Winter Solstice at the Garden
Winter Solstice at the Garden
21
Jun
Past Event

Winter Solstice at the Garden

When

11am - 3pm

Where

Cnr Pier Street & Harbour Street
Darling Harbour

Get directions
Price

$12

Map, showing Winter Solstice at the Garden

Come and celebrate the winter solstice at the Chinese Garden of Friendship and One Dining.

Celebrate the arrival of winter at The Chinese Garden of Friendship Winter Solstice Festival. 

Join us for a heartwarming celebration of the Dongzhi Festival, a traditional Chinese festival marking the arrival of winter and the promise of longer, brighter days. "Dong" signifies winter, and "Zhi" means arrival, making Dongzhi a time to embrace balance and harmony as the days begin to lengthen.

The Winter Solstice Festival brings an exciting range of activities for all ages, designed to bring community together in the spirit of this cherished tradition. See the full program below.

Admission for Friends of the Garden members is complimentary. Non-member admission tickets can be purchased at the main entrance on arrival, $12 for adults and $8 for children

Lantern decorating workshops

Inspired by the theme “Winter Garden”, this workshop will highlight the colours, textures, and quiet beauty of the Garden during the colder months. Kids can engage with the cultural meaning of winter solstice while getting creative and connecting to nature.

  • When: 11am – 2pm (drop in style)​
  • Where: Water Pavilion

Mahjong lessons

Learn how to play the game of mahjong with expert teacher, Eric Wan. Originating in the Qing Dynasty, mahjong is a captivating tile-based game for four players, blending strategy and a touch of chance, much like gin rummy.
  • When: 11am – 1pm and 2pm – 4pm​
  • Where: Peace Boat Pavilion

Live music

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the Chinese Garden of Friendship through a program of live music celebrating the Winter Solstice. With a focus on contemporary and film music, you will hear a collection of well known and rarely heard tunes played on a variety of Chinese and western instruments by the Chinese music performance staff of Sydney Conservatorium: Billy Han (dizi, xiao, flute), Dr Lu Liu (pipa), Julia Luo (guzheng) and curator Dr Nicholas Ng (erhu, hulusi, keyboard), percussion.
  • When: 2pm – 4pm​
  • Where: Hall of Longevity​

Lunch at One Dining

Savour a lunch bursting with modern Chinese flavours amidst the tranquility of the Chinese Garden of Friendship at One Dining. Customers who order the set menu can enjoy a warm sweet red bean congee for just $1! 

  • Open for lunch from 11am - 3pm
Self Guided

Chinese Garden Map

Guide yourself through the Chinese Garden of Frienship with our downloadable map.
Download
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