Chinagarten Zürich

Chinagarten Zürich is a Chinese garden in Zurich, presented as a gift from its partner city Kunming. A central pond anchors the garden’s traditional design. A small island, a bridge and several pavilions create a compact landscape shaped by Yunnan garden traditions. The red entrance gate carries a golden calligraphy plaque.

Low walls frame windows with bamboo and lotus tiles, while cloud dragons decorate their eaves and friezes. The water palace forms the garden’s heart. Its terrace faces the pond, while the rear garden carries the evocative name Garden of Shadows. Pine, bamboo and plum blossom represent the Three Friends of Winter. Carved galleries, painted scenes and inscriptions reflect Yunnan’s cultural diversity and the friendship between Kunming and Zurich. A traditional tea house adds another cultural feature. Dogs can use designated trails and open fields, linking the carefully composed garden with everyday outdoor life. Local Zurich poplars grow beside Chinese garden elements.