The Gurr
Amidst the busy streets of metropolitan Sydney is a place of solace and serenity. Inconspicuous due to the numerous towering skyscrapers that enclose it, is a garden of tranquility and lush greenery. This garden is known as the Chinese Garden of Friendship.
Lotus Pond
Waterfall
Bamboo Forest
Pagoda-like monument near Bamboo Forest
Bamboo Forest
The Chinese Garden, as it is locally known, is a collaboration of the cities of Sydney and Guangzhou in China to commemorate the 1988 Bicentenary celebrations of Australia.
Designed on the principles of ‘Yin-Yang’ and the five elements of Taoist beliefs – earth, fire, water, metal and wood, the garden is an architectural haven. Its classical pavilions and pagodas that litter the whole garden give the impression of being in a conventional Chinese garden in the east. A variety of colourful carps, known as Koi, swam freely in man-made lakes in the middle of the orchard, giving visitors delight as well as kids’ excitement and wonder.
Koi and Duckling
Traditional Chinese Artifacts
Yin-Yang symbol
Besides a scenic environment, visitors can experience wearing traditional Chinese costumes by hiring them for a reasonable price. A few Chinese artifacts are also on display in its premises which provide understanding of Chinese artistic historical past.
Near the entrance of the garden are pavilions where one can have a tea break while appreciating the beauty of its surroundings.
Dragon Wall
Penjing Courtyard
Location:
The Chinese Garden is situated near Tumbalong Park in Darling Harbour. The entrance fee is reasonable and is open daily from 9:30 am to 5 pm excluding some holidays. Further details are posted on their website.
Entrance of The Chinese Garden
THE BUDGET WANDERERS 
I adore the Chinese Garden of Friendship. It’s a special place to find a little zen in Sydney. Love the tea rooms too. 🙂
Posted by BOYEATSWORLD | March 31, 2013, 9:20 PMThat’s very true. A very special place to be at peace with nature. 🙂
Posted by thebudgetwanderer | March 31, 2013, 9:32 PMI remember the first time I ever visited the Chinese Garden, I was amazed how peaceful it was, situated as it is in the heart of Darling Harbour. I always try to revisit each time I’m in Sydney if I get the chance 🙂
Posted by Marianne | April 1, 2013, 3:28 AMWe visited this place for the first time and we never thought how beautiful it was. 🙂
Posted by thebudgetwanderer | April 1, 2013, 10:50 AMI love this peaceful, serene place and always visit it on the occasional times we go to Sydney. You have captured the atmosphere in your photos
Posted by pommepal | April 3, 2013, 4:59 PMThanks! 🙂
Posted by thebudgetwanderer | April 3, 2013, 7:38 PMAwesome! A wonderful variety of images!
Posted by Margaret Lynette Sharp | April 4, 2013, 6:51 PMThank you! 🙂
Posted by thebudgetwanderer | April 4, 2013, 8:38 PMThis is a beautiful garden. Great pictures! Thanks
Posted by auntyuta | April 5, 2013, 7:28 PMYou’re welcome! Thanks for dropping by. 🙂
Posted by thebudgetwanderer | April 5, 2013, 8:31 PMWhat a lovely place! Cute duckling too.
Posted by restlessjo | April 15, 2013, 12:52 AMYeah it is! 🙂
Posted by thebudgetwanderer | April 28, 2013, 7:59 PMI love your photographs – they’re beautiful
Posted by darkhartetravel | April 28, 2013, 2:57 PMThank you! 🙂
Posted by thebudgetwanderer | April 28, 2013, 7:59 PMi really enjoyed this place…thanks for sharing these nice pics dear
Posted by Kavita Joshi | April 28, 2013, 11:40 PMReblogged this on OZI TWINS IN THE PICTURE and commented:
Thanks for a memory I hold dear great to know people still visit The Garden of Friendship in Chinatown. Better go Paddys awaits.
Posted by ozitwins | May 5, 2013, 6:17 PM