Welcome Pavilion
Welcome Pavilion is the first gate along the central axis of Tung Lin Kok Yuen. Its roof features traditional Chinese architecture with a cross-ridge design supported by four terrazzo pillars.

The tiles are adorned with Sanskrit “Om” seed syllables, while the lotus-shaped column capitals represent purity and enlightenment in Buddhism. The pillars, decorated with interlocking patterns, blend classical Chinese motifs with modern materials, reflecting the fusion of tradition and contemporary craftsmanship.
The stone tablets on either side are inscribed with “Po Kok Free School” and “Po Kok Buddhist Seminary,” reflecting the Yuen’s 1935 establishment as a site that combined Buddhist education with monastic practice.

In 1930, Lady Clara Ho Tung, the founder of TLKY, established the first Po Kok Free School on Percival Street in Causeway Bay and the second Po Kok Free School on Rua Central in Macau, providing educational opportunities for girls from impoverished families. In 1932, Lady Clara invited Venerable Ai Ting to Hong Kong to promote Buddhist teachings and founded the Po Kok Buddhist Seminary at Hai Yun Nunnery in Castle Peak, with the aim of nurturing Buddhist talent among women.

As the facilities became insufficient to accommodate the growing number of students and practitioners, Lady Clara envisioned a permanent establishment to sustain her charitable mission. This led to the construction of TLKY. Upon its completion, both the Po Kok Buddhist Seminary and the Po Kok Free School were relocated to the site, creating a unique space that integrated Buddhist education with monastic practice.
On the left of the main entrance stands the “Origin of the Founding of Tung Lin Kok Yuen” stele, erected in 1975 to mark the centenary of Lady Clara’s birth and TLKY’s 40th anniversary. It honours her dedication to establishing TLYK and its schools, as well as her lasting impact on society. On the right, the “60th Anniversary of the Founding of Tung Lin Kok Yuen” stele commemorates six decades of history and recognizes the contributions of past Board members to TLKY’s development.

The Link Bridge

Opposite the entrance is a footbridge connecting the Yuen to Po Kok Primary School, serving as a vital link despite not being a recognized heritage structure. In earlier days, classrooms were spread across the Yuen, the Man Kam Memorial Building, and the school, with the footbridge serving as the primary route for students moving between them.

To identify effective conservation methods, the Yuen selected the footbridge as a pilot project before undertaking the main complex’s restoration. Craftsmen removed old tiles, applied waterproof plaster, adjusted the concrete slope, and reinstalled red clay tiles, while also repairing the bridge and columns. Upholding the principle of “Restoration to Original Form” every step of the process, along with the materials and techniques used, was carefully documented, preserving the site’s historic character and providing valuable references for future generations.