Chinese Lantern Festival Cultural Fair
The Chinese Lantern Festival Cultural Fair offers a vibrant celebration of Chinese New Year, offering visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the rich culture of Guangxi and Chinese people’s tradition of celebrating in Lantern Festival. Visitors can enjoy the hands-on activities like woodblock/movable type printing, calligraphy, pitch pot, making lanterns, Sachet DIY, stamp collection and trying on Hanfu, the traditional Chinese attire. Highlights include demonstrations (exhibition) of Zhuang brocade weaving, cultural design products, and tea tasting sessions, offering a taste of China’s rich tea culture.
After viewing and trying all the activities, visitors are able to earn a Year of Snake gift. Set in the beautiful garden, this event offers an immersive experience for all to explore and appreciate Chinese culture.
10am - 4pm
Hanfu, with its elegant, flowing design and intricate patterns, has a long history dating back over 3,000 years. The clothing style is known for its wide sleeves, embroidered details, and unique layering, often accompanied by accessories such as sashes, belts, and headpieces. It is an important symbol of Chinese cultural identity and heritage.
Trying on Hanfu is a fun and interactive way to connect with Chinese traditions and history. It is often offered as part of cultural events, festivals, or museum exhibitions. Many people enjoy trying on Hanfu to take photos, participate in traditional tea ceremonies, or simply appreciate the beauty of this ancient attire.
Touhu is a traditional Chinese game that dates back to the Han Dynasty, and is often referred to as the "pitch-pot" game in English. Players attempt to throw small arrows or sticks into a narrow-mouthed pot or vase on the ground, from a distance. The number of arrows thrown and the accuracy determine the winner.
Played historically, and today at festivals and gatherings, it's a game of skill, precision, and even a little bit of luck.
Woodblock Printing an ancient printing technique that involves writing, engraving, printing and binding. Originated in China, it has a history of more than 1,000 years.
Carving lies at the center of woodblock printing, as characters and images are carved to produce raised areas or lines, that will apply ink to paper, it takes roughly 30 steps to produce a woodblock printing.
Moveable Type Printing, invented during the Northern Song Dynasty is one of the four great inventions of ancient China. First, carved on a small wooden block to make a single font, and fonts can be combined and aligned according to the printed manuscript.
The China Cultural Centre is bringing together artisans' work showcasing centuries-old techniques, from delicate Zhuang brocade to embroidery ball designs. Explore the melodic tones of clay whistles, marvel at the depth of maple syrup-dyed textiles, and discover the beauty of bamboo weaving. Each piece on display tells a story of heritage, dedication, and cultural pride.
Join us at the Chinese Garden of Friendship and experience these vibrant traditions in the heart of Sydney.
Your free gift
Upon entering the Chinese Garden, you will receive a stamp card. Collect stamps as you explore the activities and exhibits within the Garden, and once your stamp card is filled - there'll be a special gift awaiting for you to redeem.BONUS GIFT: First 200 visitors
Be one of the first 200 visitors to enter the Chinese Garden on Wed 12 Feb to receive and receive a special Year of the Snake Mascot.