Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden transports visitors on an unparalleled journey through time and space as you discover the beautiful architecture, design, and origins, of this stunning Vancouver landmark.

Nowhere is this more pronounced than when strolling through the stunning corridors and walkways of the Garden. The high ceiling rafters made of camphor-wood, coupled with the elegantly crafted pillars of prized nan-wood and lacquered Chinese fir, along with the delicate latticework found on screens and railings, all combine to showcase the craftsmanship and skill of the 52 artisans that worked to construct this beautiful space, using only traditional mortise-and-tenon building techniques from the 1500s, which allow for no nails, screws, or glue when building.

In an effort to protect and preserve the extraordinary craftsmanship of this woodwork the Garden worked alongside our partners at the Vancouver Park Board, the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, and Heritage BC, in 2019 to outline a plan for restoring these beautiful wood features to bring out the Garden’s original vibrancy and enhance its unique cultural characteristics.

Working with skilled heritage painters experienced with complex restoration work, the first stage of this project was completed in 2020, when the wooden railings, beams, and lattice in our China Maple Hall, and Scholar’s Study were restored.

Moving into 2022, the Garden is thrilled to be commencing the second stage of this restoration project, and we need your help! Please consider donating to support these conservation works, as we move onto restoring the wooden beams, railings, and intricate hand-carved lattice surrounding our Jade Water Pavilion.