The Moon is Full and the Flowers Are Beautiful: "Yuanyi Garden • Moonlight Whispers" Mid-Autumn Festival Feast

#Mid-AutumnFestival #GardenofFriendship #DarlingHarbourCelebrations

This Mid-Autumn Festival, the Chinese Garden of Friendship in Darling Harbour is hosting a unique "Moonlit Lantern and Tea Cake Feast" event, inviting you and your family to spend a cozy evening together under the most beautiful moon in the Eastern Hemisphere. From lantern crafting and tea art experiences to mooncake tastings, the entire garden will be immersed in an atmosphere that blends poetry and tradition.

🕰️ Opening Hours

Time Event Notes
10:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Garden of Friendship Daytime (Normal Admission). Last admission approximately 4:45 PM.
5:30 PM – 9:30 PM: Mid-Autumn Festival Activities: Lantern Workshop, Tea Ceremony, Mooncake Tasting, and Lantern Exhibition. Nighttime lighting and decorations will be incorporated.
After 9:30 PM: Activities conclude and the park will gradually close. Please plan your departure time in advance.

Note: In case of inclement weather, the organizer may adjust the time or content of some activities. Please check the latest announcements before entering the park.

🏖️ Environment/Facilities

Located at the southern end of Darling Harbour, adjacent to Sydney's Chinatown and Chinatown, Garden of Friendship is a tranquil oasis of traditional Chinese gardens in the heart of the city. The garden's elegant pavilions, curved bridges, rockery, pools and streams, winding paths, and lush bamboo and willows create a scene that transports one to a Jiangnan garden.

Amidst this landscape, soft lights illuminate the corridors and waterscapes on Mid-Autumn Night. The reflections of the pavilions, illuminated by lanterns, create an ethereal effect. A special light show will be held at night, and strings of lanterns will be hung along the pools, complementing the moonlight. The garden also features a teahouse and pavilion (usually used for tea tasting and conversation), which will be converted into open tea areas and mooncake displays during the event.

The garden also provides basic public facilities, such as restrooms, drinking fountains, benches, and accessible access. Notably, the Garden of Friendship is listed on the New South Wales Heritage List as a symbol of cultural exchange between China and Australia.

📍 Address

Intersection of Pier Street and Harbour Street,
Darling Harbour NSW 2000, Australia

Access is very convenient: light rail, bus, or walking distance from the heart of Darling Harbour.

💰 Average Cost per Person
• Park Admission: Approximately A$12 for adults, A$8 for students and seniors, free for children under 5
• Activity Fees: Lantern crafting and tea ceremony experiences may require an additional registration fee (depending on the activity package).
• Mooncake Tasting: Typically included in the activity package. Additional fees for exquisite gift boxes or custom mooncakes vary depending on brand and size.
• Snacks/Drinks: Additional fees may apply for refreshments, beverages, or the snack area.
• Estimated Total Cost: For the full activity (including crafting, tea, and mooncake tasting), a recommended budget is approximately A$25–40.

🎡 Mid-Autumn Festival Highlights (Don't Miss This Weekend)

Lantern Crafting Workshop

Learn to make a paper lantern or LED heat-light lantern under the guidance of a professional instructor. From cutting the paper and trimming the flowers, assembling the lantern, sealing the edges, and lighting it, you can personally perform every step. The finished lantern can be taken home or hung in the park as part of a nighttime light installation.

Tea Ceremony and Tasting

A traditional tea ceremony will be held, featuring live demonstrations by tea masters, including roasting, brewing, smelling, and tea etiquette. Participants can try their hand at brewing and savoring a variety of flavors, including green tea, oolong tea, Pu'er tea, and scented tea. Light snacks such as chrysanthemum cakes and small cookies will accompany the tea.

Mooncake Display and Tasting

The organizers will present mooncakes in traditional and innovative flavors (such as red bean paste, lotus seed paste, five-nut paste, lotus seed paste with egg yolk, and snow skin). Guests are invited to savor the delicate fillings and crispy crusts. Under the interplay of moonlight and lanterns, a bite of mooncake and a cup of tea is the perfect festive experience.

Nighttime Light Show Tour

As night falls, the Garden of Friendship will illuminate the gardens with lanterns, hanging beads, and revolving lanterns. Visitors can stroll through the winding paths and admire the interplay of reflections, light, and moonlight. Dances, string music, or classical music performances may be arranged at certain times to enhance the Mid-Autumn Festival atmosphere.

Attached Art Market

A small cultural and creative market will be set up around the park, featuring artisans, traditional crafts, and mooncake gift boxes. Visitors can also purchase unique souvenirs as Mid-Autumn Festival souvenirs.

📝 Tips and Notes
1. Advance registration recommended: Space for the lantern and tea art experience is limited, so pre-registration is recommended through the organizer or the official website.
2. Dress comfortably: For outdoor activities at night, it is recommended to bring a light jacket and comfortable shoes.
3. Lighting: Bringing a flashlight or small lamp will enhance your photography.
4. Photo opportunities: The pavilions, curved bridges, ponds, and reflections of lanterns within the park provide excellent backgrounds. Shooting before dusk or at night is recommended.
5. Transportation: Crowds may be high after the event, so planning your return route in advance or taking public transportation will be more convenient. 6. Respect Culture: During the hands-on and hands-on activities, please adhere to the workshop rules and venue regulations to maintain a positive atmosphere.

On the evening of Mid-Autumn Festival, the Garden of Friendship will be transformed into a venue where culture and light meet. Whether you're planning to create lanterns with your children, present a traditional Chinese gift, or simply sit back and savor tea while gazing at the moon, every step is a blend of emotion and art. This weekend, let's step into this garden, a fusion of Eastern sentiment and Australian flair, and spend an unforgettable Mid-Autumn Festival evening with family and friends on the shores of Darling Harbour.