KOWLOON. Chi Lin Nunnery was founded in the 1930s, but during the 1990s it was completely reconstructed. Built according to ancient Tang Dynasty methods, the structures have no metal nails (wooden pegs were used instead), and are the only ones in Hong Kong with wooden roofs. Throughout the property there are lovely statues of gold, wood, clay and stone depicting various gods and goddesses. The lovely front garden is open to the public and has been a much-loved retreat for harried city-dwellers for years. In fact, the government constructed the adjacent Nan Lian Gardens as a sort of extension or complement to the nunnery's oasis.

NEW TERRITORIES. This is a huge temple near the town of Tuen Mun in the new Territories. The Taoist temple originally opened as a retreat in 1949. Today, it's also notable for its carefully tended gardens, lush with dwarf shrubs, exquisite flowers and trees. The Taoist tradition in gardening is to include rocks and buildings in the garden for balance, a notion that is pleasantly evident here. Pagodas and benches set alongside goldfish ponds offer a place to rest and reflect.

NEW TERRITORIES. The name of this monastery translates to "Bamboo Forest Monastery," thanks to its position in the foothills above Tsuen Wan. Built in 1927, this is one of the most awe-inspiring Buddhist temples in the city, with its ornate decor and unique boat-like shape. Three of Hong Kong's largest Buddha statues are here, including one second only to the Big Buddha at Po Lin, and hundreds of worshippers flock here daily.

TSIM SHA TSUI. Hong Kong is a city teeming with diversity, and this mosque is an important symbol for the thousands of practicing Muslims that live here. This $30 million structure was built in the 1980s on a previous mosque site, and has towering minarets, a shining marble dome, and ornate decor. The structure is surrounded by the attractive, spacious Kowloon Park.

NEW TERRITORIES. This hilltop pagoda is said to house 12,800 Buddhas within its walls. To reach the temple, you must ascend a breathtaking 500 steps, but once you make it, you can see the Buddhas, each striking a different pose. Also look for the mummy (a holy man in his golden tomb) and the evocative views of Amah Rock.