New York Chinese Scholar's Garden, Snug Harbor Cultural Center

The New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden at Snug Harbor is an absolute hidden gem in Staten Island. Walking through the entrance feels like stepping into another world — tranquil ponds, graceful bridges, bamboo groves, and carefully designed rock formations that make you feel transported straight to a classical Chinese landscape painting. The architecture is stunning, with beautifully detailed pavilions and winding corridors that invite you to slow down and take it all in. It’s clear how much thought and artistry went into the layout — every angle seems to reveal a new perspective. I was lucky enough to experience the garden while it was raining, and it was one of the most peaceful moments I’ve had in the city. The soft sound of raindrops on the pavilions and water features made the garden feel even more meditative and calming. Walking through the bamboo groves, the gentle rustle of the stalks swaying in the breeze added another layer of serenity that made the whole experience unforgettable. Whether you’re visiting for a quiet afternoon, photography, or to experience a piece of Chinese cultural heritage right here in New York, this garden is worth the trip. It’s serene, thoughtfully maintained, and offers a rare chance to experience beauty and calm in the middle of the city. This was super affordable at just $5, it’s $4 if you’re a student.

The place looks good, there's is a park around it. The landscape is beautiful, it looks like summer would be fun. But during winter there's no activities except walking and enjoy the view.

Peaceful and beautiful garden! I went on a Sunday afternoon and it was quiet and relaxing. Look for Cottage E—it’s the entrance. A hidden gem, perfect for a calm walk and great photos.

The entrance is at a nearby cottage and was a bit hidden - the sign in front was quite small. I enjoyed the short bamboo forest pathway leading towards the back side of the garden. The streams surrounding the garden are full of koi with occasional mini waterfalls. The area is fairly well maintained with occasional cobwebs in the bushes and lots of descriptions stored in the closet. The bathroom is quite accessible While the garden is a bit smaller than I would like, I still spent a good amount of time admiring it's glory and look forward to visiting the sister garden in China

We just love the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden! For only $5, it’s such a peaceful escape and a perfect spot for beautiful pictures. The light and colors here are just right, making every corner feel magical. Walking through the bridges, pavilions, and gardens feels like stepping into a painting. Such a hidden gem in Staten Island—we could spend hours here without ever feeling rushed.

This is an absolutely beautiful garden. The architecture of the buildings and the plants really makes you feel like you are in China. The little ponds they have there even have Koi fish. There are so many things to see and many great places to take pictures. Walking around everything took about an hour. This is completely worth the $5 (4 for students) price tag.

What a gem of a place! The Chinese Scholar's Garden at Snug Harbor is a truly special place. As one of two authentic Chinese gardens in the U.S. built by 40 Chinese artisans from Suzhou, China this place is definitely worth a visit. Our tour guide did a phenomenal job explaining the history and significance of the space. It was enchanting being surrounded by such beautiful architecture and greenery. The details are so wonderful, you can tell that this project was a labor of love filled with intentionality and mindfulness. The space is very relaxing, perfect for contemplation or reading a good book. I love how it invites you to sit almost anywhere and to gaze upon various structures, my favorite being the ornamental rocks that were brought from China. If this is your first time visiting, I highly recommend you schedule a tour. It's worth the knowledge of knowing the traditional features of a Chinese garden, as well as the story of how much work and intentionality went into developing and building it. I purchased tickets online, and was checked in at the Visitor Center. Our tour guide met us at the center. There are no bathrooms inside of the Chinese Scholar's Garden so I recommend going to the restroom in the Snug Harbor garden area before your tour. The tour took 1 hour total, and we got to spend as much time as we wanted in the garden at the end of it.

The NY Chinese scholars garden is a lovely place to visit for a weekend stroll. It really is a hidden gem. I enjoyed strolling through the buildings and gardens inspired by the Chinese landscape and culture.

