This garden was the first built outside of China. Its construction and financing represent the unique relationship between Canada and the PRC.
It is designed on the same model of private classical gardens found in the city of Suzhou during the Ming Dynasty.
A team of 52 artists from Suzhou devoted a full year to its realization with the help of Joe Wai of Don Vaughan architect and landscape architect from Vancouver.
The materials, tools and techniques used are virtually identical to those used centuries ago.
Most of the materials were imported by boat from China in more than 950 crates containing terracotta tiles, carved woodwork, lattice windows, limestone rocks and small pebbles for the floor of the courtyard.
The garden bears the name of Dr Sun Yat-Sen in homage to the one who is considered the father of modern China, since he played a leading role in the overthrow of the Quing dynasty in 1911 and later became the 1st President from China.
The classical Chinese garden reflects the Taoist philosophy of yin and yang which balances opposing elements such as dark and light, hard and soft, small and big.
It has 4 main elements: buildings, rocks, plants and water.