The Lunar New Year's Day celebration at Wollongong’s Nan Tien Temple was attended by thousands of people of all ages from near and far, braving the cool, slightly damp Sunday weather. Devotees were lighting incense and candles, making offerings at the wishing well, ringing the wishing bell and watching the elaborate lion dance, many in traditional dress. Stalls were selling lanterns, flags, lion dance toys and other items to bring good luck.

Delicious vegetarian food was available including dumplings, roti canai, radish cake, sticky rice, spring rolls and noodles.

Nan Tien Temple opened in 1995 and is one of the branches of the Taiwanese Fo Guang Shan Buddhist order. The site is said to have been chosen for the nearby Mount Kembla which resembles a recumbent lion. The complex is a Chinese-styled structure and houses a museum, two prayer halls, conference and accommodation facilities. The seven-tiered pagoda can be seen from many kilometres away. The adjacent Nan Tien Institute is connected to the temple via a walkway over the Princes Highway. The tertiary facility opened in 2015 and offers courses in Buddhist studies, health and wellbeing.

The Lunar New Year's celebrations at the temple began on Lunar New Year's Eve, Saturday, 21 January, with a blessing ceremony and extend until February 5. The focus of festivities is New Year's Day, Saturday, 22 January.

The temple is open Tuesday to Sunday and public holidays although the temple will be open Monday, 23 January during the New Year's week of celebrations. The temple welcomes people from all backgrounds.

The Dew Drop Inn tea house serves a variety of teas, coffee and a vegetarian food. The Dining Hall is temporarily closed.

Find out more about the New Year's celebrations here.

Find more photos and watch a video clip of the Lion Dance here