Stepping across the bridge between the outside world and the tranquil beauty of the inside world, we entered the Dunedin Chinese Garden. It is a place of peace and reflection. Somehow, time slows down here. We soak it all in as our guide slowly walks us through. It is one of a handful of authentic Chinese gardens located outside of China. In fact, the Dunedin Chinese Garden is the first in the Southern hemisphere and the only one in New Zealand.
Seen from the highest viewing point called Climbing Mountain, this is my favourite view of the Dunedin Chinese Garden. Here, we can see many elements of a traditional Chinese garden: water, rocks, bridges, pagoda, and plants.
The garden is custom designed for this location. Initially assembled in Shanghai China, it was carefully deconstructed, transported, and reconstructed in New Zealand. The Dunedin Chinese Garden transforms visitors into a different world, one in which the attention to every tiny detail comes together in a spiritual tranquillity. Every path’s bend, bridge, walkway, or step leads to a different view. By design, there is no spot where you can see it all.
The Pai Lau Gateway welcomes visitors and represents the face of the garden. Behind it, you can see the bridge we crossed to enter.
A spot of colour sits just outside the garden wall.
Photo © Sarah Albom.
Inside the Dunedin Chinese Garden
“Most cherished in this mundane world is a place without traffic, truly in the midst of a city, there can be a mountain and forest.”
~Wen Zhengming (1470-1559)
Every detail of these tranquil gardens has significance. The mosaic pebbles represent the path across the ocean from China to New Zealand, while the bridge represents the waves.
“Borrowed scenery” is another element of a traditional Chinese garden. It incorporates elements outside the gardens into the garden scenery. Here, the hills are visible from the inside by design.
Called Penjing, this pot scenery is similar to Bonzai in Japan.
If you want to grow your own Penjing or Bonsai, check out this kit –>Nature’s Blossom Bonsai Tree Seed Starter Kit.
Many people see an animal in this rock. I did. Do you?
The zigzag bridge is another key element of a Chinese garden. This one divides the lake and gives the appearance of a larger space.
Photo © Sarah Albom.
In total, there are 380,000 roof tiles at the gardens, each handmade in Shanghai.
Looking back across the lake, we see the main entrance hall. Water is one of the key Chinese garden elements.
A close up of a spot of colour.
Photo © Sarah Albom.
For us, many of the traditional features of the Dunedin Chinese Garden struck with an air of familiarity. We have been to Suzhou, home to the Masters of the Net Garden used as a basis for the design of the Dunedin Chinese Garden. While we didn’t visit that garden, we did explore others. We also spent several days in Dunedin’s sister city, Shanghai (China), including a visit to the sister garden just off of the Yu Yuan Bazaar.
Want more? Check out this book: The Great Gardens of China: History, Concepts, Techniques.
Tea House
A traditional tea house adds an extra spot to relax and enjoy the day while overlooking the lake and many of the other elements of the tranquil gardens.
The Main Hall / Tea House sits across the lake. Traditionally, scholars entertain guests here.
The courtyard contains a seating area, ribbon tree, additional decor, and a gift shop (entrance seen at the back of the photo).
A closer look reveals that these are stalagmites against the back wall.
We enjoyed two traditional pots of tea amongst four people. The menu also includes some finger foods.
Practical Information on the Dunedin Chinese Garden
- Located at the corner of Rattray and Cumberland Streets, the Dunedin Chinese Garden is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. See more on their official website.
- The tea house and gift shop close daily at 4.30.
- Private guides are available for a fee, or you can enjoy a free audio tour.
- Lan Yuan is the garden’s official name, but most people know it as the Dunedin Chinese Garden.
- Using traditional Chinese construction methods, the use of any nails or other corrodible materials was avoided.
- It was built to recognise the efforts and sacrifices of Chinese miners in Otago goldfields, as well as the continued contribution of Chinese people to Dunedin’s history, culture, and ongoing prosperity.
- Located just down the street, the Dunedin Railway station is the most photographed building in New Zealand, and also the starting point for the fabulous Taieri Gorge Railway adventure.
- If you are looking to combine the Dunedin Chinese Garden with a city tour, or arriving via cruise ship, we recommend Viator, a trip advisor company.
⇒ Click Here to check prices and options on Dunedin tours offered by Viator.
- If you’re staying in Dunedin, or anywhere in New Zealand, find the best hotel prices at Booking.com. Need a suggestion, here’s our review of the Distinction Dunedin Hotel.
Where do you find tranquil beauty in your life?
Disclaimer: As guests of the Dunedin Chinese Garden our visit included a private tour and tea. However, the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
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Chinese gardens are gorgeous, and I never would expect to find one in NZ. Suzhou was one of my favorite places in China, and I spent a lot of time in their gardens. Thanks for linking up. #TPThursday
The attention to detail is stunning, like all of those delicate roof tiles! This actually reminds me a lot of the Chinese Garden that sits in the middle of Portland, Oregon where I’m from. It also is a lovely place of respite in the middle of the city. Thank you for sharing this beautiful spot with #FarawayFiles community, we are happy to have you engaging! Cheers from Copenhagen, Erin