Dunedin Chinese Garden, Chinese scholar's garden in Dunedin, New Zealand
Lan Yuan is a Chinese scholar's garden in Dunedin featuring a central lake enclosed by wooden pavilions and quiet study spaces. An artificial rocky mountain made from authentic Lake Tai stones complements the classical design with winding pathways and planted areas.
The garden was created in 1997 as part of Dunedin's 150th anniversary celebrations, honoring Chinese connections dating back to the 1860s gold rush. The project emerged from a desire to make this important historical relationship between the city and China tangible and visible.
The name Lan Yuan means Orchid Garden and reflects the enduring connection between Dunedin and China. The space demonstrates how Chinese design principles and craftsmanship traditions remain alive in this southern city.
The garden is located at 39 Queens Gardens near Toitu Otago Settlers Museum and opens daily from 10 AM to 5 PM except on Christmas Day. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as pathways wind around the lake and cross bridges with varied elevations throughout.
Forty artisans from Shanghai constructed this garden using traditional methods without nails, relying entirely on mortise and tenon joinery for all wooden structures. This ancient technique held the structures together and demonstrates the mastery of these skilled craftspeople.
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