In 1988, this garden was given as a gift to the people of Sydney from the people of China. This is a very special gift, indeed! A virtual place of peace and tranquility in the very middle of the city! I am an avid gardener, and was very impressed with the forethought given in the planning, production, and maintenance of this treasure. There are several ponds. Some are formal reflective pools for architectural items such as the tea house and the pagoda's while others tinkle and tumble over the roar of a cascading waterfall. A visit here is a sensual caress for all 5 senses. Bright pink water lilies over 4 ft tall spring before your vision. Birds sing all around while water joins the symphony. Rough pebbles are placed into walkways or handrails intersected by silky smooth wood. Plants such as bamboo appear hard and strong while grasses sway softly in the breeze. One intricate walkway featured black smooth pebbles set with white ones in a mosaic kaleidoscope of patterns and shapes.
The Koi in the ponds must weigh 8 pounds each and come in every color and speckle you can imagine. Every rock was selected for shape and/or color since the ancients believed them to be guardians of all humans. There are rocks that look like frozen dragons or protective lions.
The detail in the three tiered pagoda is very intricate with designs of plums, pine, and bamboo. These were chosen for good luck as well as balance of nature. Every door opening frames a beautiful picture of plant arrangements while the interior of the pagoda encircles you in it's intricately carved warmth.
I had fun watching some girls dress up as Geisha and their friend as an Imperial Warrior (extra fee). There are many lovely spots to take photographs if you want to dress up.
There's also a tea house serving light refreshments and drink. The gift shop had many lovely items for you to browse through too.