Growing reputation
Some locals have long known what a hidden gem Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden is in this city, but it looks like the secret is out.
The recently published National Geographic book The Secret Journeys of a Lifetime has listed the attraction as one of the top 10 city gardens in the world. Other city gardens in the top 10 are located in cities such as Paris, London and Marrakech. In total, 53 master craftsmen travelled to Vancouver from China to create the attraction modelled after a scholar's garden from the Ming Dynasty, which dates back to the 15th century.
The men brought 950 crates of materials and constructed the garden using traditional methods, which excluded the use of glue, screws or power tools. The end result is one of tranquility, symbolism and the perfect balance of yin and yang featuring 100-year-old miniature trees, limestone rocks imported from Suzhou, cherry blossom trees, bamboo, and orange koi swimming in jade green water. For more on the garden visit vancouverchinesegarden.com.
Outgoers
On Dec. 5 park board general manager Malcolm Bromley will make a presentation to outgoing commissioners Loretta Woodcock, Stuart Mackinnon, Ian Robertson and Raj Hundal. I almost forgot about Hundal, he's been so quiet lately.
But I assume he's been busy preparing for his run for an NDP nomination in the next provincial election.
The new board will be sworn in and a chair and vice-chair will be elected.
Light up
It's the time of year again when the park board illuminates some of its attractions and special landmarks with holiday lights.
Beginning Thursday, Dec. 1 until Jan. 7, three locations will light up the night daily from 5:30 to 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to midnight. (I assume there's a timer involved.) Those locations include the Lost Lagoon Fountain in Stanley Park, the Elm Grove at English Bay and George Wainborn Park at the south foot of Richards Street.
As well, Bright Nights at Stanley Park is open daily from Dec. 2 to Jan. 2 from 3 to 10 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 3 to 11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
The Jewel Box of Lights at Bloedel Conservatory takes place for the second year from Dec. 9 to Jan. 2 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday to Thursday.
A special opening event takes place Dec. 9 from 6 to 9 p.m.
VanDusen Botanical Garden's Festival of Lights begins Dec. 9 and runs through Jan. 2 and is open from 4:30 to 9 p.m. None of the attractions are open Christmas Day.
sthomas@vancourier.com
Twitter: @sthomas10
