Catch a glimpse of life as it was in the Tang Dynasty and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a classical Chinese garden.
The Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907) was famous for perfecting the art of garden design. The formally landscaped gardens with their ornamental water features, delicate blossom trees and graceful pavilions were the epitome of Chinese elegance and style.Nan Lian Garden follows a blueprint of China’s ancient Jiangshouju Garden, the only original Tang layout that still survives to this day, and is a perfect replica of classical garden design dating back over 1,400 years. Covering an area of 3.5 hectares, the garden painstakingly recreates the characteristic arrangement of plants, trees, rocks and water according to traditional rules.The trail through the gardens, which takes in all the most interesting features, starts off through the Black Lintel Gate. Passing by the Lotus Pond, stop to admire the octagonal golden tower of the Pavilion of Absolute Perfection, the centrepiece of the garden, before breathing in the heady aromas of orange jasmine and lilies on Fragrance Hill.No visit to a classical Chinese garden would be complete without taking tea, and at the Song Cha Xie teahouse you can sample the delicate flavours of Wuyi Yan Cha, made from leaves grown on the fertile mineral-rich cliffs of south-eastern China. Afterwards, head for the Buddhist vegetarian restaurant to dine overlooking wonderful views of the waterfall and the manicured lawns and ancient trees beyond.Nan Lian Garden is located alongside Chi Lin Nunnery in the Diamond Hill district, around five minutes’ walk from Diamond Hill MTR station (exit C2). The garden is open daily and admission is free.
