40 Years of Bridging Cultures Celebration

40 Years of Bridging Cultures: Celebrating Classical Chinese Culture as One Community

To share the joy of this 40-year milestone, we’re hosting a once-in-a-lifetime celebration! Join us as we travel back in time, reminiscing about our journey and blending nostalgia, history, and cultural exchange within the timeless beauty of the Garden. 

On April 24 — our anniversary day, we’re bringing back our original 1986 admission pricing and opening hours — only $3 for adults, from 9:30 AM to 8 PM! Celebration continues on April 25 & 26 as well.

The first of its kind to have been built outside of China, and a unique destination for education, cultural programming, and events, the Garden has spent the last four decades honouring its founding vision and affirming its role as a cultural, educational, and community anchor in Vancouver’s Chinatown. 

Turn back the clock and experience an authentic variety of cultural performances, traditional Suzhou-style food, and classical handicraft workshops. 

Featured Activities:

Birthday Giveaway
On April 24, the first 40 guests to enter the Garden will receive a surprise gift.

Archival Showcase
Trawl through our archival display and learn about our 40 years of history through our extensive collection of photos, videos, and prints!

Time Capsule
See you again in 10 years! Contribute to our time capsule, a collection of memories and dreams, to be opened in 2036.

Handicrafts
Take a piece of the Garden home with you! Decorate one of the Garden’s pebbles, shipped over from China over 40 years ago. Your very own meaningful keepsake of the ten-thousand-kilometre journey! 

Suzhou Cultural Activities
Experience the authentic culture of Suzhou, China! Learn all about the cultural traditions that stem specifically from the Garden’s home city. Experience Suzhou-style Dim Sum, view our traditional dual-sided embroidery display, and join hands-on craft workshops not available anywhere else! 

Raffle Draws
Enter for the chance to win one of our raffle draws, taking place all day long! Every admission ticket includes one raffle ticket. All proceeds go directly to supporting conservation efforts and education programs at the Garden.

Vendors
Travel with your tastebuds: Shanghai Wonderful Restaurant will be bringing their best flavours to our celebration. Unique Suzhou Dim Sum will be available for you to take home. 

Happy Hour Garden Tea Bar (April 24 Only)
Indulge in our Happy Hour, and taste the cocktails at our expertly curated Tea Bar. (Non-alcoholic options available.)

Workshops and Demonstrations
Some heritage practices and knowledge are best shared by doing. Join one of our sessions and experience Suzhou Dim Sum tasting, and Song Brocade techniques, right here in Vancouver’s Chinatown!

Garden Tours
Learn about the processes, techniques, and symbolism embedded in the heart of the Garden on one of our guided tours, taking place throughout the day.

Live Performances
Immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of traditional Chinese music, performed by skilled local musicians. Experience the unique notes of the guzheng and erhu, surrounded by the serene environment of the Garden.

Lion Dance (April 24 Only)
Cue the drums! Watch a dynamic lion dance performance from our incredible Chinatown neighbours, the award-winning Hon Hsing Athletic Club of Vancouver. 

Knowledge Room Talks (April 25 and 26 Only)
Learn about the lived experiences of beloved Garden alumni, Chinatown knowledge keepers, and historical experts. Featured speakers include Hayne Wai, Frank Abbott, and former Executive Director of the Garden, Kathy Gibler.

Wei Qi (Go) (April 25 and 26 Only)
Learn about one of the four great scholarly arts: the game of Wei Qi, also known as Go. Led by Vancouver Go Academy, first-timers and seasoned pros alike will learn the rules, concepts, and strategies that ancient scholars also once pondered. 

Mahjong (April 26 Only)
May the suits, flowers, and dragons align in your favour… Join us for a few rounds of mahjong, the iconic tile-based strategy game. No gambling, please!

… And More!

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Host or Publisher Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden