Celebrate the Year of the Sheepat the Chinese Garden of Friendship

Kung Hei Fat Choy Celebrate Chinese New Year in Darling Harbour’s Chinese Garden of Friendship with a host of cultural and creative events, proudly presented by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.

Usher in the Year of the Sheep with a two-week festival of performances, demonstrations, workshops and tours – most of which are free with garden entry!

Celebrate at Garden Party, explore the Garden at a free open day on 1 March, experience a traditional lion dance and enjoy tea ceremonies, fan dancing, Tai Chi and much more.

The Chinese New Year celebrations are just one of the many vibrant events proudly presented by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority every year, which attract millions of visitors and provide an important contribution to the NSW economy.

Garden Party Celebrate the Chinese New Year at Garden Party, a one-off evening event at the Chinese Garden of Friendship.

The 4A Centre for Contemporary Asian Art has invited Yangjiang Group to Sydney to present a major contemporary art project in the summer of 2015.

This international creative collaboration includes a one-night only participatory performance and garden party at the Chinese Garden of Friendship.

Contemporary calligraphy with a fresh twist awaits you at Garden Party, taking over the Chinese Garden on Valentine’s Day night.

Sat 14 Feb, 7pm – 11pm $45 per person

Tickets are limited, bookings essential

遊 園 會

EnjoyDelight in an enchanting lion dance, gather ‘round for ancient tales, be mesmerised by a graceful fan dance and meet some colourful koi.

Lion Dance on the Forecourt

Be inspired by the award-winning Australian Yau Kung Mun Martial Arts Association as they breathe enchanting life into exquisite lion costumes.

Fri 13 Feb, 11am – 11.30am

Kids@theArthouse Exhibition

A new exhibition inspired by traditional Chinese culture and animals of the Chinese Lunar calendar returns to the Chinese Garden.

Chinese Garden Penjing Competition

In collaboration with Bonsai Environment, this competition celebrates the practice of penjing. Winner announced on Sat 28 Feb at 3.30pm.

Fan Dance

Presented by Fiona Maiyin Thockloth, the tradition of the Chinese fan dance has captivated audiences for two thousand years.

Sat 14, 21, 28 Feb, 12.30pm – 12.45pm

神话里说 Legend Says….

Gather in the Peaceboat Pavilion to hear an ancient tale of bravery, transformation and magic.

Daily, 2pm

Fish Feeding

Join the garden’s horticulture team in the Lenient Jade Pavilion to share in the experience of feeding colourful koi.

Daily, 11.30am and 3.30pm

All events are free with garden entry (unless specified).

ExploreGet to know this peaceful garden of tranquillity by taking advantage of our Open Day and guided highlights tours.

All events are free with garden entry (unless specified).

The Emperor’s Quest – a Chinese zodiac adventure

Join this interactive and fascinating journey into the ancient world of the Chinese zodiac as you search for the 12 animals of the Chinese Lunar Calendar. And now there’s a new Emperor’s Quest app to add to the excitement!

Daily

Chinese Garden Highlights Tours

Be introduced to the history, landscape and cultural heritage of the garden on a 35-minute guided tour with one of our Interpretation Officers.

Daily, 10.30am, 11.45am, 2.30pm

Open Day at the Chinese Garden

Experience the harmony of yin and yang that guides the ancient traditions of landscaping, architecture and design at the Chinese Garden of Friendship on this free open day.

Sun 1 Mar, 9.30am – 5.30pm Timed entries at 9.30am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm, 4.30pm

探索

ExperienceSlow down for a Tai Chi class, immerse yourself in a traditional Chinese tea ceremony or learn how to create your own penjing or watercolour art.

Tai Chi Class

Experience a state of mental clarity and calm with a Tai Chi class, conducted by Fiona Maiyin Thockloth. This is a popular class. Please arrive 15 minutes early.

Sat 14, 21, 28 Feb, 11am – 12 noon

Tea ceremony

Christina Leung conducts a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, in which every step is a sensory exploration steeped in culture.

Sat 21 Feb, 1pm – 2pm

Tea Leaf Reading by Tea by the Sea

Experience the wonder of having your tea leaves read, where pictures emerge to reveal your past and future.

Sat 21 Feb, 2.45pm – 4.45pm $10 per reading, payable separately at the garden

Chinese Brush Painting

The Australian Chinese Brush Painting Society demonstrates Chinese brush painting as they create Chinese zodiac signs for you.

Sun 22 Feb, 11am – 1pm

Art in the Garden

Lan Jian shows how to create simple yet enchanting watercolour paintings of your own to take home.

This is a popular class. Please arrive 15 minutes early.

Sun 22 Feb, 2pm – 3pm and 3.30pm – 4.30pm

The Art of Penjing Workshop

Create your own Penjing to take home at a hands-on workshop and demonstration by Bonsai Environment. For children eight years and up.

This is a popular class. Please arrive 15 minutes early.

Sat 28 Feb, 1pm – 3pm

All events are free with garden entry (unless specified).

Write down your hopes and dreams for the Year of the Sheep and add them to the hanging display in the Hall of Longevity.

The sheep is a symbol of good luck, peace and harmony. Daydreaming all afternoon sounds heavenly to the Sheep.

Let the calming Yin Energy of the Sheep inspire happiness and tranquillity for the year ahead.

Daily Free with garden entry

DreamWhat does the Year of the Sheep mean to you?

Kung Hei Fat Choy