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Chinese Gardens Around the World Host Authentic Lunar New Year Celebrations
Suzhou-style gardens in major cities offer cultural experiences for local residents and tourists alike.
Published on Feb. 28, 2026
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As the Chinese New Year arrives, Suzhou-style gardens in over 30 countries have launched Spring Festival celebrations, sharing festive joy and cultural traditions with visitors from around the world. From Budapest to Portland, and Vancouver to Sydney, these gardens have integrated "gardens to be seen," "opera to be heard," and "cultural creations to be taken home," presenting a vivid portrait of Suzhou culture and attracting tens of thousands to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Why it matters
The spread of Suzhou-style gardens globally has allowed more people outside of China to experience authentic Chinese culture and traditions, particularly during important holidays like the Lunar New Year. These celebrations help preserve and share intangible cultural heritage while also boosting tourism and cultural exchange.
The details
Since 1980, when the Metropolitan Museum of Art opened "Ming Xuan" modeled after Suzhou's Master of the Nets Garden, Suzhou-style gardens have taken root in over 30 countries. This year, these gardens have hosted a variety of Spring Festival events, including Kung Fu tea performances, sugar painting and dough figurine demonstrations, Kunqu opera, lion dances, lantern-making workshops, and more. The gardens have been decorated with red lanterns and other festive decorations, while cultural products like Taohuawu woodblock prints have been on display.
- On Feb. 6, the China Cultural Center in Budapest hosted the "Galloping into the Spring Festival in the Garden" event.
- Beginning Feb. 17, the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland launched a series of Lunar New Year celebrations.
- On Feb. 21 and 22, the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver marked its upcoming 40th anniversary with festive events.
- On Feb. 23, the Spring Festival event was held at the Chinese Garden of Friendship in Sydney.
The players
Metropolitan Museum of Art
Opened "Ming Xuan" in 1980, a garden modeled after Suzhou's Master of the Nets Garden, kickstarting the global spread of Suzhou-style gardens.
China Cultural Center in Budapest
Hosted the "Galloping into the Spring Festival in the Garden" event on Feb. 6.
Lan Su Chinese Garden
A garden in Portland that launched a series of Lunar New Year celebrations beginning on Feb. 17.
Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
North America's first full-scale classical Suzhou-style garden, located in Vancouver, that marked its upcoming 40th anniversary with festive events on Feb. 21 and 22.
Chinese Garden of Friendship
A garden in Sydney that maintains close cooperation with the Humble Administrator's Garden in Suzhou and hosted a Spring Festival event on Feb. 23.
What they’re saying
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)
The takeaway
The global spread of Suzhou-style gardens has allowed more people outside of China to experience authentic Chinese culture and traditions, particularly during important holidays like the Lunar New Year. These celebrations help preserve and share intangible cultural heritage while also boosting tourism and cultural exchange.
