Our Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver was the first real, full size Chinese garden built outside of China. It opened in 1986.

 

It is modelled on Ming Dynasty scholars’ gardens in the city of Suzhou in China. This is a garden home, where a Scholar and his family plus his servants would have lived during the Ming Dynasty era (1368 – 1644).

 

Scholars used their gardens as a place to escape the busy world. They created beautiful spaces to paint, write calligraphy, compose poetry and meditate.

 

A Scholar is a man who would have studied the Chinese classics, art and literature to a very high level in order to in prepare for the civil service (Government) examinations. If he passed the final examination, he entered government service as an official at the highest level.

This is a picture of what a Scholar looked like in the Ming Dynasty era. We know he was a Scholar because of the two birds embroidered on his chest.

Explore our Intro To The Garden unit for ages 4-12. This unit touches on history, social studies, and involves a range of ancient arts and crafts you can try right at home!

Take class outside with our Year of the Plant unit that brings to life history, social studies, and biology for ages 12-17, by showcasing the history and culture surrounding some of Vancouver’s most common local plants.

Discover this ancient fall festival with this unit perfect for ages 4 -14. Topics include poetry, history, social studies, and arts and crafts.