The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) will unveil a major new landmark this weekend, when the Yangzhou Scholars' Garden opens to visitors for the first time at RHS Garden Bridgwater in Salford in Greater Manchester.
The Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden is the spectacular centrepiece of the seven-acre Chinese Streamside Garden, the largest, most comprehensive and most authentic classical Chinese garden in Europe.
More than eight years in the making, the 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.
Designed by Chinese landscape architects specialising in classical garden design, the Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden combines authentic classical Chinese architecture, horticulture and culture within a contemporary British garden setting. It has been meticulously constructed, with specialist craftspeople from China using traditional techniques rarely seen outside China.
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.”
Dr. Peng Hong, Deputy Secretary General at China Flower Association in Bejing said: "Rooted in the principle that “though crafted by human hands, it appears as if created by nature,” the design philosophy of the Yangzhou Scholar’s Garden offers enduring ancient wisdom for modern societies seeking harmony between humanity and the environment. This ancient perspective remains remarkably relevant today. I am confident that the garden’s wisdom not only brings tranquillity and joy to visitors but also serves as a vital reminder: we do not need to conquer nature - instead, we can learn to work in harmony with it."
Inspired by the historic scholars’ gardens of Yangzhou in Jiangsu province in East China, the Yangzhou Scholar’s Garden embodies the classical Chinese principle that gardens are places of philosophy, learning, reflection and seasonal observation. Rock, water, planting and timber structures work together to create a landscape that gradually reveals itself as visitors move through the space - every pathway, bridge and view has been designed to reveal beauty and meaning.
Four interconnected pavilions surrounding a courtyard and pond are situated in the centre of the garden, each dedicated to one of the four traditional scholarly arts - chess, music, calligraphy and painting.
Key architectural 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, a detailed stone mosaic and poetic inscriptions. The brick and tile materials come from the same source used in the restoration and repair of historic buildings including the Forbidden City in Beijing.
Planting throughout the Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden has been carefully selected to reflect the changing seasons and the symbolism associated with classical Chinese gardens, while thriving in a UK climate. Acers, primulas and rhododendrons, that originated in China, feature in the garden. Now familiar plants in British gardens, they are a living reminder of the deep and longstanding horticultural connections between Britain and China over the centuries.
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.
13 cultivars of Acer palmatum, prized for their elegant forms and spectacular autumn colour are on display. A striking six-metre-tall Ginkgo biloba, one of the world’s oldest and longest-living tree species, has been planted alongside others to create a ginkgo forest. Its fan-shaped leaves turn luminous yellow in autumn and are traditionally associated with resilience and longevity.
To mark the public opening, RHS Garden Bridgewater will host a vibrant programme of family-friendly activities across Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, celebrating the culture, traditions and symbolism that inspired the garden's design.
Highlights of the opening weekend include:
- Traditional Chinese Lion Dance performances
- A family Lion Dance workshop
- Storytelling inspired by the legend of Chang'e, the Moon Goddess
- Traditional Chinese calligraphy demonstrations
- A special Chinese Chess competition
- Guided tours of the Chinese Streamside Garden in English, Mandarin and Cantonese
- Live music performances, including traditional Guzheng music
- Choir performances throughout the weekend
- Lantern-making activities for families
All opening weekend activities are included with normal garden admission, which is free for RHS Members. For more information and to book tickets, visit:
rhs.org.uk/gardens/bridgewater/whats-on/yangzhou-scholars-garden-opening
