes it's just nice to sit and relax. The other thing I love about the gardens and Nunnery is a theme you will see running through nearly all of these picture. The city pops up in the skyline and yet is so unobtrusive. The meshing of garden and city, of peace and quite and hustle and bustle is handled with such a delicate balance and the results are captivating.