A new public park in the Tang Dynasty-style and adorned with unique wooden structures, old and valuable trees and rocks, opens to the public from today.

Called Nan Lian Garden and located in Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill, the 3.5-hectare park was yesterday inaugurated by Chief Executive Donald Tsang, President of the Hong Kong Buddhist Association, Ven Kok Kwong, and Secretary for Home Affairs Patrick Ho.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ho said that the garden was a joint project of the Chi Lin Nunnery and the government. The government financed the cost of the basic infrastructure, while the cost of design and construction of the ancillary works was borne by Chi Nin Nunnery.

"The garden management and daily maintenance will be taken up by the Chi Lin Nunnery for the next five years at a nominal fee," said Ho.

"Nan Lian Garden will not only be a place for the public to enjoy their leisure time in a nice setting, but it will also attract tourists," said Ven Kok Kwong. "The garden will help enrich our life in the community and promote the tourism industry."

Nan Lian Garden will remain open for public daily from 7 am to 9 pm. Admission is free to the public.

"The park is for the public's enjoyment and is specially designed for quiet leisure activities," said a spokesperson for the garden. "A one-way touring route has been designed so visitors can view the garden in a safe and orderly fashion."

The garden also provides a multi-function room and catering facilities such as a food kiosk, a souvenir shop, a vegetarian restaurant and a tea house. Smoking is prohibited in the garden, as it has a number of timber structures and old and valuable trees.

Crowd control

To avoid long queues outside the garden, admission tickets will be distributed from the main entrance to the garden and at the Nan Lian Garden service kiosk at Exit C2 of Diamond Hill MTR station. Ticket-holders can enter the garden at designated times of the day.

Crowd control measures will be implemented when necessary to ensure that people can visit the garden in an orderly manner, while garden ambassadors and volunteer workers will also help maintain order.

All public and private organizations, including travel agencies arranging for group visits of more than 20 people each should also make a prior appointment with the garden office at least three working days in advance.

"The garden management has contacted the tourism sector to inform them of the arrangements for group visits," said the spokesperson. "But there's no need to rush to the garden soon after its opening, as it will be a permanent public facility."