Chinese Scholar’s Garden
Outdoor Exploration
Discover the Chinese Scholar’s Garden, one of only two authentic classical outdoor Chinese gardens in the United States
Inspired by the serene artistry of Ming Dynasty gardens, this extraordinary cultural treasure blends architecture, landscape, poetry, and philosophy into a living work of art.
Every detail of the garden was crafted in Suzhou, China—from its roof tiles and carved wooden beams to its hand-laid paving stones. A team of 40 master artists and craftspeople spent a year creating its components and six months at Snug Harbor assembling them on site, using traditional joinery techniques with no nails or glue.
Wander through eight elegant pavilions, stroll along a bamboo-lined path, pause by waterfalls, and watch fish glide through shimmering ponds. Magnificent scholar’s rocks—some resembling mist-covered mountains—anchor the landscape, including a dramatic 15-foot formation that rises over the central courtyard. Each twist in the garden’s zigzagging bridges and pathways offers a new perspective, inviting contemplation and discovery.
Built through a partnership among Snug Harbor, the City of New York, the Landscape Architecture Company of China, and the metropolitan Chinese American community, the garden opened in 1999 as a symbol of cultural harmony and collaboration.
Fun Facts
No nails or glue were used
Every wooden element fits together through traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery.
Zigzagging bridges & paths reveal shifting views
Ancient philosophers believed the zigzag design would confuse wandering spirits.
Unity in Fragments
The upper pavilion’s mosaic blends broken rice bowls (China) and broken beer bottles (America)—a powerful artistic symbol of unity between both cultures.
Location
Where
The Chinese Scholar’s Garden is located at the southwest corner of campus, near the Healing Garden and the Connie Gretz Secret Garden, with the entrance at Cottage E right across Cottage Row from Harbor Eats and the Carl Grillo Glass House.
Summer Hours
May 1, 2026 – September 26, 2026
Wednesday – Friday
12:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Saturday – Sunday
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM
(last entry at 6:30 PM)
- $5 for adults
- $4 for seniors (65+) and students
- Free for children 5 and under, active military (Blue Star program), and Snug Harbor Members
The Chinese Scholar’s Garden is free to Staten Island residents on the first Friday of every month. Please bring proof of address to verify.
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Our Contributors
This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council. Snug Harbor thanks Council Members David Carr, Kamillah Hanks, and Frank Morano for their generous allocations. Programming in the Chinese Scholar’s Garden is supported in part by the New York City Council’s Cultural Immigrant Initiative, administered by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. Capital funding is provided by Assembly Member Charles D. Fall and State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton.
