Chinese Garden of Friendship
The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a beautiful oasis within the city
The Chinese Garden of Friendship was opened in 1988 as part the commemoration of Sydney's bicentennial. Located near Darling Harbour at the northern end of Chinatown, this lovely garden is well worth a visit and the admission fee is very reasonable.
The garden was designed by landscape designers and gardeners from Sydney's sister city of Guangzhou in China. It is modelled after the likes of private gardens common during the Ming Dynasty, but is somewhat smaller than they were. A unique aspect of the design is that there is no point in the garden where you can see all of the garden at one time.
You will be delighted by the beauty of the gardens natural features and settings accented by a variety of architectural backdrops and Chinese sculptures as you stroll along the meandering pathways through the garden. It is this natural beauty that makes the garden very popular for wedding photography. Some of the features to watch for include the Dragon Wall, the Water Pavilion of Lotus Fragrance, and the Twin Pavilion.
The garden also has a Tea House, where you can enjoy a cup of Chinese Tea of some other refreshments. Be sure to bring your camera.
Nearby attractions include: Chinatown, Powerhouse Museum, Capitol Theatre and Darling Harbour.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: YesChinese Garden of Friendship Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: Pier Street, Cnr Harbour St, Darling Harbour NSW 2000, Australia
Phone: (02) 9240 8888
Official Website: Chinese Garden of Friendship
Chinese Garden of Friendship Reviews
Rated out of 5
Absolutely gorgeous. It's hard to believe this beautiful garden paradise is in the middle of a city. Definitely worth the entry fee, everywhere you look is just stunning, well manicured and incredibly designed gardens.
Lexi - a week ago
Awesome garden in Sydney. It was so serene and peaceful that we wanted to spend hours hanging out there. Makes for a wonderful walk and the vibe is super chill. The lizards hanging around were also quite neat. Worth checking out.
Rafal Czykier - in the last week
If you need a break from the noise and crowds around Darling Harbour, the Chinese Garden of Friendship is a great hidden gem. It's a peaceful place with lots of flowers, bonsai trees, a waterfall, and water all around. The garden is also home to plenty of fish, and visitors can even enjoy feeding them during designated times. The entrance fee is AUD 20 per adult, with concession rates available. It's a nice spot to relax and enjoy some greenery in the middle of the city.
Tharushi Galhenage - 2 months ago
The Chinese Garden of Friendship is an absolute gem in the middle of bustling Sydney. From the moment you step through the gates, you're transported to a tranquil world of lush greenery, flowing water, and stunning architecture. Every corner of the garden is beautifully designed, from the traditional pavilions to the intricate stone pathways.
The calming sound of waterfalls and the sight of koi fish gliding through crystal-clear ponds makes for a truly peaceful experience. It's the perfect spot to escape the noise of the city and reconnect with nature. Whether you're wandering through the bamboo groves or enjoying a quiet moment by the lotus pond, there's a sense of calm and balance that's hard to find elsewhere.
The attention to detail is outstanding, and you can feel the cultural significance in every aspect of the garden's design. It's also a great place to visit with friends or family, or even solo for some peaceful reflection.
I highly recommend the Chinese Garden of Friendship to anyone looking for a serene, cultural experience. It’s a must-see in Sydney, and I’ll definitely be returning for future visits!
Landon “Ashton” - a month ago
Amazingly beautiful and peaceful gardens. Lots of pagodas to discover and multiple paths to walk. Kids can play the Chinese Zodiac adventure and look for the hidden animals. Highly recommended!
Daniel Blachman - in the last week
Directions
| Train Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Light Rail L1 | Exhibition | 2 minutes |
| T2, T3, or T8 | Museum Station | 5 minutes |
How to get to Chinese Garden of Friendship by Train
By Light Rail: exit at Exhibition Stop, walk down the ramp on the east side of the station and cross Darling Drive. Continue east through the pedestrian path lined with palm trees until you reach the plaza on the east side of Sydney Theatre. The entrance to Chinese Garden of Friendship is across the plaza from the ICC Sydney Theatre.
By Train: exit at Museum Station and proceed west on Liverpool Street crossing Harbour Street via the elevated pedestrian overpass. Go left at Tumbalong Park and follow the garden wall through the pedestrian plaza until you reach the entrance.
Map & Instant Route Finder
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Accommodations near Chinese Garden of Friendship:
Photo Gallery
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A pond reflecting the natural beauty of the Garden cc licensed photo by David Swhartz -
Bonzai plants in the Chinese Garden of Friendship cc licensed photo by craigcullum -
Photo Credit: jjordan64816 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: justbeingdust - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: justbeingdust - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: justbeingdust - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: justbeingdust - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: justbeingdust - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: justbeingdust - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: justbeingdust - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: justbeingdust - cc license via Flickr
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