The Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden has been more than eight years in the making and opens on Saturday 26 September...
A major new Chinese garden will open at RHS Garden Bridgewater in Salford this weekend, following more than eight years of planning, fundraising and construction.
The Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden will welcome visitors for the first time on Saturday 26 September, forming the centrepiece of Bridgewater’s seven-acre Chinese Streamside Garden and what the RHS describes as the UK’s largest Chinese garden.
Developed in partnership with Yangzhou City, the China Flower Association, Greater Manchester’s Chinese community and the RHS, the garden draws on the historic scholars’ gardens of Yangzhou, combining traditional Chinese architecture, horticulture and craftsmanship.
At its centre are four interconnected pavilions created by Chinese artisans, each celebrating one of the scholarly arts of chess, music, calligraphy and painting. Pathways, bridges and carefully framed views have also been designed to reveal different parts of the garden as visitors move through it.
Marcus Chilton-Jones, Head of RHS Bridgewater, said: “The opening of the Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden is a landmark moment for RHS Garden Bridgewater and for Greater Manchester.
“This remarkable international collaboration has created not only a beautiful garden, but a lasting symbol of friendship, cultural exchange and shared learning. We are delighted to welcome visitors into this extraordinary new space.”
“From September, people will be able to experience a unique corner of Chinese horticulture and culture right here in Salford.”
Tracy Snell, Curator at RHS Bridgewater, added: “Watching this garden take shape has been a privilege.
“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.”
Chinese Streamside Garden Founding Committee member Gerry Yeung said: “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.”
The opening will be marked with a weekend of activities on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, including Chinese Lion Dance performances, calligraphy demonstrations, Chinese chess, lantern making and storytelling inspired by the legend of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess.
There will also be guided tours of the Chinese Streamside Garden in English, Mandarin and Cantonese, alongside live music including traditional Guzheng performances and choirs.
All opening weekend activities are included with normal admission to RHS Garden Bridgewater, with entry free for RHS members.
To find out more, or book tickets, head to the RHS Bridgewater website…
Read More:
The best things to do in Manchester this week
The best gigs and club nights in Manchester in October 2026
A-Kin, Kallos and Portfolio join Tartuffe for Open Fire Dining Club’s all-star season finale