Chinese Garden of Friendship

Map & Directions
Photos & Video

The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a beautiful oasis within the city

Architectural features accentuate the natural surroundings in Chinese Garden of Friendship cc licensed photo by David Swhartz

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, Sydney Entertainment Centre, Capitol Theatre and Darling Harbour.

Facts For Your Visit

Fee: Yes

Currently Closed

Hours This Week:

Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Address: Pier Street, Cnr Harbour St, Darling Harbour NSW 2000, Australia

Phone: (02) 9240 8888

Official Website: Chinese Garden of Friendship

Map of nearby accommodations: Booking.com

Directions

Train Line	Nearest Station	Walking Time
Light Rail	Exhibition	2 minutes
T2 or T3	Museum Station	5 minutes

How to get to Chinese Garden of Friendship by Train

By Light Rail: exit at Exhibition Stop and go down the ramp on the east side of the station and cross the street. Continue east on the sidewalk staying next to the south end of the Sydney Entertainment and Convention Centre until you get to the plaza on your left. The entrance to the Chinese Garden of Friendship is across the plaza from the Entertainment Center.

By Train: exit at Museum Station and proceed west on Liverpool Street crossing Harbour Street via the elevated pedestrian overpass. The entrance to the Garden is around to your left at the far side of the pedestrian overpass.

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Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 Chinese Garden of Friendship Star Rating

Have visited this place multiple times, the $6 entry is always worth it. The plants are always in great condition, footpaths lead you to many different scenes and the wildlife is a nice touch. Coming here on weekends and public holidays tend to be quite busy, however if you come here during the week it’s a great place to zen out and relax or even with a book.

Chris Lang - 2 days ago

Beautiful, peaceful and tranquil little oasis right in the heart of the city. I went on a Sunday so it was quite busy but there were still many little quiet places to sit. There's a little hut that does traditional Chinese costume dressing. $10 for adults and I think about $6 for kids. There's also a tea room that sells wine, tea, some light foods and dumplings. It's one of the nicer Chinese gardens I've seen in my lifetime.

Camellia Thistleton - 12 days ago

Beautiful Chinese garden in Darling Harbour featuring lake, waterfalls and traditional Chinese architecture. The trees, flowers and rock formations are gorgeous. Many koi fish can be seen swimming in the lake, while Australian ibis birds flutter about the grounds. This is a magnificent place to relax and go for a leisurely morning/afternoon stroll.

John Lodge - 16 days ago

The garden is well maintained with beautiful and charming landscape. $6 admission and it offers a quiet and tranquil place in the middle of Darling Harbour. There are lots of shades in the garden and even when visiting on a very hot day (like I did) you will still be able to find places to cool down. The Chinese Garden of Friendship is a beautiful hidden gem in the heart of the city, definitely worth a visit.

Michael Mak - 1 month ago

Beautiful Garden with wonderful landscapes. Must see attraction in Darling Harbour place. Has a nice falls in the mid of the city. Kids can enjoy the activity trail, while there is different kind of tours for adults. Dressing up in Chinese tradition is very interesting one. The pond in the garden has colourful fishes, watching them is peaceful time pass for both adults and kids.

Divya S - 3 months ago

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Video

You will learn many very interesting facts about the Chinese Garden of Friendship in this brief tour

Photo Gallery

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
Chinese Garden of Friendship cc licensed photo by Travolution360
Sydney Chinese Gardens HDR cc licensed photo by David Lochlin
Sydney Chinese Gardens HDR cc licensed photo by David Lochlin
Sydney Chinese Gardens HDR cc licensed photo by David Lochlin
Sydney Chinese Gardens HDR cc licensed photo by David Lochlin