The Chinese Scholar's Garden is as picturesque as it is serene. The architectural forms and beauty of the garden are a work of art. Definitely worth taking a trip to Staten Island! I particularly like how the wandering paths lead me back to the towering bamboo which is the entry point to the garden. The natural elements and the architecture built in the garden is a peaceful place fit for the scholar's meditation and study. There is a circular portal that leads to a courtyard with rocks that form a geometric pattern on the ground, guiding the eye to the organic shapes of the plants and trees. One element guides the eye to another element through contrast and even through repetition of shapes as can be seen in how there is a scallop edged wall behind this courtyard with the circular doorway. The circle motif is echoed in the design of the scallop edged wall beyond which flows another pond and yet more plants of different sizes. The landscape design also includes the waterfalls, pavilions and a rock-carved walkway with steps on it as well as a walkway that is zig-zagged! A great backdrop for picture taking with interesting rock formations along the pond in the courtyards. Also, when you pass by the koi fish pond, you could hear the splashing sounds they make as they swim around in the water. It brings an inner calm, tranquility and peacefulness to the viewers when they see the koi fish swim in the still water. I highly recommend a visit to the Chinese Scholar's Garden!

Small but cute. Very pretty in the summer. I am surprised that there garden is small despite a large Asian population here

One of my all time fav place here in the island. Altho I get to learn about it pretty late but still no regrets! I know it's far from the city but if you like to visit unique & rare places this is a mast ! I went twice so far , waiting for to visit it again this spring! Will update how it looks then . Btw if you traveling from the city, after taking the ferry you can just take the 40 bus & it will drop you right in front!

Hidden gem in Staten island's snug harbor. It is small and 30 minute is enough to spend in this beautiful spot. The place is filled with beautiful flowers during spring, relaxing water sounds ,butterflies and chirping birds. Very zen place! 5 dollar entrance fee. You can book online or at the door.

This is a beautiful garden to escape from NYC. Every first Friday is free admission for Staten Island residents upon showing proof of address. In other days it is a $5 ticket. Seniors and students get a discount $1 when showing proof of ID.

This garden is actually located inside the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, but they charge a separate admission of $5 to enter. The garden itself is not that big but it is very beautiful and makes for some great photo ops. Walking through here will make you feel like you are in Ancient China. There is a koi pond, a bamboo forest path, waterfalls and some very nice looking houses.

I'm in love with this garden! It's not that big, so be warned, but it's such a serene space with beautiful architecture that transported me back to China. Warning: bring bug repellant, or you're going to be a feast for them. $5 admission for an hour, must be booked online Major Suzhou vibes. From the color of the doors, down to the tiny bridge, the small ponds filled with giant koi fish, and the small gush of water when you walk to the back for the views. I had the 11AM time slot, and there were only three other small families visiting, which enabled me to really take lots of pictures and enjoy how scenic and quiet everything was. I would say pre-pandemic, this would've been very lively and would be a whole another vibe. No complaints at all because as a garden, the calm really made my experience. Would love to come back for how it would look in the winter time. Highly recommend coming here!

It's a beautiful garden with elegant atmosphere inside and out. It's a great place to calm your mind, to clean your heart and to activate your poetry thoughts. Every picture you take there will be a piece of art.

Beautiful little hidden gem. I was headed to Manhattan but somehow got turned around and landed in Staten Island. Already paid tolls to get here and I wasn't trying to pay more again to get to Manhattan. I look for activities to do and I see this place. It is exactly my cup of tea, I love nature! It was gorgeous although the day I had arrived unfortunately it was closed, but the grounds was open.

wow i am blown away. this is one of the best gardens i have been to so far. its so unique and authentic. i loved the bamboo forest! its odd at first but then you just get it :). everything was amazing. i took lots of photos. my dad loved it too. its very tranquil and slow paced. you feel calm here looking at everything. the koi pond was my fav :). the front desk was helpful too.

Beautiful Chinese garden! Feels like I'm in one of those olden day Chinese dramas. Everything is so scenic and picturesque there. I highly recommend visiting during the summer months so you can enjoy all the different plants in the garden.

Very enchanting garden! Waking through the bamboo lined pathways up to the beautifully structured architectural home, I felt submerged in a new country. Coming on a weekday (when we were the only ones there) allowed me to fully take in the elegance of this garden. From the sounds of the fish swimming through the water to stunningly intricate architecture to the fall foliage surrounding me - it was such a serene experience. Coming from an avid garden goer, this garden is so uniquely distinct from other gardens I've visited in the tri-state area. Staff is friendly, welcoming, and knowledgable when teaching us about the various gardens located at Snug Harbor. Fun fact - I was told that Justin Timberlake had just been there a day prior to shoot his new movie! (Let's not talk about how sad I was that I missed him...) The Chinese garden has a small admission fee, but it is so worth it for the mini vacation you take once you get in here. I guarantee you're going to leave wanting to book your trip to China, asap!

