Lunar New Year in the Chinese Garden
A visit to the Chinese Garden of Friendship is one of the best things to do in Sydney this summer. Enjoy a unique Lunar New Year program of Chinese cultural events, including kids' crafts, fascinating Chinese zodiac readings, soothing live music and more. Plus don't miss the exclusive Twilight Garden Party for a unique nighttime celebration.
Entry to the Garden is just $12 for adults and $8 for children. Concession rates are also available.
The Program
Amidst glowing lanterns and lush nature you’ll get the chance to enjoy boisterous lion dances, creative workshops, zodiac readings and more.
Opening Ceremony
WED 29 JAN, 10.30AM - 11AM
Watch the fantastic frenzy of the traditional Chinese Lion Dance as part of the official opening of the Lunar New Year program in the Garden! Boisterous, colourful and interactive, the Lion Dance embraces the beauty, art, culture, traditions and history of China. With movements and gestures that closely mimic the emotion of the mystical animal, each dance is said to bring good luck and fortune.It is traditional during the Lunar New Year to share red envelopes filled with lucky money, symbolising good wishes and luck for the year ahead. On Wed 29 Jan, each child visiting the Garden will leave with their very own red envelope containing a (chocolate) gold coin for good luck in the Year of the Snake. Arrive early to avoid missing out.
Experience the art of the traditional tea ceremony with Topotea. From 12.30pm a master tea expert will guide you through the process of boiling, pouring, and washing tea leaves, followed by a tasting of various teas at 1pm. This experience offers a unique opportunity to appreciate the beauty and ritual of this ancient practice.
Find out what the new year has in store for you with an 8 minute private Chinese Astrology fortune reading. Whether you’re a Snake, a Dragon, a Rat or any other sign in between, classically trained Feng Shui master Mina Zheng will expertly guide you through your fortune for the Lunar Year ahead. Ages 16+. Online bookings will be made available soon.
$28 for Friends of the Garden members, or $38 for non members, including Garden entry
Twilight Garden Party
FRI 31 JAN & 7 FEB, 5-9PM
(Last entry at 8.30pm)
Come and experience the Chinese Garden landscape as the sunsets and the night falls. Enjoy live music from contemporary jazz band 'Zodiac', and explore the garden at your own pace.
Get creative with these fun workshops free with garden entry.
Sculpting Snakes Workshop: A Foam Clay Craft for the Year of the Snake
SAT 1 & 8 FEB, FROM 11AM
Join us for a fun and interactive session where kids can create their own clay snakes and discover the significance of the snake in Chinese Zodiac culture.
Register upon arrival.
Pop in to the Garden anytime from 10am - 5pm during the Lunar New Year period and enjoy a raft of exciting things to do.
The cost for these activities is included with Garden admission.
Come and roam around the Garden and discover the riddles attached to the lanterns. They often contain messages of wisdom and good fortune and give children of all ages the opportunity to explore and have fun while practising problem-solving skills.