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 workshops, demonstrations, live performances and more.
Entry to the Garden is just $12 for adults and $8 for children. Concession rates are also available.
Amidst glowing lanterns and lush nature you’ll get the chance to enjoy boisterous lion dances, creative workshops, zodiac readings and more.
Saturday 10 February, 10.30am
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.
THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT
Saturdays 10, 17, 24 February, 2.30pm - 4.30pm
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, a Rooster, 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.
$28 for Friends of the Garden members, or $38 for non members, including Garden entry
Saturday 10 February, 10am
Please note there is limited availability, come early to avoid disappointment!
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 Saturday 10 February, 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 Dragon.
Get creative with these fun workshops free with garden entry.
Suitable for ages 16 and up. Join us to learn the basics of traditional Chinese ink brush painting. Students will master the essential brush strokes and composition, constructing simple Chinese paintings of Dragons.
Sunday 11 & 18 February, 2.30pm - 4.30pm
Drop in only, free with garden entry
Encourage your little ones to embrace the Year of the Dragon in a fun, interactive and educational dragon puppet making workshop. Perfect for kids aged 5-12!
Sunday 11, 18 & 25 February, 11am - 1pm
Drop in only, free with garden entry
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon by decorating your own lantern to take home.
Perfect for kids aged 5-12.
Saturday 24 February, 11am - 1pm
Drop ins only, free with garden entry
Twilight Garden Party
Saturday, February 10, 5.30pm - 8.30pm
Come and experience the Chinese Garden landscape as the sunsets and the night falls. Enjoy live music from contemporary jazz duo 'Scarlett Fusion,' watch a master calligrapher at work, and explore the garden at your own pace.
The Tea Exchange
The Chinese Garden of Friendship and MOCA present ‘The Tea Exchange,’ a new exhibition that will transform one of the Garden’s heritage pavilions to celebrate tea and its importance as a ceremonial cornerstone and cultural ambassador of Chinese Australian Society.
Pop in to the Garden anytime from 10am - 5pm on weekends 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 - a great way to celebrate the Lantern Festival on Tuesday 15 February!