Events
Teahouse
Penjing nursery
Gift store
Costume hire
Jade Bridal Carriage

Step into another world and experience the natural beauty, architecture and culture of one of the only authentic Chinese gardens outside of Asia.

Combine your visit with one of our unique garden events in May and June.

ART OF PENJING (CHINESE BONSAI)

Enjoy a leisurely yet informative afternoon in the garden.

Take a guided tour with expert horticulturalist Philippe Tot and learn about the history of the garden and watch a demonstration of the ancient art of penjing or Chinese bonsai.

Finish your afternoon with a lovely lunch* and Chinese tea. Choose from:

- gourmet quiche, cup cake and Chinese tea or coffee OR
- gourmet sandwiches, Chinese pastries and Chinese tea or coffee.

*You may choose to have lunch before or after the art of penjing session. Please allow for this extra time when planning your day.

Note: Numbers are limited and bookings essential. The art of penjing tour is subject to minimum numbers.

Dates: Sunday 25 May and Sunday 22 June
Cost: $38 (includes entry, guided tour, penjing demonstration, lunch and drink)
Time: 12pm – 2pm
Tel: (02) 9240 8888
Email: chinesegarden@shfa.nsw.gov.au

TRADITIONAL CHINESE MUSIC

Wile away your Sunday afternoon with traditional Chinese music in the stunning surrounds of the garden. Relax as you listen to skilled Chinese musicians playing traditional instruments including the er-hu and gu-zheng in the beautiful Lenient Jade Pavilion overlooking the Lotus Pond.

The program includes ten performances covering a wide range of music from traditional love and folk songs through to popular theme music.

Bookings not required.

Dates: Sundays 25 May and 1,15,22 & 29 June
Cost: Performance is free with garden entry ($6 adult, $3 concession)
Time: 2pm – 4pm
Tel: (02) 9240 8888
Email: chinesegarden@shfa.nsw.gov.au

The Teahouse offers the perfect place to contemplate the spirit of the Chinese Garden.

A range of Chinese tea, pastries, dim sims and steamed pork buns are available. In addition, the Teahouse offers a range of ‘western’ beverages and light meals.

The Teahouse is open daily from 10.00am to 4.30pm (closed Good Friday and Christmas Day).

Click here to find out more.

Penjing — quite literally translating to mean a miniature landscape (jing) in a pot (pen) — is the Chinese version of Bonsai.

There are three distinct categories of this art form:

• Tree Penjing (shumu penjing)
• Landscape Penjing (shanshui penjing)
• Water-and-Land Penjing (shuihan penjing)

In the Chinese Garden of Friendship, you will discover a nursery solely dedicated to these beautiful, elaborate landscapes. Some of the sceneries created by Chinese artists are up to 70 years old.

The Gift Shop is currrently being refurbished. Souvenirs are available from the front desk.

Slip into a traditional ornate silk gown based on designs from the Ming and Ching dynasties and be momentarily transformed into an emperor, a princess or a warrior. Costumes are available to fit adults and children. Remember to bring your own camera or video to record the moment.

The Costume hire shop is open daily from 12noon to 5.00pm (closed Christmas Day, and excluding wet weather).

Costumes can also be hired by arrangement. Price on application. For further information, please contact Sam (Mr Wei Su).

Jade Bridal Carriage

The Jade Bridal Carriage was provided to the Chinese Garden of Friendship as a gift from the Queen Victoria Building in 2006. It is believed that it is from Guangdong Province in southern China and that it is the only one of its kind outside of China.

Used by Chinese Emperors in ancient times this traditional jade bridal carriage is extremely ornate and typical of past Chinese dynasties. Utilising over 300 tonnes of raw jade, approximately 100 artists were involved in creating this masterwork. The carriage is elaborately carved with dragons, phoenix and fairies featuring as symbols of luck, prestige and authority as well as two ornate fans symbolising royal dignity. Two mannequins in traditional dress and a sceptre are also on display.

This traditional jade bridal carriage is on display in the entry hall of the Chinese Gardens

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