Lunar New Year at the 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.
Pop in to the Garden anytime from 10am - 5pm on weekends during the Lunar New Year period and enjoy a raft of exciting activitites.
The cost for most of 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!
The Garden at Twilight
Open until 9pm (last entry at 8.30pm)
Sat 28 Jan
Come and experience the Chinese Garden landscape in the perfect summer evening where the sunset on Sydney compliments the sounds of music and waterfalls.
Amidst glowing lanterns and lush nature you’ll get the chance to enjoy opening and closing ceremonies with lion dancing, Red Envelopes with gold coins, traditional tea ceremonies, music performances and Year of the Rabbit Chinese Astrology readings.
The cost for all of the activities is included with Garden admission.
10am
Sat 21 Jan
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.
SOLD OUT
2pm - 4pm
Sun 22 Jan, 29 Jan & 5 Feb
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.
$25 per person including Garden entry
Online bookings only
10am
Sun 22 Jan
(availability is limited - 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 Sunday 22 January, 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 Rabbit.
If you’re after a more hands on experience, there are a range of workshops and classes available, from craft and calligraphy workshops to brush painting demonstrations and tea ceremonies - there's something for everyone to enjoy!
2pm - 4pm
Sat 21 Jan
11am - 1pm
Sun 22 Jan & 29 Jan
Presented by the Chinese Youth League of Australia and Topotea
Chinese calligraphy, the art of beautiful handwriting and stylized artistic writing of Chinese characters, is considered supreme among the visual arts. Observe this beautiful and masterful art of Chinese brush writing demonstrated by masters.
Cost included with Garden admission
11am - 1pm
Sun 5 Feb
Witness the beautiful and masterful art of Chinese brush painting with traditional painting demonstrations from the Australian Chinese Painting Society.
Cost included with Garden admission
1.30pm - 2.20pm, 2.30pm - 3.20pm & 3.30pm - 4.20pm
Sun 29 Jan
The lion dance is a traditional Chinese dance that mimics lion's movements to bring good luck and fortune. This workshop's goal is to teach children to learn and perform this ancient art. Join us for a bit of fun and performance. Suitable for ages 5-12 accompanied by parents or guardians. Places are limited, please register on arrival.
Cost included with Garden admission
1pm - 4pm (drop in sessions)
Sun 22 Jan & 5 Feb
1pm - 4pm (drop in sessions)
Sat 28 Jan & 4 Feb
Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with this fun craft activity where you can make your very own rabbit lantern. Suitable for ages 5-12 accompanied by parents or guardians.
Cost included with Garden admission