The Chinese Garden Of Friendship

Bonsai on Display @ Chinese Garden of Friendship

The child in me has this innate fascination for automobiles, locomotives and various modes of transportations. So after having enjoyed a zip-zap-zooming joyride in the monorail, looping around Sydney’s CBD, I was game for yet another ride. After all, we still had over an hour to spare, before the 3D show at the Sydney, IMAX Theatre (boasts of the world’s largest screen) commenced.

People Mover 

My Ma and Maasi (Mom’s sister) however choose to sit back on one of the many  benches, relaxing and taking in the harbour side view, while I excitedly hopped onto one of these much slower trackless people mover train which would take me on a sightseeing tour, highlighting the major tourist attractions alongside Sydney’s Darling Harbour.

Darling Harbour

We crossed the Australian Maritime museum, Sydney Aquarium and Wildlife World, Sydney Convention Center, IMAX Theatre, overlooking the Cockle Bay, King Street Wharf restaurant, Children Park n spectacular water features en route to the Chinese Garden n China Town.

Main Attractions @ waterfront

 But, as soon as the People Mover reached the Chinese Garden, my first instinct was to ask the driver to stop so that I could hop out. On second thoughts, I contemplated whether I should complete the entire People Mover tour and then come back again for a stroll with Mummy n Maasi, if the time permitted. However, my excitement on seeing the Chinese Garden, in the heart of Australia… got the better of me and I got off on the next stop and headed back to the Chinese Garden of Friendship.

The Chinese Garden of Friendship, Darling Harbour, Sydney

Well….here’s what, I would have missed experiencing n capturing on my lenses had I not taken this instinctive split second decision to alight and take a quick ‘sneak peep’ into the garden before rushing back (this time on foot) to where my Ma n Maasi sat waiting for me.

Located at Darling Harbor, in close proximity of China town in Sydney CBD, it reflects the very essence of Oriental Gardens with its majestic Pagoda’s & a harmonious display of plants, rock n water elements in the form of ‘the Water Pavilion of Lotus Fragrance’ & ‘the Twin Pavilion’.

The garden was officially opened in 1988 as part of Sydney's bicentennial celebrations and aptly named the Garden of Friendship. This Dragon Wall (below) symbolizes the bond of Friendship between Guangzhou, China n New South Wales in Australia.

Dragon Wall

The entrance to the garden is guarded by this traditional Chinese Sculpture.

Once inside, the garden offers a rare insight into the Chinese Culture n heritage with beautiful display of Suihan Penjing / Bonsai right at the entrance of the garden.

These Bonsai’s are considered sacred n auspicious in the Oriental culture and are often seen on display in many a homes n even commercial organizations in China n most South East Asian countries.

Being a Bonsai lover myself, I was in complete awe… admiring these so very beautiful and well maintained living piece d’art.

Today, as I glance back at the pictures, I can’t help but smile, recollecting the dilemma I was in - whether to stay put to complete the tour or disembark right then.  I am glad I choose to get off n visit this beautiful n serene Garden Of Friendship amidst all the hustle bustle of Darling Harbour with the monorail offering a sky view of the CBD; the cruise boats, the ferries n motorboats coming into the harbour; the toy people mover's train &  kids whizzing past on skates.....n more....

   The city skyline n the Harbour Bridge…

…as seen from our Room @ Star City, Casino