It’s strange the things we take for granted when we live somewhere. The attitude that, “I can visit that place any time” but never actually do, is definitely not a rare one.
I’m a bit embarrassed to say that we lived in Vancouver for 5 years and never entered the pay section of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Classical Chinese Garden until we returned as tourists. If we had, we probably would have visited this oasis often. We did visit the free section almost every time we were in Chinatown shopping for ingredients. This is the section they call the park, it is also peaceful but always more crowded.
Yin and Yang
Chinese gardens are a perfect balance of yin (negative, dark, feminine) and yang (positive, bright, masculine), chaos and peace. And Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Classical Chinese garden is an ideal example, built in the middle of busy Chinatown in Vancouver. The total cost of building the garden as it stands today was over 7 million dollars.
Ming Dynasty
You’ve certainly seen Chinese gardens in other cities but this is the first classical garden built outside of China. It’s modelled after the highest standards of private classical gardens in the city of Suzhou during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Fifty three experts from Suzhou spent over a year building the garden. The methods and tools they used were almost identical to the ones used centuries ago.
Peace
The first thing you’ll notice when you enter Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Classical Chinese Garden is that your shoulders will drop a few inches and a feeling of peace will surround you like a cozy blanket. If you look up you’ll notice high-rise buildings outside the walls but inside you’ll find everything you should in a classical Chinese garden; rocks, water, plants and architecture, all arranged in the traditional way.
Guided tours
A tour was starting as we walked in, so we listened to the introduction, continuing the visit as a self-guided adventure with the map that was given to us at the entrance. We could still hear the guide’s explanations as we toured on our own which was nice and informative.
Some of the “must-see highlights” according to their brochure are:
- fish feeding: 11:45 am daily from May to October.
- balanced opposites: symbols of natural yin and yang are all over the garden
- the magic of rainy days: covered pathways allow you to visit without getting wet
- leak windows: those beautifully cut out windows that let air, light and views leak through to other areas
Have you ever been to Dr. Sun Yat-Sen’s Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver? What other Chinese Gardens have you visited outside of China?
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Thanks for the tips and info on this place. It looks so peaceful and calming. As I love gardens I will definitely be adding this to me Vancouver itinerary.
It really is a nice place to visit. If you have a full itinerary, keep it for the end 🙂
It looks beautiful! I’m not much of a garden person, but I’d definitely give these a look!
It’s worth a look for sure 🙂
We visited this place about 3 weeks ago while in Vancouver. It is only relatively small, but was quite enjoyable and scenic. It’s great just to sit back and relax. The great thing is it’s right in the middle of the city within walking distance.
It’s not huge but when you consider the money and work that went into it, it’s amazing.
Sounds wonderful, and very peaceful as you say. Would love to go one day 🙂
Thanks for your comment. Should definitely be on your list when you go to Vancouver.
Wow these pictures are completely amazing! Chinese gardens seem so beautiful and complicated! I have always wanted to go see one but never really had time. Thank you for sharing!:)
Thanks for your comment Brittany. I hope you get to see one some day.
I visited it last year and thought it was beautiful but since it is so close to the seedier part of town I also was startled by a couple of guys hiding in a back corner.
Next time I’m going to opt for the tour to learn more about the history.
Sorry to hear that Murissa. Chinatown and the downtown East Side are seedier than the rest of Vancouver but we’ve never had a problem in the whole time we lived there. Although I understand that it can look a bit scary if you’re not used to it.
This garden looks absolutely beautiful! I’m planning on visiting Vancouver for the first time later this year so I’ll be sure to visit. Thanks for sharing.
Happy travels 🙂
That’s great Lauren, have fun!
When I see these Chinese garden, I feel more peaceful in mind. I have big passion towards gardening and simply love to explore and research more about gardening in different parts of the world – Good share indeed.