The Chinese New Year at Lan Yuan in Dunedin
It was the Chinese New Year. So, as a way to celebrate I visited the Dunedin Chinese Gardens. Opened in 2008, the gardens were created with the support of the Shanghai Municipal Government, are New Zealand’s only authentic Chinese Garden and when it opened, one of only three outside China. They are well worth a visit and so, that’s just what I did!
The place was peaceful and quiet. An inner city oasis filled with tranquil waterfalls and ponds, connected with calm and serene walkways that make all thoughts of the busy city outside its walls, drift away. Inside the gardens were in festive preparation mode with decorative lanterns gently swaying in the light breeze. All around, there were signs that a busy evening was in store yet the place remained calm and peaceful. If this was anywhere else, with thousands of people expected in a few hours, it would be mayhem! Yet, here nothing seemed a bother. Everything was happening in a placid, slow motion sort of way, it was all rather nice.
While I was there I decided to brush up on my knowledge of the Chinese zodiac signs. This year is the year of the Snake however there are twelve in total, all of which have lucky meanings and characteristics. It is believed that people born in a given year have the personality of that year’s animal. If you are an Ox you’re diligent, dependable and strong while those who are a Dog are lovely, honest and prudent. I was born in the year of the Dragon, meaning not only am I the coolest of all the animals, but I’m also confident, intelligent and enthusiastic. They also seem to have missed out devilishly handsome, but I’m willing to let that one slide.
The festivities in the evening began at 7pm sharp with the gardens open to visitors while outside a Dragon parade made its way a short distance from the centre of the city to the main entrance. At that point a Dragon Dance took place before other various cultural dances and performance celebrations were held, culminating in a grand fireworks display that lit-up the evening sky.
All of this I missed due to a prior engagement, except for the spectacular 10 minute fireworks display over the harbour basin and could be seen all over the city.