Eight walkers gathered for our walk through the Chinese Garden of Friendship. The garden opened in 1988 and was a Bicentennial gift from the province of Guangdong to the state of NSW.
The walkers assembled excluding photographer Don Wo
When we arrived, a discovery tour of the gardens was about to start, so we joined the tour and learnt a lot about Chinese gardens and the culture associated with them.
Ying and Yang and tour guide explaining Bonsai (above)
First we saw the bonsai. The Chinese bonsai (penjing) aim to create a miniature landscape. We learnt about the different pavilions and the concept of ying and yang.
92 year old Bonsai(left) and Bonsai landscape with man fishing on bridge (right)
The five elements of fire, soil, water, plants and rock are represented in the garden.
The tour ended at the Clear View Pavilion on top of the hill. We then had morning tea. We continued to wander around the garden and had lunch near the Water Pavilion. We saw many water dragons enjoying the sunshine.
HVB Sentinels at the entry The Rock Forest
Clear View Pavilion(left) and Waterfall(right)
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Waterfall View, Intricate wood carving of the Gurr also know as the Clear View Pavilion and Pavilion Lanterns
Local Water Dragon in situ(above)
The Dragon Wall Blue dragon represents NSW and the Golden dragon Guandong 
Peaceful Garden scenes
After lunch we did a circuit of the lake and then went for coffee at the Vesta Cafe in Darling Harbour.
Coffee at "Vesta" at Darling Harbour
Walkers: Robyn Mi and Lyndy led Sue B, Annette Elp, Judy, John M, Deidre and Don Wo.
Photos: Lyndy (7),Robyn Mi (3,6,9,10,11,15), Deidre (4,5,8,12,13,14,17,18,19), Don Wo (1,2,16)
Words: Robyn Mi