Nan Lian Garden to open on Wednesday (with photos)
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    Nan Lian Garden, a park designed in the Tang Dynasty-style and adorned with special wooden structures, old and valuable trees and rocks, will be open for the public on November 15 (Wednesday).

     The garden is a public park under the Leisure and Cultural Services Department with Chi Lin Nunnery being entrusted with the management and maintenance of the garden.

     Nan Lian Garden is located at 60 Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill and occupies an area of 3.5 hectares. It will open daily from 7am to 9pm for free admission.

     A spokesman for the garden said that the park was developed for the public's enjoyment. "A one-way touring route will be arranged for the safe and orderly visits," he said.

     "The garden is specially designed for quiet leisure activities. It is not suitable for any active recreation," he added.

     The garden also provides a multi-function room and catering facilities such as a food kiosk cum souvenir shop, a vegetarian restaurant and a tea house. The spokesman said that smoking would not be allowed in the garden since there were a lot of timber structures and old and valuable trees and special rocks in it. He also said that to keep the environment clean, visitors would only be allowed to eat within the catering facilities. He also urged the public to treasure the facilities when visiting the garden.

     "Crowd management measures will be implemented when necessary to ensure park-goers can visit the garden in an orderly manner," the spokesman said. "To avoid visitors queuing for a long time outside the garden when it is crowded, admission tickets will be distributed at 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 a designated time later that day. Garden ambassadors and volunteer workers will also help to maintain order."

     As too many groups visiting the garden at the same time will create pressure on the flow of visitors and traffic, all public or private organisations - including travel agencies - arranging for group visits of more than 20 people each should make a prior appointment with the garden office by fax (3658 9424) or by email (info@nlgarden.org) at least three working days before the planned visit.

     The garden management has contacted the travel and tourism sector to inform them of the arrangements for group visits.

     The spokesman stressed that there was no need to rush to the garden for visits soon after its opening, as it would be a permanent facility open to the public.

     For more information about the admission arrangements, please refer to the FAQs at the annex or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk.

Ends/Friday, November 10, 2006
Issued at HKT 18:03

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