Chinese Garden of Friendship
#16 in Best Things To Do in Sydney
1 of 3
2 of 3Price & Hours
Details
Scorecard
- Value 4.5
- Facilities 4.0
- Atmosphere 5.0
Located in Darling Harbour, this gem of a garden is a little breath of fresh air in the city. The Chinese Garden of Friendship was built as a symbol of friendship between Sydney and the city of Guangzhou in China's Guangdong province (sister cities of sister states), to mark Sydney's bicentennial in 1988. Recent visitors called it a serene and beautiful place to relax.
Designed and built by Chinese landscape architects and gardeners, the walled garden follows the Taoist principles of "Yin-Yang," the opposing yet complementary and balanced forces, and "Wu-Xing," the five elements or phases – wood, fire, earth, metal and water. As you wander, you'll encounter waterfalls, lakes, exotic plants, pavilions and hidden pathways. Daily tours, included with admission, are a great way to learn about the garden.
The garden is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. except on Christmas Day and Good Friday. Admission costs AU$12 (about $8) per adult and AU$8 (approximately $5.50) for children 11 and younger. From Circular Quay, visitors can take a short ferry ride to Darling Harbour. The light rail has two stations, Paddy's Market and Pyrmont Bay, in the neighborhood, and car parks and water taxi docks can also be found. For more about information, visit Darling Harbour's website.
More Best Things To Do in Sydney
#1 Sydney Harbour
Many visitors say that Sydney Harbour's 150 miles of shoreline and expansive waters make it the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and they just might be right. Blue water laps up to sandy shores over which landmarks like the Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Opera House preside. Another iconic site, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, towers above the harbor's waters. But for the best view of Sydney Harbour, travelers must pay a visit to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, which sits at the tip of one of the area's peninsulas.
For even more picturesque views, try taking a ferry at sunset when the sky comes alive with an array of colors. Overall, former visitors rave about the harbor, noting that the ferry rides are scenic (especially the popular Circular Quay to Manly route) and that there are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore nearby. The harbor's attractions also come alive during Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations (think: massive fireworks displays), and in May and June when Vivid Sydney, a festival of light, music and creativity, takes place.
Many visitors say that Sydney Harbour's 150 miles of shoreline and expansive waters make it the most beautiful natural harbor in the world, and they just might be right. Blue water laps up to sandy shores over which landmarks like the Royal Botanic Garden and the Sydney Opera House preside. Another iconic site, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, towers above the harbor's waters. But for the best view of Sydney Harbour, travelers must pay a visit to Mrs. Macquarie's Chair, which sits at the tip of one of the area's peninsulas.
For even more picturesque views, try taking a ferry at sunset when the sky comes alive with an array of colors. Overall, former visitors rave about the harbor, noting that the ferry rides are scenic (especially the popular Circular Quay to Manly route) and that there are plenty of shops and restaurants to explore nearby. The harbor's attractions also come alive during Sydney's New Year's Eve celebrations (think: massive fireworks displays), and in May and June when Vivid Sydney, a festival of light, music and creativity, takes place.
Explore More of Sydney
If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.
Recommended
