Celebrating 30 years of the Chinese Garden of Friendship
The Chinese Garden of Friendship symbolises the friendship between Sydney, New South Wales and the city of Guangzhou in the province of Guandong, China (sister cities of sister states).
Officially opened on January 17, 1988 in Darling Harbour as part of Sydney’s Bicentennial celebrations, this year marks the 30th anniversary of the garden.
Everything you encounter in the garden has been carefully chosen and meticulously placed in order to incorporate the five elements of ‘Wu-Xing’ – wood, fire, earth, metal and water and achieve ‘Yin-Yang’, a balance of opposing yet complementary forces to promote a harmonious flow of Qi, the central life force and energy.
Let’s explore some of the great activities that are taking place in the garden during the school holidays.
Featured activities
Pearl Friendship Bracelet Making Workshop
Tue 2 – Thu 4 Oct
11am – 1pm
Keep the kids engaged this holiday season by crafting their own bracelets using coloured materials inspired by the five Chinese cultural elements and a pearl representing friendship; one to take home and another one to be used in the garden’s art installation to celebrate the 30th anniversary.
FREE with garden entry. No registration required.
Create a Chinese Garden of Friendship
Wed 3, Fri 5, Wed 10 and Fri 12 Oct
11am – 1pm
Get your hands dirty and create your own miniature version of the garden using paint, rocks, clay, soil, moss and natural materials. It’s guaranteed to keep your kids entertained for hours.
FREE with garden entry. Registration required at the front desk upon arrival. Maximum 20 participants per session.
Garden Worlds Photographic Workshop
Mon 8, Tue 9 and Thu 11 Oct
11am – 1pm
Learn how to design your own garden image using foliage from the garden and develop it into two ‘sun-print’ photographs, with guidance from a professional photographer and artist Kai.
FREE with garden entry. No registration required.
For more information, view the full program of Chinese Garden Celebrations at darlingharbour.com