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But if an overseas trip is not on the table, why not visit one of the many scenic gardens in the Klang Valley instead? These will effortlessly transport you to another country – albeit for only an hour or two.
One such garden is the China-Malaysia Friendship Garden here.
Its pavilion, decked with red lanterns, overlooks a tranquil lake, and just by standing still and taking it all in, you could very well feel like you’ve stepped back in time to ancient China.
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Symbol of friendship
For a little backstory, the 0.24-hectare plot of land, developed in collaboration with the Malaysia-China Friendship Association (PPMC), symbolises the 40th anniversary of bilateral relations between the two countries.
The garden is named “zhi yuan” – “zhi” meaning friendship and “yuan” meaning meeting point. Embodying the concept of “one view, same direction”, the garden was open to the public in 2015.
Different elements
The tranquil space, inspired by the Lingnan gardens, comprises six major elements: mountain, water, stone, building, calligraphy and plants. It’s no wonder that the garden looks straight out of a Chinese period drama. Quiet and tranquil, this garden is a welcome change of scenery from the concrete jungle that is the city.
“It’s truly beautiful and definitely reminds me of home. The structure and design here are very reminiscent of our siheyuan,” a tourist from China, Madam Sun, told FMT Lifestyle, referring to the courtyards in her country that are surrounded by buildings on all four sides. It was the basic design for residences, palaces, temples and other structures in China once.
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Pavilion and lake view
At the entrance, you’ll spot a pair of 200-year-old Qilin statues transported from China. A legendary hooved chimerical creature from Chinese mythology, the duo stand guard at the traditional archway entrance here that’s easily distinguishable through its dramatic sloped roofs.
Once past the statues of the lion-like beasts, what immediately greets you is a small but clear lake filled with koi fish. While they’ll gather near the edge expecting to be fed when you come close, don’t feed them!
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Pandas
Ahhhh pandas, the cute and cuddly bear species that originates from China. Of course, no China-themed garden would be complete without at least a few nods to this amazing and much-loved animal.
You’ll be able to spot a few of these concrete black-and-white creatures on the grounds, some of them just chilling in the sun and others striking quirky Kung Fu poses.
Lush greenery
The garden is filled with weeping willows as well as a profusion of bamboo, bonsai trees and flowers.
The most significant flower here is the Yulan magnolia, the city flower of Dongguan said to symbolise the friendship between China and Malaysia.
In stark contrast to the amazing greenery are streams of red lanterns everywhere, hanging from trees and greeting visitors at the entrance. These decorative lanterns lend an auspicious and vibrant touch to the otherwise calm and peaceful grounds.
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A photographer’s dream
With plenty of Instagrammable spots thanks to the scenic backdrop, you’ll leave with many breathtaking photos of your visit here.
In fact, many groups, both locals and foreigners, were spotted clicking with a frenzy when FMT Lifestyle visited, so why not check the place out yourself sometime?
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China-Malaysia Friendship Garden
Anjung Floria
Lebuh Sentosa
Presint 4
62250 Putrajaya
Opening hours: 6.30am-7pm daily
Entrance and parking: Free
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