The Chinese Garden of Friendship in Sydney is celebrating its 30th year in 2018.
The garden was developed cooperatively between Sydney's Chinese community and public authorities in NSW and Guangdong, a province in southern China.
Its significance was highlighted by its inclusion on the NSW State Heritage Register in October by Minister for Services and Property Victor Dominello.
'Bond and friendship between China and Australia'
The garden has played witness to significant decades in the history of Chinese immigrants in Australia, an interpreter at the site Mingyue Zhou told SBS Mandarin.
Ms Zhou said the garden also strongly symbolises "the strong bond and friendship" between China and Australia.
Aesthetically and culturally, the garden resembles traditional private gardens seen in Jiangnan and there are some features which take inspiration from northern Chinese royal gardens.
Source: SBS
Building materials sourced locally
The garden’s plants were all locally sourced. Many traditional Chinese plants are common in Australia, such as willows, lotuses, rhododendrons and camellia.
The garden’s limestone Taihu stone, is seen as an indispensable element in any classic Chinese.
Because it was difficult to transport the materials 30 years ago, the stone was sourced locally after some difficulties locating a suitable fit.
The limestone was eventually found in a riverbed in Cumnock, in central NSW. All of the pictographs were also sourced locally.
A community hit
One of the biggest features of Chinese garden design is the 'one view per step' message it portrays, which signifies that you will experience a new landscape with every step you take.
The garden is a popular site for weddings ceremonies, and for those taking photos on their wedding day.
Ms Zhou said there's even a couple who married in the garden more than 20 years ago who return on their wedding anniversary every year, and some will come back with their children.
Source: SBS
Source: SBS
Source: SBS
