FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Vancouver, BC (July 21, 2026) — In celebration of its 40th anniversary, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden will host its first-ever immersive fundraising gala within the Garden on July 28, 2026. Presented with the generous support of Major Sponsor C-DESIGNS, the gala will raise funds for the Garden’s restoration and long-term conservation initiatives, helping to preserve this treasured cultural landmark and the traditional craftsmanship of Suzhou classical gardens for future generations.
With the tremendous support of the community and partners, the gala is now sold out. The public can still support the Garden by making an online donation. The Garden is currently raising funds for the first phase of the restoration project, which is estimated to cost $100,000. The project will include replacing traditional clay roof tiles, restoring cobblestone paving, sourcing specialized river stones, and bringing artisans specializing in Suzhou classical garden restoration to Vancouver. Working alongside local professionals, these artisans will carry out the restoration using traditional techniques and in accordance with heritage conservation standards, helping to preserve the Garden’s historic character and cultural significance.
To date, approximately $23,000 has been raised toward the first phase of restoration, with an additional $77,000 needed before work can begin. Over the next two years, the Garden aims to raise $500,000 to advance long-term conservation and restoration work, ensuring that this important cultural landmark can preserve its historic legacy and continue its cultural mission.
The gala will offer guests a rich cultural experience celebrating the beauty of traditional Chinese culture. The evening will feature tea ceremonies, teacup painting, silk scarf dyeing, and traditional Chinese music and dance performances, including erhu and guzheng solos inspired by the Silk Road.
Opened to the public during Expo 86, the Garden is the first authentic classical Chinese garden constructed outside of China, designed in the traditional Ming Dynasty Suzhou style. More than 50 artisans, including architects, craftsmen, and stonemasons from Suzhou, China, travelled to Vancouver and spent over a year constructing the Garden using traditional craftsmanship and mortise-and-tenon joinery, without nails. This brought over two thousand years of Chinese garden-building tradition to Vancouver, creating a space that is both visually stunning and culturally meaningful.
“For 40 years, the Garden has served as an important bridge between cultures, fostering connection and mutual understanding,” said Henry Heng Lu, Executive Director of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden. “Our 40th anniversary fundraising gala is not only an opportunity to reflect on the past, but also a new beginning as we move forward together. We are deeply grateful to every supporter and partner. This collective support enables us to continue restoring and preserving the Garden, protecting the distinctive architecture, traditional craftsmanship, and cultural heritage of Suzhou classical gardens for future generations.”
More than a botanical garden or tourist attraction, the Garden is a vibrant cultural and community hub offering year-round programming. From traditional performances and cultural exhibitions to wellness activities, such as tai chi, yoga, and tea ceremonies, as well as celebrations including Lunar New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, Christmas, Easter, and the Garden Tea Festival, the Garden provides rich and diverse experiences throughout the year. Each visit offers a unique atmosphere shaped by the seasons, making it an important space that connects history, art, culture, and community.
“We are always committed to advancing culture, art, and community development, while supporting partnerships that contribute to local heritage conservation,” said Shan Wu, CEO of C-DESIGNS, Major Sponsor of the gala. “We are honoured to support the Garden’s 40th anniversary fundraising gala and to join the Garden and the wider community in preserving this cultural oasis. Through future collaborations, exhibitions, and cultural programs, we hope to bring together distinguished Chinese designers, master artisans, and visionary cultural brands to contemporary audiences from around the world.”
The Garden looks forward to working with supporters across the community to advance its conservation efforts. To learn more about the Garden’s restoration and conservation efforts or to make a donation, please visit the conservation fund website.
Media are invited to use the following official images.
About the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
As a registered not-for-profit charitable museum, botanical garden, and one of Vancouver’s top tourist attractions, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is a unique venue for cultural programming and events, including guided tours, concerts, festivals, exhibitions, receptions, and educational programs. First opened to the public in 1986, this Ming Dynasty-style garden-home is the first among its kind to have been built outside of China, and continues to be unique among the world as the result of the joint collaborative effort of community members, the Canadian Government, and the People’s Republic of China. Visit vancouverchinesegarden.com.
Media Enquiries
Helen Yu, Choice Communication (Canada) Ltd.
Tel: 604 601 2121
Cell: 604 816 2828
Email: helen.yu@choicecommunication.ca
