Chinese Garden, Zurich | Opening Hours, Entry Fee, Architecture, Photos

Chinese Garden Zurich, Zurich Overview

Situated in Zurichhorn, the Chinese Garden was a gift to Zurich from the Chinese town of Kunming. The stunning garden has elements of Chinese architecture, along with a pond, small islands, pavilions, and much more. Visitors will also spot an intricately designed palace inside the Chinese Garden vicinity.

The Chinese Garden in Zurich is an interesting addition to Zurich’s tourism. Visitors will spot red wall forts outlining the site, Asian style roofs, little ponds, bridges, and even postcard-worthy scenic shots. It is in heavy contrast with the traditional European inspired architecture of the rest of Zurich. The Chinese Garden in Zurich features highlights of Confucianism as well and is often regarded with the status of a temple. Visitors will also see beautiful paintings, ornaments, sculptures dotted across the vicinity. The Garden’s main theme is “Three Friends of Winter” which means the bamboo plants, plum trees, and pine tree. These plants are well related to Confucianism because of their strength and perseverance even during the winter months. Doubled as an adventurous and spiritual experience, this temple garden proudly boasts the title of the highest-ranking temple garden situated outside of China.
The garden was established in 1994, as a gesture of gratitude by China after Zurich helped Kunming with its water drainage system. It is believed that both Zurich and Kunming are twins! The best time to visit the Chinese Garden of Zurich is from March to October, as travellers can enjoy excellent weather and diverse flora. This authentic Chinese experience hidden in the towns of Zurich is on top of every traveller's list.

Ticket Prices of Chinese Garden in Zurich

The Chinese Garden in Zurich has entry fees for General admission, and discounted prices for travellers in groups.

Adults - CHF 4
Children under the age of 14 - CHF 1
Groups of 10 persons or more - CHF 3

Guided public or private tours are also offered to provide the best experience to the visitors.

The public tours are available on the first Thursday of the month of April to October. Expert tour guides are provided by the administration from 6 pm to 7pm.

The cost per person is CHF 15 (Meeting point is the entrance gate of the Chinese Gardens).

The option for guided private tours are also available. They are approximately CHF 200.

Architecture and Symbolism of Chinese Garden in Zurich

The Chinese Gardens of Zurich are neatly crafted, keeping in mind both Chinese culture and philosophical elements. Apart from its concept of the Three Friends in Winter to display unity and strength, several architectural and artistic elements of the Garden are filled with purpose. Visitors will come across golden top roofs, artificial ponds, red pillars, design cut flora, and even strolling paths where people often meditate.

The Chinese Garden also highlights the Yunnan culture through ornaments, paintings, inscriptions and more; depicting several minorities which merge together. In stark contrast to the rest of Zurich’s architecture, the Chinese Garden architecture has some strict guidelines. Visitors will notice that across the entire vicinity, three elements will be prominent, which are also replicated in China’s architecture. Buildings with artificial lake and rocks, floor plans, and paths around the garden area are three things always put in focus. The intention is that these three elements put together the perfect landscape, and it is rightly so as the place is irresistible to the camera!

Other Activities Near Chinese Garden in Zurich

In addition to exploring the calm and serene atmosphere of the Chinese Gardens, visitors often opt for the boat ride in the lake. Since the Chinese Garden of Zurich is located near the lakeshore area, visitors put this excellent location to the best use. In the nearby vicinity, visitors can explore:

1. The LakeShore

Less than a five minute walk away is the lakeshore which is a popular tourist hangout spot. Visitors lounge around the terrace cafes, bars, and restaurants while enjoying the stunning landscapes. The Lakeshore eateries are the best spot to grab seafood and authentic Swiss cuisine.

2. Strandbad Tiefenbrunnen

This open pool delight in the middle of a public park is an excellent spot to cool off after a busy day. Perfect for both families and kids, the pool is located right next to the lakeshore with a guarded seating area.

Visitors can also explore nearby eateries which are famous for organic and Swiss cuisine such as the Fischstube, Tufi, and the Chinese Garden Takeaway. Nearby parks with unique sculptures and walk-in installations are another crowd favourite.

How to Reach Chinese Garden, Zurich

Tram: Visitors can take the Line 4 Tram, which will take approximately 18 minutes from Zurich HB.

Bus: Line 31 bus from Zurich HB will take 27 minutes.

Other options include the Line 16 train, Line 3734 ferry, and also the bus 33E.