Exquisite tile patterns grace this garden. I wandered from space to space, each with unique sight lines and harmony of the pairings of built environment and plants, trees and water.

Incredible. I come here as often as I can. I cannot wait to see it in the summer as well, i've seen it now in the winter and there are a few plants that thrive within the winter! it's so gorgeous and I find myself coming to this park quite frequently, it's a peaceful place for me!

This place is gorgeous! It can be a little tricky to get here unless you have a car or bike. I biked here in June and walked around Snug Harbor and then paid the $5 fee to get in here. First you walk through a bamboo tunnel that leads you to a rose garden. Then into a pagoda type building that was beautifully landscaped with a koi fish pond. I really want to come back in the springtime when all the trees are flowering, I bet it's spectacular!

Tiny garden that replicates the garden in Suzhou, China. I was under the assumption that there is a fee to get in, but on the day I came, it was open to the public for free. It's a nice place to walk around and the pond also has lots of fishes. Good photo op area. Great place to just go walk around on a nice warm day.

Excellent visit well worth the trip to Snugs Harbor to view the beauty of this magnificent outdoor display of a Suzhou Garden. The wonderful sights along with a gentleman playing flute adds to the harmony you will feel here as you immerse yourself into a quick trip to China. If you are in NYC metro area and have already done all the major attractions, this site is worth the trip over on Staten Island. Beautiful scenery, water, rocks, flowers, bamboo garden and Suzhou style architecture make this a lovely lovely place to visit. Tip: Do make sure to pickup the garden guides which help you to understand the various displays inside the garden. The guides are in Chinese and English.

Amazing! 1) Probably the most relaxing spot in NYC. 2) This garden is so beautiful. My personal favorite garden not only in NYC, but Tri-State area. 3) Will definitely return.

This is definitely my favorite part of the Staten Island Botanical Gardens. The price to enter this exhibit is $5 per person to enter. That price is high for a small-to-mid-sized exhibit, but I enjoyed this garden nonetheless. I was tipped by a cool Yelper (Thanks! - You know who you are.) that it's free to enter during the off-season. Upon entering the exhibit, I heard someone play music in the background, probably in a way just to enhance the vibe of this exhibit. That was a really nice touch, and I actually heard it when I was outside of the exhibit, waiting to get in. Also, outside of the entrance, I saw some plants with labels on them. They looked just ok. Speaking of plants, we saw a good number of trees, bushes and bamboo. Some of those looked good, and others looked okay. We didn't see a lot of flowers here, and the ones that we came across here looked nice. We even saw a tree with fruit growing on top of us, and that looked really good. But there was more than just the plants that made this exhibit look really appealing. The surrounding building that encompassed the garden exhibit looked and felt like I was in China. Signs with Chinese writing was almost everywhere, and there was even writing on the lampposts (which you had to look real closely to see)! There was even a room that you could walk into, that had chairs on both sides and an open space in-between. I actually pictured a kung-fu lesson being held here, since this was almost like what I saw in the movies. This was very nice, indeed. Some parts of the path that you had to walk on contained some artwork designs, which looked neat. There was also a pond with fish swimming around, which was in the middle of the exhibit. That was interesting to see. Finally, there was a viewpoint area where you could look out to see more plants in the distance. That was just okay. Overall, for anyone who's looking for a unique garden exhibit for the first time and doesn't mind paying a fee to enter when it's mandatory, I highly recommend coming here. Cheers!

Last year, a friend who moved to NYC for summer asked me about places to visit in Staten Island. I listed the usual, the Ferry, Verrazano, Ft. Wardsworth and South Beach... But one place, I said, you absolutely MUST see. A real hidden gem even most New Yorkers do not know about. It's Chinese Scholar Garden in Snug Harbor. I will not repeat the story and building facts - you can read it on their site or in other reviews. I will just tell you that this Garden is incredible. It's most beautiful serene place. Unbelievably well designed & authentic. Relaxing & picturesque. Take your time and sit on one of the benches, watching the koi swimming in the pond, listening for bamboo whispering in the wind, and feeling pink flower petals fall to the palm of your hand. Go in Spring, when trees are in bloom and koi wake up from winter nap. It is worth a day trip to forgotten borough, I promise you.

