Garden of Distant Longing in Dunedin

From Asian Report 19 November 2013

2008 saw the completion of one of the most ambitious Chinese gardens in the Southern hemisphere. Mirrored on the ancient Yu Garden in China, Lan Yuan – the Garden of Distant Longing was created for the people of Dunedin by its sister-city Shanghai.

The creation of the garden involved sending to Dunedin: 102 shipping containers carrying 4000 tonnes of specially selected rock from Lake Tai in Shanghai, 37 Chinese craftsmen and two Master Artisans.

The project’s fundraising was championed by Dunedin’s first Chinese Mayor, Peter Chin. Lynda goes on a tour through the gardens with Peter, to find out about this magnificent gift of cultural heritage to the people of Dunedin.

Opening plaque for Lan Yuan gardens, Dunedin.

Peter Chin's favourite spot is the courtyard with it's thousands of carefully-laid pebbles.

A classic half-moon Arched Bridge.

Climbing Mountain Corridor.

Climbing Mountain overlooks Dunedin's historic roof tops.

Looking onto the heart of the Lake Pavilion.

Reflecting in the tea house.

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