Chinese Garden Zurich
Zürich
The Chinese Garden in Zurich is a beautifully crafted park gifted by Zurich's partner city Kunming as a symbol of gratitude and cultural friendship. Situated in the Seefeld quarter near Lake Zurich, the garden spans a rectangular plot surrounded by a low wall adorned with traditional Chinese dragon motifs. Central to the garden is a pond with a small island connected by bridges, evoking the Daoist island of immortals. The garden features several pavilions, including a circular pavilion representing the center and a hexagonal pavilion decorated with phoenix symbols, as well as open galleries showcasing over 500 carved still lifes and landscapes. An artificial mountain symbolizes the balance of yin and yang, while the water palace serves as the garden's heart, designed to focus visitors on inner qualities. The garden's layout and plantings reflect rich Chinese symbolism, particularly the "Three Friends of Winter"-bamboo, pine, and winter cherry-emphasizing harmony and endurance. Open from March to October, the garden offers a peaceful cultural experience blending natural beauty with traditional Chinese artistry.
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Tip: Visit the Chinese Garden between March and October when it is open daily from 11:00 to 19:00. Public transport options include tram lines 2 and 4 and bus lines 33, 912, and 916. Consider visiting on weekdays to avoid crowds and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere. Tickets can be purchased on-site, and discounts may be available for certain groups. The garden's location near Lake Zurich also offers opportunities for scenic walks before or after your visit.
Interesting facts
- •The garden features over 500 carved still lifes and landscapes in its open galleries, a hallmark of Yunnan province's garden style.
- •The main entrance gate's red color and nine rows of nails were traditionally reserved for Chinese emperors.
- •The garden's artificial mountain serves as a 'ghost wall,' a traditional element meant to shield the garden from negative influences.
- •The circular pavilion on the island symbolizes the fifth cardinal direction in Chinese culture, representing the center.
- •The garden's location was selected based on Chinese geomancy principles, emphasizing harmony with the surrounding landscape.
History
The Chinese Garden was constructed in 1993 as a gift from Kunming, Zurich's Chinese partner city, to thank Zurich for technical support in developing Kunming's drinking water and drainage systems.
The project was a collaboration between garden experts and craftsmen from both cities, financed by Zurich's water supply company.
It was officially inaugurated in spring 1994 with participation from both cities' mayors.
Since 2010, the City of Zurich's Office of Parks and Open Spaces has managed the garden's maintenance and operation.
The garden's design incorporates traditional Yunnan architectural elements and Chinese geomancy principles, with its site carefully chosen between Zurichberg and Lake Zurich for auspiciousness.
Place Guide
Main Entrance Gate1993
The grand entrance features a golden calligraphy plate reading 'China Garden' and a red gate with nine rows of nails, symbolizing imperial significance. It marks the transition from the mundane world into the garden's ideal microcosm.
Artificial Mountain1993
Located on the west side of the pond, this man-made mountain represents the Chinese concept of 'mountain and water' and serves as a ghost wall to protect the garden from negative influences.
Pavilion Island and Bridges1993
A small island in the pond connected by a zigzag bridge from the west and a round-arched bridge from the east, symbolizing the Daoist island of immortals. The circular pavilion on the island represents the center and the fifth cardinal direction in Chinese culture.
Hexagonal Pavilion1993
Situated in the northeast of the garden, this pavilion is adorned with phoenix motifs symbolizing the empress and female beauty. Inside, symbols of good luck and landscapes are displayed.
Water Palace1993
The heart of the garden, the water palace features a simple exterior to focus attention on its inner qualities. Its terrace opens onto the pond, integrating water elements with the building's design. The rear garden is known as the 'garden of shadows.'
Contact
Phone: 044 380 31 51