"The garden is created by the human hand, but should appear as if created by heaven." This is paraphrasing the 15th century garden designer Ji Ching. The scholar's garden has a tradition of nearly 2,000 years and was built by a scholar or administrator retiring from the emperor's court. This garden, situated in the Staten Island Botanical Garden, at Sailor Snug Harbor, had it's beginnings in 1984. A contract with the Suzhou branch of the Landscape Architecture Corporation of China was secured. All the architectural components of The New York Chinese Scholar's Garden were prefabricated in Suzhou, including roof and floor tiles, columns and beams, doors and windows, bridges and paving materials and carefully chosen rocks. In 1998 a team of 40 Chinese artists and artisans from Suzhou lived on the grounds and started construction, six months later, they had finished their work and created the ONLY Chinese Scholar's Garden in the United States. This garden elicits both a contemplative and sensual experience. All the elements of a classic Scholar's Garden are present: wood, rocks, water, plantings, furniture, walls, walkways, pavillions, Xie (Xie is a building with one half over a lake or pond, and supporting columns in the water. The structure is designed to give the illusion that the building is floating over the water's surface), bridges, paving, painting and calligraphy. I believe you will cherish a day at this sanctuary. I am a fool for not going more often. Two miles west of the ferry, it is a short S40 bus ride, or cab trip from the ferry terminal. OH NO! i just gave you a really good reason to come to Staten Island. Ugh. It's true. Maybe i'll see you there!

WOW and wow- that is what we kept saying while we walked around here. Feels more like an open air house- the architecture is beyond belief and stunning! Go when you have some serious time to kill and can linger and sit and enjoy the water pools and the bridges and the bamboo rustling in the wind. I will certainly go back. I got some killer photos here.

This is a hidden gem on Staten Island! I make an effort to visit at least once every season, since it looks and feels like a whole different place in each season (come see the leaves changing in the fall, snow falling in the winter, blossoms blooming in the spring, and summery air in the summer). It's so quiet and secluded, a great place to come and find solitude from the crazy world we are living in right now. It's cheap as well! It's only $5, and I think cheaper for students, free for members of Snug Harbor, and free every Saturday for Staten Island residents. Definitely fits in with the whole beauty of Snug Harbor, in which this is located in.

Beautiful place and only $4 for college students!! Made the trip all the way from Brooklyn and would do it again. Loved it!

As a Chinese who always embrace traditional architecture (like the forbidden city), I could hardly believe that I have not discovered this place after staying in NY for so long. Today was simply a lucky day for me I guess. Not so conveniently located, this small yard-type garden was very much alike the classical garden of Suzhou, which carried pools, pavilions and plants and organized them in a way to represent life of elegance and delicacy. The Chinese garden in Staten Island did that in a simpler way. By walking on the stone-built road, I could feel myself being brought back to the Qing dynasty. It was already a bit late in the season to enjoy the foliage; nevertheless the perfect sky color made it up completely. Given the long distance, I would think twice before visiting again. Definitely suggest to anyone who has strong hype in China and Chinese culture!

Another hidden beauty within the Staten Island Cultural center. The $5 admission fee was worth every cent. The garden was serene, peaceful and beautiful. There were a lot of photographers taking different angles of the garden. The day was gorgeous and sunny out and it was truly a great visit. I felt like I was in a different place other than NYC. We visited in the early afternoon and it wasn't too crowded. I could see how it could get really crowded since it's such a small garden. What I didn't see was any staff available to answer questions if you had some. This is definitely a place you want to bookmark and take a trip out to see.

I went to the original one in Suzhou, China that this one is based on a couple of years ago and I recognized many of the details. It is much like a smaller version of the original garden. While I liked the one in Montreal, this one is more authentic. There is a lovely Bamboo path, great structures, pathways and the windows are each uniquely designed just as the one in China has hundreds of uniquely designed windows. The fish and foliage really complete the garden. The designers and builders did a great job! It is definitely worth visiting perhaps as a day of Staten Island oriented activities as it is a bit of a trek (though much easier and cheaper than going to China!). Coming by car is relatively easy as there is free parking. Regular admission is $5 (the rest of Snug Harbor is free except for the Museum) and the reduced price is $4. The garden is also part of the reciprocal membership program, though I would recommend supporting the garden, especially if you are in a position to do so to help keep it in good condition. This is really a gem.

