Seattle Chinese Garden

Ground was broken in 1999 for this hidden gem that celebrates Seattle’s Sister City relationship with Chongqing, China. Construction began with a small pavilion and modest plantings on a 4.6-acre site. Planned in the Sichuan style by designers in Chongqing, the garden is owned and managed by the non-profit Seattle Chinese Garden Society and continues to evolve as funding is available. Most materials used in the construction were brought from China. Future plans include a teahouse, banquet hall, a four-story pavilion and a one-acre lake.

Enter the garden at the welcome stone and follow the path to the entry court and peony garden before entering the Knowing the Spring Courtyard. This courtyard and the surrounding covered walkways evoke the beauty of Chinese architecture and the collection of plants represent the richness of Chinese horticulture.

In the courtyard, note the four elements of a Chinese garden: water (yin), rock (yang), plants (yin) and architecture (yang). Twelve intricate lattice windows offer glimpses of the garden beyond. Nestled within the bamboo are stone representations of emerging culms of spring. Large stones are arranged to evoke mountains. A small pond in the opposite corner balances the yang of the rock.

Cross the courtyard to the main gate and turn right to the Encircling Corridor and Waterside Pavilion overlooking a small pond before continuing to the Pine and Mei Plum Pavilion which was the first structure in the garden. Continue south along a wide path bordered by bamboo (five species) and a collection of rose of Sharon (Hibiscus syriacus) Stop at the great bronze carp and limestone rocks before exiting the garden.

Learn more at seattlechinesegarden.org