What secrets does a garden hold when its name whispers of a “Recovered Moon”? Here at the Chinesischer Garten, within Berlin’s Gardens of the World, the story unfolds like a delicate scroll painting. The Chinesischer Garten isn’t just a garden. It’s a living poem, gifted to Berlin by Beijing, symbolizing the city’s reunification. Imagine, the moon, a celestial emblem of harmony and unity, mirrored in the name “Garden of the Recovered Moon”. This is Germany’s largest Chinese garden, a testament to the enduring power of friendship and shared history.
The year was 2000. One hundred containers arrived, filled with precious timbers, stones, furniture, and sculptures, all the way from Beijing. Chinese artisans meticulously pieced together this 2.7-hectare masterpiece, guided by the wisdom of the Beijing Institute for Classical Garden Architecture. The vision? To create a symphony of heaven, earth, water, plants, paths, and buildings – the “seven things” in perfect harmony. The Chinesischer Garten invites you, the eighth element, to find your own place within this exquisite balance. At the heart of the Chinesischer Garten lies the “Mirror of Heaven,” a tranquil 4,500 square meter lake. Picture this: Lush hills embrace the water’s edge, delicate bridges arch across its surface, and traditional buildings and plazas offer quiet contemplation. As you stroll through the garden, discover the “Stone Boat, View to the Moon,” partially submerged, a whimsical reminder of the garden’s namesake. The paths wind in a zig-zag pattern, a clever design believed to deter evil spirits, who, according to legend, can only travel in straight lines.
Seek out the tea house, “Mountain House for Osmanthus Juice,” perched overlooking the lake. Here, you can indulge in the ancient ritual of tea, choosing from 37 varieties. From the “Crown of Monks” to the “Jade Snail of Dragon Mountain,” each name evokes a sense of wonder. Savor the delicate flavors while enjoying traditional pastries like “Wife Cake” or “Phoenix Waffle Roll”. As you leave the Chinesischer Garten, a statue of Confucius greets you, inscribed with his timeless wisdom: “What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.” A fitting reminder of the harmony that permeates this special place. The Chinesischer Garten isn’t merely a collection of plants and stones. It is a journey into the heart of Chinese culture, a place where the whispers of the past mingle with the serenity of the present.