Best kept secret! Having lived in NYC for a long time, I can't believe that today was the first I visited the garden. The place was completely serene and peaceful. The entrance fee is also very cheap.

By far, one of the best experiences I've had on Staten Island. The island is actually very "green" with a lot of parks and green space, but the Chinese Scholar's Garden is simply stunning. Before this the Brooklyn Botanic Gardens Japanese garden was my favorite, but this has replaced it in scope and scale. I really felt as though I had been transported out of New York was sitting in China. We even went on a slightly rainy day, but this only enhanced the atmosphere as we were the only ones there. The best $5 I've ever spent.

I think this used to be more expensive the first few years after it opened. It's currently $5, so all you Staten Islanders who haven't been are running games out of excuses. The architecture is so beautiful it looks like it belongs on a post card.

Awesome awesome little garden! Went here with my 10&9 year old kids today. It's about a 10min walk around the Chinese garden itself, but a little gem for sure. You could pack a picnic and also walk around to the other gardens and visit the other museums while you're there.

The Best Chinese Gardens in America, and One of New York City's Hidden Gems. I've never been to the Chinese Gardens in Montreal, but this one in Staten Island is the best tourist place to visit on the isle, in my opinion. The Chinese Gardens in Portland, Oregon were nice too, but nowhere as large. A must-visit for those who enjoy Chinese Gardens. FYI, the Staten Island Botanical Gardens (where the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden is located, and part of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center) is also building a Tuscan Garden, the second of a series of six internationally themed "Gardens of the World" which will be built at the Garden in the next decade.

The chinese scholars garden is located inside the snug cultural center in staten island. Difficult to find but worth one visit. Once you get off the staten island ferry, you need to take the S40 bus two stops to Snug Harbor. The garden is one of the many sites within the snug center and there is a small $5 admission. Once you enter, it reminds me of ancient chinese movie. A good place to take your folks (if you are chinese) or you are interested in chinese culture.

I know it's really hard to get to Staten Island if you don't have a car, so if you're in the area or decide to have a Staten Island adventure, check this place out! The garden is $5, and it is well worth it! It's within Snug Harbor, there are a couple of parking lots there and it didn't seem like it cost anything. I think the garden closes at 5. The entrance to the garden is fairly hidden and it doesn't seem well manned, if you go wondering the wrong way. But when you find it WOW! It opens up into a beautiful oasis of small buildings, trees, water and flowers. You really can't believe that this exists in NYC. It is truly a beautiful sight to see. No words can really describe the peace and tranquility that this place brings to you. My friend and I are fairly loud people but we went whispering through the garden taking in the beauty and calmness of this place. I can't really explain the place but that it's like heaven, bring your camera, take pictures and enjoy the scenery. **Hint Hint to the boyfriends out there, wanna impress your girl with a romantic date take here. Or even to pop the question! MAJOR POINTS!!

4.5 stars... This is one of many gardens contained within the Staten Island Botanical Gardens, for more information see my review of the Staten Island Botanical Gardens: http://www.yelp.com/biz/staten-island-botanical-garden-inc-staten-island#hrid:Irc2Vxg634wVTgBw1hln4g/src:self

It took forever to realize the entrance to the park. Walked along the way as others also scratch their heads to where to get in. I suggest putting the sign closer to the road as people walk by, so they know where to go. Pay the fee in the house/gift shop and head in. Once you get in, it is absolutely beautiful. My mom really enjoyed it. They have koi in the waterscape they built. They had little nooks and crannies that you can sit and even snack a little to enjoy the beautiful landscaping. Very serene and a nice zone out place. Definitely worth the trip to take a look. They have bathrooms by the shop (entrance/exit). Decently clean.

