The Dunedin Chinese Garden
As one of only three authentic Scholar's Gardens found outside of mainland China, the Dunedin Chinese Garden is set in the heart of Dunedin City centre.
The Ming-Qing dynasty design, offers a unique insight into the Scholar's home and workplace, featuring a small lake, mountain, many hidden courtyards, pavilions, and buildings.
Opened in 2008, the Garden is a rapidly developing into what is known locally as 'an Oasis in the city', in which its surrounding walls shelter it from the hustle and bustle of the city, offering a tranquil setting in which visitors can enjoy not only the culture, but also the space to sit and quietly contemplate over a pot of authentic Chinese Tea.
The small tea/ gift shop offers a range of traditional style Chinese buns and dumplings, five different types of Chinese Tea, coffee, soft drinks and ice cream. As well as a range of souvenirs including decorative screens, embroideries, coin cases, costumes, tea sets, fans and childrens toys.
A small library is becoming established in the Tower Room featuring books based on Chinese culture and gardens. And visitors are able to try on a range of authentic Chines costumes, or play games such as Chinese Checkers, Wei qi, Chess or even the Marble game.
Children love coming to feed the goldfish, or to adopt and release their own into the pond and often revisit to see if they can spot the fish they released!
The Garden organise children's activities during school holidays, including workshops, storytimes, and treasure hunts, for which they can participate in free, as long as they are accompanied by an adult (to whom admission prices do apply).
Three of the major Chinese festivals are celebrated in the Garden - including the Dragon Boat Festival, the Moon Festival and the Chinese New Year.
