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 gardens. So much to see, I spent hours in there walking around and finding all kinds of hidden little spots to view.
A great place to have a picnic as there are little areas with seating to sit back and enjoy and listen to the sounds.
I can't believe that it is surrounded by the city. It's so peaceful and beautiful.
Karen Dellaway - 3 months ago
The Chinese Garden of Friendship was the most beautiful garden I have ever had the pleasure of exploring.
The photos truly do not do justice to the beauty and serenity of the garden.
Before I knew it, I had already spent over 3 hours just wandering along the paths and losing myself amongst the plants and gorgeous architecture.
I can't wait to come back again, and again, and again.
Thank you for this wonderful experience.
Krystal Engler - 2 months ago
Beautiful and wonderful park with so much amazing views. A calm place in a busy city and all facilities are clean & tidy. Worth the money to pay to visit this amazing place
Vinay Krishnamurthy - 2 weeks ago
Our visit to the Chinese Garden of Friendship was amazing! We really enjoyed strolling through the beautiful trees, traditional structures, and peaceful pathways. The little waterfall near the café added a lovely touch to the atmosphere. A serene and scenic spot — perfect for a relaxing walk and quiet reflection.
Tatiana Lu - a month ago
It’s a beautiful hidden oasis from the city.
I’ve been coming here since the I was a kid in the 90s living interstate. Being dragged along by my parents and relatives.
Now I’m back dragging my own kid through the garden.
It’s as beautiful and as calming as I remembered it.
Well worth the visit.
Peter Bui - 4 weeks ago
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
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
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