This is a really amazing garden I thought it was cool that I didn't have to pay five bucks.. Lol the surrounding was amazing and calm... Walking around looking as all different types of Asian flowers/trees. There was even a road of bamboos it was amazing!! The way the area built made me feel like I was in Asia again! I love how there was a coy fish pond ...there was about 10-15 fishes ...the setting looked like an old Asian house kinda cool... Was quite and lovely... The flowering had amazing rocks and pebbles that made it seem so life like.. The rocks looked like Asian jade rocks... Really have to visit this place during the spring... It's not the biggest botanic garden but it is a really amazing one!

I'm a photographer and I just love love love this place .i took a lot of beautiful photos of my friend there .

Pretty spot with some great views of nature! Very picturesque, tranquil and a great way to spend a sunny afternoon. Check this place out if you're in the area! I came here to do some photo shoots for a friend hehe, it was very scenic!

This place lives up to the hype. So beautiful, so secluded, total perfection. Super easy to get to via the Staten Island ferry + bus. Note: the garden is on the grounds of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center, and there are other museums/buildings there that charge a fee to get in. BUT if you have an NYCID it is free. Also don't miss the "Healing Garden," which is adjacent to the Chinese Scholar Garden. It is less decorative, more meditative.

Definitely a best kept secret of Staten Island... Gorgeous gardens, hundreds of awesome picture taking opportunities... Just go! We took our wedding pictures here, and they come out simply breathtaking.

Favorite place to be alone, with the nephews & nieces, my baby, or alone. Calming, wonderful place full of mysteries & history.

This is a beautiful garden to visit, you must...just go check it out, I am not telling you what you'll see...just go see for yourself : )

If there is a reason for tourist to visit Staten Island, it would definitely have to be the Chinese Scholar's Garden. I actually had the pleasure of working here way back yonder; it was beautiful then and it is still beautiful now.

I always look forward to playing tourist with my guests when they visit me in New York. To date, my biggest hit has been Staten Island. We take the ferry across, hop on the 44 bus to the Botanical Gardens, and wander into the Chinese Scholar's garden. Today (a Saturday with decent weather), the garden was empty except for a bridal couple taking photos and a man playing the classical Chinese music on a sort of flute-thing. It was peaceful and lovely. Highly recommended. The only catch is that it's hard to find an entrance into the botanical garden, and the entrance to the Chinese garden (inside the park) is carefully hidden inside a gift shop. Afterwards, wander around the rest of the park or check out the Tuscan garden. The whole thing takes about an hour.

It's a tiny garden in the middle of Snug Harbor. I went there by the S44 bus and got to the garden via the back entrance. Along the way, you can check out the healing garden, wetlands and the secret garden too. I didn't have to pay an entrance fee when I was there, the gate was not staffed and it was just wide-opened, so I just walked right in. It is really a small place and you will finish the walk in about 15 minutes. It does have unique features, such as the bamboo trees, the koi pond and a showcase of old Chinese building architectures, but the place is poorly maintained. For example, the koi pond's water is so discolored, I feel awful for the koi swimming in it. Also, you can see paints chipping off the roof and shingles of the buildings. If you don't want to fly all the way to Suzhou, China to see the real deal (called the Couple's Retreat Garden), then you can come here instead. But I want to stress the fact that it might not be worth the trip and $ if you're expecting this to be a grand place.

Feast for the eyes! Well if you're into Chinese architecture but even so the place is so visually appealing anyone would enjoy coming here. This place is located within Snug Harbor and if it weren't for some of the workers that were there we wouldn't have known where the entrance is. The garden is pretty big and the path leads you through the pond & mini waterfall outside all through the inside of the building. The details on the building are fantastic. The ponds also had groups of koi fish! Once you get inside there are no signs plastered around saying no smoking or any signs for directions to other places which just makes you feel like you actually did step into old China. Very serene and peaceful setting. The place is also surprisingly free of litter considering you see people carrying along snacks with them. I hope it stays that way. While we were here a wedding was about to take place so you might want to watch out to avoid walking into a wedding reception. This one of my new favorite places and I'm looking forward going back for the autumn moon festival this year.

To me this is the best part of Snug Harbor, hidden behind a building with separate entrance fees if you're not a member.

My first time here was for a cocktail hour I attended. It was so astonished by the beauty of the garden's design and architecture. I was definitely not expecting to see this. I loved the design better than the the Brooklyn Japanese Garden but wish they had a bigger lake. This is a must see if you go to Snug Harbor.n