New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden: A Ming-Era Escape

If you think you've seen everything in New York, it's time to hop on the free ferry to Staten Island and visit the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden, a garden built by the Chinese community in the style of the Ming Dynasty.

This garden is an oasis inside the city's hustle, one of those unexpected New York spots that keeps bringing us back again and again.

What the Chinese Scholar's Garden is

The Chinese Scholar's Garden, part of the Snug Harbor cultural complex, was commissioned by New York's Chinese community and opened in 1999.

The goal was to recreate the gardens of the Ming Dynasty, spaces designed to inspire poets, thinkers, and monks. That's where the name Scholar's Garden comes from.

The Chinese Scholar's Garden is barely known even to New Yorkers. Many only got around to visiting after it showed up in Woody Allen‘s film Wonder Wheel (2017).

What to see in the garden

Every piece of the place was built using traditional techniques by artisans from Suzhou, China, with no nails or glue. The pieces were then assembled in New York.

There are 8 pavilions, bridges, a bamboo forest, and a pond with rocks and small waterfalls that bring a sense of harmony to every corner.

The pavilions and the garden host small events and concerts, especially in spring, when the garden's carefully planned plantings are at their most colorful.

How to visit the Chinese Scholar's Garden

Set aside at least half a day for this outing, since it's a bit off the usual tourist routes. You can fold it into an itinerary that covers other sights on Staten Island.

You don't need a guide or a tour to see it. At the entrance you'll find large panels explaining every detail of the construction.

Before or after visiting the Chinese Scholar's Garden, take the chance to explore the other attractions at Snug Harbor (and Staten Island!).

How to get there:

First, take the orange ferry to Staten Island (this is the only New York borough the subway doesn't reach).

From the Staten Island ferry terminal, catch the S40 bus, which goes straight to the Snug Harbor cultural center (it works with your MetroCard!).

Once you enter the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, just follow the signs.

Prices

Adults US$ 5 / 65+ and students US$ 4 / under 4 free

(Admission is already included in the Sightseeing Pass)

Hours

Hours depend on the season and tend to change. Check the official website to confirm.