Dunedin City Council - Shanghai experts help Garden progress

Dunedin’s Chinese Garden has moved a step closer to reality – thanks to the expert input of a delegation of cultural specialists from the Shanghai Museum. The Head of Shanghai Museum, Mr Hu Jianzhong, and three colleagues have spent a week in Dunedin (Shanghai’s sister city) going over the plans for the elegant Classical Chinese Garden planned for the vacant lot behind the Otago Settler’s Museum.

The delegates with Councillor Peter Chin Back: Cr Peter Chin and interpretor Liang Wei. Front: Chinese ancient architecture specialist Tan Yufeng, Head of the Shanghai Museum, Hu Jianzhong and Deputy Chief of the office in the Shanghai Culture Development Funding Association, Shi Jiancheng.Mr Hu said the talks between the Dunedin Chinese Gardens Trust, DCC representatives and the Shanghai delegates were a huge success. He said: “Our discussions were very fruitful and we have certainly reached an agreement on how the gardens should progress. “The end result will not only show off Dunedin’s Chinese heritage and cultural traditions but will also be a great sight-seeing place for tourists. “We can already envisage the opening day and hope to back here to enjoy it. We believe these gardens will really strengthen the link between Dunedin and Shanghai.” Councillor Peter Chin, who has been involved in the garden’s development since the idea was conceived as part of Otago’s 150th anniversary, is rapt with the progress that’s been made. He said: “I’m tremendously happy with the latest talks. It was great having the delegation over as it’s so much easier to talk to people face-to-face. It was also really important for Mr Hu and his colleagues to view the site and the buildings around it to help with the design.” The Dunedin Chinese Garden will transform the unattractive lot behind the Otago Settler’s Museum into a spectacular Classical garden in keeping with the tradition of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

An overview of the planned gardenThe garden's design is based upon the private gardens in Suzhou from the 10th to the 19th centuries. These gardens, unlike the imperial gardens, were quite small and informal in design. The Dunedin Chinese Garden will feature three pavilions, several courtyards, water features, terraces and a Grand Rockery. The garden will be surrounded by a traditional high wall. An important part of the garden will be the Descendants’ Gallery that will contain displays on New Zealand Chinese and plaques acknowledging the donations made to the garden by ethnic Chinese and Europeans. There will also be a Creeds and Customs Gallery where Chinese folklore, beliefs and customs will be depicted in display panels and trellis windows. While in Dunedin, the Chinese delegation was able to fine-tune the garden’s plans with local architects and other project members.

An image of the Sun Gum Shan bridge, planned for the garden.
Mr Hu said: “We have been discussing a lot of the engineering and technical aspects to prepare for the next stage..which will be getting ready for construction.“I believe that the DCC staff, along with the hard-working members of the Chinese Garden Trust will complete this garden very successfully and it will become one of the best of its sort in the world.” The Chinese Garden Trust is now busy fundraising towards the approximate figure of $2 million needed to complete the project. Some donations, including $150,000 from the local Chinese community, have already been gratefully received.