Attraction
Stanley Park
Opened in 1888, Stanley Park covers about 405 hectares of forest, beaches and lakes on the Downtown peninsula, circled by an 8.8 km stretch of seawall.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Opened in 1986 with help from Suzhou garden experts, this Chinatown garden was the first Chinese garden built outside Asia, with a koi pond, rock mountain and free jasmine tea.
At a glance
- Type
- Classical Chinese garden
- Area
- Chinatown, Vancouver, Canada
- Official site
- vancouverchinesegarden.com
Good to know
- Complimentary jasmine tea
- Gift shop
- Wheelchair-friendly walkways
- Stroller storage
Why we recommend it
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden opened on 24 April 1986, in time for Expo 86, and is described as the first Chinese garden built outside Asia. Experts from the Landscape Architecture Company of Suzhou helped to create it. Together with the neighbouring Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park, it was named a National Historic Site of Canada in 2016.
A classical garden like this is designed to be walked through slowly. Covered walkways, halls and courtyards are arranged around a koi pond and waterfall, and a rock mountain rises above the water. Climbing on the rocks, wading and feeding the fish are not allowed. Complimentary jasmine tea is served, and the Eight Treasures Shop sells gifts. Allow about an hour, longer if you want to sit with your tea.
Next door is Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park, a separate public park in the Chinese style, built mostly with North American materials and linked to the garden by the pond. The garden charges admission, while the park is freely accessible. To reach the park from the garden, exit, turn right and walk about 15 steps to the entrance behind the statue of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen.
Hours change with the seasons. From October to April the garden opens from 10am to 4:30pm and closes on Mondays from November to April. Opening runs to 6pm in spring and September and to 7pm from mid-June to the end of August. It is closed on 25 December and 1 January. Casual photography is welcome, but light stands, large equipment, luggage and costumes are not. Visitor Services can store strollers and outside food and drink.
The halls and walkways are wheelchair friendly, with an accessible entrance through the Eight Treasures Shop, and a few wheelchairs can be reserved by phone. There is no parking on site; the nearest public parkade is at 180 Keefer Street, and there is metered parking around Chinatown. The entrance is in the lane off Carrall Street between Pender and Keefer, marked by two hanging red lanterns. From Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain station, walk three blocks east along Keefer Street, or take bus 19 or 22 to Pender Street near Carrall.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden FAQs
What are the opening hours?
They change by season: 10am to 4:30pm from October to April (closed Mondays from November to April), to 6pm in spring and September and to 7pm from mid-June to August.
Is the garden open on public holidays?
It is closed on 25 December and 1 January.
Is the neighbouring park free?
Yes. Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Park next door is a free public park, while the classical garden charges admission.
Is tea included?
Yes, complimentary jasmine tea is offered to visitors.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
The halls and walkways are wheelchair friendly, with an accessible entrance through the Eight Treasures Shop.
Where is the entrance?
In the lane off Carrall Street between Pender and Keefer, marked by two red lanterns.
How do you get there by SkyTrain?
Go to Stadium-Chinatown station and walk three blocks east along Keefer Street.
Can you take photographs?
Casual photography is allowed, but not light stands, large equipment or costumes.