The Huntington Botanical Gardens Summer Series

Liu Fang Yuan, the Chinese Garden

The 3.5 acres soon to be 12 acres Chinese Garden was created in 2008. After its extension in 2020, it will be the largest Chinese-style gardens outside China (total cost estimated $53 million).

The Garden of Flowing Fragrance – Liu = Flowing, Fang = Fragrance, Yuan = Garden – is based on a Suzhou style garden.

Suzhou is a city located West of Shanghai which includes 60 gardens recognized by UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Suzhou gardens are mini-scale of nature featuring waters, plants, and stones to represent mountains, rivers, and flora.

Over six months, more than 60 artisans from Suzhou worked to create Liu Fang Yuan using a lot of materials directly sourced in China.

As you enter, the Wall of Colorful Clouds (Jing Yun Bi), discover Ying Fang Hu, the Lake of Reflected Fragrance surrounding by pavilions, bridges, and rocks.

Did you know?

Like Japanese Bonsai, the Penzai are mini-scale potted trees but they are stylistically different.

Below are some pictures from the expanded Chinese Garden, opened in October 2020.

Ready to explore the Garden of Flowing Fragrance?

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*COVD-19 update as of September 2020*

1. Online reservation required (every Tuesday at noon).
2. The gardens are open and the galleries remained closed.
3. All visitors must respect health and safety protocols.

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Tips:

• Location: The Huntington Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108
• Hours: 10am-5pm. Closed on Tuesday. Summer evening walks 4:30 pm- 7pm.
• Admission: $25 on weekdays and $29 on weekends for adults.
• Duration: from 2 hours to the day
• Parking: Free on-site lot
• You can’t bring food inside but the Café provides dining options
• More information available at https://www.huntington.org/

Article based on my visits in 2019 and 2020

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