A visit to Dunedin Chinese Garden puts you in a vast open-air set of grounds commemorating the styles and traditions of China. This serene and pleasant oasis transports visitors away from the streets of central Dunedin. Enter through a gate in the thick wall and find yourself among buildings and gardens reminiscent of the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Notice that the wall surrounding the park is 13 feet (4 meters) thick, protecting the peaceful ambiance of the Chinese gardens from the outside world. Stroll around the large lake and admire the traditional Chinese architecture in the entrance hall and the square pavilion.
Stop at the teahouse and sip hot beverages. Bring your own snacks and drinks for a picnic in these scenic grounds. Play puzzles and games with friends to make the most of this idyllic gathering point. Souvenirs are available for sale in the gift shop of the courtyard. Enter the elegant Tower Room to study its array of books.
The park serves as a reference to the customs of Shanghai, a sister city of Dunedin. It is known in Chinese as Lan Yuan and referred to as the Garden of Enlightenment. Learn from staff about how the park represents the Chinese influences in the city, where many Cantonese people settled during the Central Otago Gold Rush of the 1860s.
The site opens daily from morning until late afternoon. There is a fee to enter, with free entrance for children under 13. Annual passes and guided tours are available.
Find the Dunedin Chinese Garden in the center of Dunedin in the southeastern corner of New Zealand’s South Island. It is on the eastern side of the Queens Gardens. Walk south from the Dunedin railway station for about 5 minutes to get here. While in this region, travel to other attractions such as Larnach Castle, Tunnel Beach and the Dunedin Railways.
