Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden set to open at RHS Bridgewater

The Yangzhou Scholars' Garden, the centrepiece of the UK’s largest Chinese garden, will open on September 26 at RHS Garden Bridgewater.

This project has taken more than eight years to complete and is the result of collaboration between the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the China Flower Association, Yangzhou City, and Greater Manchester’s Chinese community.

It features traditional Chinese architecture, horticulture, and cultural symbolism, and is set within the garden’s seven-acre Chinese Streamside Garden.

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."

The garden has been designed and constructed by skilled Chinese artisans, with four pavilions representing the scholarly arts of chess, music, calligraphy, and painting.

Tracy Snell, curator at RHS Bridgewater, said: "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."

A programme of family-friendly activities will take place across the opening weekend on September 26 and 27, celebrating the culture and traditions behind the garden.

Events will include Chinese lion dance performances, a family lion dance workshop, storytelling inspired by the Moon Goddess Chang'e, and calligraphy demonstrations.

There will also be a Chinese chess competition, lantern-making, and guided tours of the Chinese Streamside Garden in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.

Live music and choir performances, including traditional guzheng music, will also feature throughout the weekend.

All activities are included in standard garden admission, which is free for RHS members.

Gerry Yeung, a member of the Chinese Streamside Garden Founding Committee, 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."