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About this place
Chinagarten (the Chinese Garden) is a classical Chinese-style garden on the Zurich lakeshore, in the Seefeld district near Zürichhorn. It was a present from Zurich's Chinese partner city, Kunming, and it is one of the most unexpected corners of the Swiss city.
Why is there a Chinese garden in Zurich?
Kunming gave the garden as thanks for Zurich's technical and scientific help in expanding Kunming's drinking water supply and urban drainage. The city of Zurich built it together with experts from Kunming, and it opened in spring 1994. The site was chosen following geomantic principles. The garden is classed as a temple garden and counts among the most highly regarded of its kind outside China.
What will you see?
A pond with a small island forms the centre. Pavilions stand around it, and a small palace in traditional Chinese style completes the layout. Paths wind over bridges and through covered walkways, and the mix of water, stone and planting is meant to express harmony between people and nature. This is a place for a quiet stroll and photos rather than picnics.
Right next door lies the Blatterwiese meadow, which locals often call the "Chinawiese". After your visit you can follow the shore on to Zürichhorn park and the lake.
How do you get there?
The address is Bellerivestrasse 138, 8008 Zurich. Take a bus from Zürich, Bellevue or from Tiefenbrunnen station to the stop "Zürich, Chinagarten". From the lakefront in the centre it is also an easy walk along the shore.
What are the entry fee and opening hours?
Sources disagree. The Zurich tourism site zuerich.com lists free entry and 11:00 to 17:00 daily, while other guides give a March to October season, 11:00 to 19:00, with CHF 4 for adults and CHF 1 for children aged 6 to 14. Check the City of Zurich page before you go. Holders of the ZVV FerienPass enter free.
When should you visit?
Spring and summer are best, when the planting around the pond is green and the lakeside is pleasant. Combine the visit with a walk through Zürichhorn and Seefeld.
Frequently asked questions
Who gave the Chinese Garden to Zurich?
Kunming, Zurich's Chinese partner city, in return for help with its water supply and drainage.
When did it open?
In spring 1994.
Where exactly is it?
At Bellerivestrasse 138 on the lake, close to Zürichhorn and the Blatterwiese meadow.
Is there an entry fee?
Sources vary, from free entry to CHF 4 for adults and CHF 1 for children. Confirm the current fee on the official city page.
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