One would have never thought that amidst the dizzying maze of overhead bridges and perambulating roads, an oriental garden of seemingly untouched tranquility lies virtually disconnected from its urban surroundings. Scores of traffic whiz by each hour tooting their horns and blaring their mechanized modernity with pride, but step inside Nan Lian Garden (南蓮園池) in Diamond Hill, Hong Kong, and will find themselves strangely separated from the bustling metropolis that envelops this oasis of calm, for little more than the occasional soft hum of engines can pierce its verdant interior.
An eye-catching welcome amongst a sea of green right at the entrance of the park
A brilliant range of colors flawlessly combine together
in contribution to the park's peaceful vibe
Straightaway one notices the architecture of the buildings inside the garden. Adopting characteristics from the Tang Dynasty ((618-907 AD), these wooden structures are perfectly integrated amongst streams flowing over dark glossy rock surfaces and underneath brightly colored bridges, lazy lotus ponds, and rows of delicately maintained bonsai trees. Not a single nail was used in the construction of this 35,000 square meter park, illustrating the harmony with nature and spiritual consciousness that the architects embraced. Gentle waves of inner peace are contagious to tourists and local residents alike as they all enter this beautiful park zoned off from the frantic schedules and rushing crowds that the rest of the city entails. Add emphasis to the numerous Buddhist figures neatly tucked away behind the haze of incense and praying cushions - all protected in their divine state by numerous signs prohibiting photography and video recording - and one cannot help but feel a meditative bliss immediately fall over their senses, soothing us from the hustle and bustle that is at all times just an arm's length away.
Steps into the temple that occupies the central component of the park
Multiple layers of traditional Chinese architecture (Tang Dynasty characteristics) result in an effortless integration with its mountainous background
Rows of exotic trees and plants alongside buildings that house souvenirs
Although audibly isolated from its urban surroundings, the ubiquitous city buildings nonetheless add a unique visual flavor to the park. High-rise apartment buildings that extend out of shopping mall complexes are a typical feature of many residential areas in Hong Kong, and Diamond Hill is no exception. Many a snapshot taken from inside the park will undoubtedly find a grey structure or two lurking in the background, but by no means are these seen as intruders. Rather, any urban presence is ultimately indicative of the city's ability to effectively maintain the existence of both traditional and modern aspects of life with minimal compromise. The deep spiritual, religious, and meditative nature of Nan Lian Garden is held in even higher regard and reverence amongst visitors, all of whom are undoubtedly relieved to find a reprieve in this peaceful realm. Within a city that never sleeps, locations like this really serve as a refreshing haven for many whom too frequently find their lives deeply steeped within an urban monotony, and with increasingly conscious attitudes towards environmental and cultural preservation, more such parks would ultimately be very warmly received by the populace.
Skimming the temple rooftops are the towering bodies of nearby residential estates.
In all of its entirety, the spiritual essence of the Buddhist figures are neatly encased amongst an urban mindset that is still very respectful towards the traditional and the religious.
