You may assume that autumn is a time to wind down the garden activities and get things packed away for the winter, but that couldn’t be further from the truth at our very own RHS Garden Bridgewater. The Garden is set unveil a major new landmark for Greater Manchester on Saturday 26 September when the Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden, the centrepiece of the UK’s largest Chinese garden, opens to visitors for the first time.
More than eight years in the making, the garden is the result of an ambitious programme of fundraising, design and craftsmanship, creating a striking new attraction within RHS Bridgewater’s seven-acre Chinese Streamside Garden.
Developed in partnership with Yangzhou City, the China Flower Association, Greater Manchester’s Chinese community and the RHS, it combines authentic Chinese architecture, horticulture and cultural traditions in a landscape inspired by the historic scholars’ gardens of Yangzhou.
The Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden has been meticulously crafted by skilled Chinese artisans and centres around four interconnected pavilions celebrating the scholarly arts of chess, music, calligraphy and painting. Every pathway, bridge and view has been designed to reveal beauty and meaning one step at a time.
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.”
Chinese Streamside Garden Founding Committee member Mr Gerry Yeung commented: “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.”
Opening weekend celebrations
To mark the public opening, RHS Garden Bridgewater will host a vibrant programme of family-friendly activities across Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 September, celebrating the culture, traditions and symbolism that inspired the garden’s design.
Highlights of the opening weekend include:
- Traditional Chinese Lion Dance performances
- A family Lion Dance workshop
- Storytelling inspired by the legend of Chang’e, the Moon Goddess
- Traditional Chinese calligraphy demonstrations
- A special Chinese Chess competition
- Guided tours of the Chinese Streamside Garden in English, Mandarin and Cantonese
- Live music performances, including traditional Guzheng music
- Choir performances throughout the weekend
- Lantern-making activities for families
All opening weekend activities are included with normal garden admission, which is free for RHS Members.
The Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden offers visitors an extraordinary new place to explore, creating a distinctive new cultural landmark for the region and a place that will inspire and delight visitors for generations to come.
How to book
You can book general admission tickets, which provides access to the new Yangzhou Scholars’ Garden, here.
📍 You can find RHS Garden Bridgewater at Occupation Rd, Worsley, Manchester M28 2LJ.
