Distinctive Tang dynasty-style structures and picturesque scenery have made the newly opened Nan Lian Garden at Diamond Hill a rare opportunity to promote Chinese culture as well as enjoyment of a leisure park.
The 3.5 hectare garden was modelled on a real Tang garden, Jiangshouju, in Shanxi province , the only one of its kind surviving from the dynasty. The garden, together with the adjacent Chi Lin Nunnery, comprises the largest grouping of Tang-style buildings in Hong Kong.
Having absorbed the ancient Chinese architectural idea of 'pursuing the harmony between human and nature', Nan Lian includes all necessary elements to create a typical garden, including hills, rocks, water features, trees and pavilions. One of the highlights is an octagonal gold-leaf pavilion standing in the centre of a lotus pond.
The pavilion, surrounded by eight mature pine trees and two red bridges, is meant to convey success and satisfaction, according to Chinese culture.
The designers also imported several pieces of rare fossilised wood from the southwest of the mainland to decorate the 'Fragrant Hill' on the south side of the park.
Standing in the middle of the garden and looking northwards, visitors are able to see the scenery in Chi Lin Nunnery and remote green hills, which embodies the idea of 'borrowing views', another method widely used in ancient Chinese gardens.