A spectacular Chinese garden has opened at RHS Bridgewater, and it’s a must-visit

RHS Bridgewater has opened the Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden, the centrepiece of a spectacular Chinese garden.

At seven acres, the Chinese Streamside Garden is the largest, most comprehensive, and most authentic classical Chinese garden in all of Europe.

It’s taken more than eight years to complete, and has utilised landscape architects and specialist craftspeople from China, using traditional techniques rarely seen outside the country.

This has been combined with the contemporary British garden setting of RHS Bridgewater to create a new must-visit attraction in Greater Manchester.

It’s also be designed to be as beautiful in each season as the last, with spring magnolias and cherry blossom, all the way through to dazzling autumn colours from acers and gingkos.

The Chinese garden is the result of an ambitious international collaboration of fundraising, design and craftsmanship between Yangzhou City, China Flower Association, Yangzhou Classical Garden Construction Company*, the City of Salford, Greater Manchester’s Chinese community and the RHS.

Inspiration comes from the historic scholars’ gardens of Yangzhou in Jiangsu province in East China, embodying the classical Chinese principle that gardens are places of philosophy, learning, reflection and seasonal observation.

The landscape features rock, water, planting, and timber structures, with each step revealing new views and perspectives.

There are four interconnected pavilions surrounding a courtyard and pond, each dedicated to one of the four traditional scholarly arts – chess, music, calligraphy and painting.

Key features include traditional hand-crafted mortise-and-tenon joinery, Chinese Fir timber sourced from FSC-certified forests, kiln-fired tiles and handmade brickwork from China, intricate stone carvings, and detailed stone mosaic and poetic inscriptions.

More than 200 trees and shrubs representing 56 species and cultivars have been selected for their seasonal beauty and cultural significance, with planting conveying traditional messages of good luck, health, happiness and love.

Marcus Chilton-Jones, Head of RHS Garden Bridgewater explained: “The opening of the Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden is a landmark moment for RHS Garden Bridgewater, for Greater Manchester and the UK.

“This remarkable international collaboration has created not only a beautiful garden, but a lasting symbol of friendship, cultural exchange and shared learning.”

Tracy Snell, Curator at RHS Garden Bridgewater said: “It’s a garden full of meaning and intricacies.

“Importantly, it can be enjoyed throughout the seasons – from spring magnolias and cherry blossom to restful summer greens and the vibrant autumn colour of acers, ginkgos and euonymus.

“Chinese scholars’ gardens were created as places to slow down, reflect and reconnect with nature.

“Visitors will discover something new around every corner, and I can’t wait for people to experience the sense of calm and wonder the garden creates.”

Mr Gerry Yeung, Chinese Streamside Garden Founding Committee member added: “The opening of the Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden is a proud and historic moment for everyone who has helped bring this vision to life and the result of many years of dedication, generosity and shared ambition from people in both China and Greater Manchester.

“We hope visitors will enjoy discovering this special place and, through it, gain a deeper appreciation of the rich traditions, artistry and values that have inspired Chinese gardens for centuries.”

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Featured image: The Manc Group