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The redevelopment and opening of the Chi Lin Nunnery is of great significance to Hong Kong. Its Tang Dynasty style architecture reflects Hong Kong's status as an international city in Asia, social harmony, dynamism and friendliness, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mrs Anson Chan, said today (May 18).
Speaking at the Opening Ceremony for the Chi Lin Nunnery cum Lotus Pond Garden at Diamond Hill this morning, Mrs Chan noted that the Tang Dynasty was a period of remarkable national strength and economic success in China, which saw the merging of different cultures and races.
"This Tang style Nunnery is therefore a fitting reflection of today's Hong Kong as an international city in Asia where East meets West," she said.
Modeling on the Tang Dynasty style wooden architecture, Mrs Chan said the design and layout of the Nunnery was a combination of ancient architecture and modern technology.
"As a metropolitan city and a prime tourist destination, Hong Kong receives no less than 10 million visitors each year. With its distinctive traditional Chinese architecture, the Chi Lin Nunnery will no doubt become one of Hong Kong's landmarks.
"I am sure that the Hong Kong Tourist Association and the Home Affairs Department will join hands with the monastery's management in presenting Chi Lin to both the local and overseas community to showcase Hong Kong's attractiveness and cultural diversity," she stressed.
Pointing out that the Chi Lin Nunnery was a religious and cultural treasure in its own right, Mrs Chan appealed to members of the public to appreciate their cultural heritage.
"To the Hong Kong community, the Nunnery is an invaluable gift and a lasting treasure. It is the responsibility of each one of us to cherish and preserve this monument for the benefit of future generations," she urged.
It has taken a total of 10 years at a cost of over 700 million Hong Kong dollars for the redevelopment project to complete.
Mrs Chan noted that the success of the redevelopment of the Chi Lin Nunnery owed much to the enthusiastic participation and generous donation of various sectors of the community.
She expressed her gratitude to all the donors and volunteers involved in the project.
"People from all walks of life have supported the project out of the Buddhist spirit of compassion, kindness and generosity and an eagerness to promote Chinese culture and their unique architectural aestheticism," she said.
The Chief Secretary also took the opportunity to commend the work of the Chi Lin Nunnery Monastic Complex Redevelopment Committee.
"Through the efforts of the venerable Buddhist priests and disciples, coupled with the advice of experts from the Mainland and overseas, this innovative and visionary idea is brought to life," Mrs Chan noted.
Mrs Chan also praised the Chi Lin Nunnery for its contribution in the provision of social and educational services.
"Guided by its commitment to serve the community, Chi Lin has been expanding its elderly and educational services since its establishment in mid 1930s. Indeed, over the years, many people have benefited from the services of Chi Lin," she said.
After the opening ceremony, the Chief Secretary, accompanied by another officiating guest, the Ven Kok Kwong, toured the Nunnery complex and visited a home for the elderly run by the Nunnery.
The Chi Lin Nunnery was built on a site of over 33,000 square metres. There are 16 halls for various religious functions with a lotus pond garden at its first entrance. Apart from the religious structure, the Nunnery also operates a home for the elderly, a care and attention home, as well as schools.
The Nunnery will be officially opened to members of the public from Saturday (May 20). The opening hours of the Nunnery are from 9 am to 3.30 pm. It closes on Wednesdays. The Lotus Pond Garden is open seven days a week, from 6.30 am to 7 pm.
It is exp
ected that there may be a huge influx of visitors during early stage of the opening of Chi Lin. The Nunnery has therefore appealed to members of the public not to flock to the Nunnery immediately after the opening, during weekends and holidays, to avoid overcrowding.
Other officiating guests at today's opening ceremony included the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr David Lan; Secretary for Economic Services, Mr Stephen Ip; Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Mr Paul Leung; Acting Director of Home Affairs, Mr Lui Hau-tuen; and the Director of Architectural Services, Mr Pau Shiu-hung.
Ends/Thursday, May 18, 2000
Issued at HKT 16:46
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