Classical Beauty: Dr. Sun Yat Sen Garden

This gate marks the center of the historic Chinatown district of Vancouver, and nearby is a somewhat discreet wall. You might drive right by and never notice that it's there. But inside is a real treasure waiting to be discovered. 

Certainly a must visit park if you're ever in Vancouver, is the world famous Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese classical garden. In 2011 it was named No. 1 on the list of city gardens from around the world in a new book from National Geographic!

It's been a favourite location of mine to do a photo shoot for years, and by far the best time to come is right when it opens and before the crowds arrive. Today we were doing a photo shoot for my other clothing brand called Cherry Velvet. This dress is called Midnight in Kyoto. 

Beautiful in every season, and even before the cherry blossoms, camellias, magnolias and tree peonies bloom, is this small yet charming oasis in the heart of the city.

It has beautiful 'garden bones' meaning that there is beauty to be found just in the moss covered stones, garden pagodas, walls, evergreen trees, bridges and ponds; even before plants start to bloom. 

When this garden was completed in 1986 in time for Expo 86, it was the first full scale Chinese classical garden constructed outside of Asia.

I'll tell you another secret, I'm not fond of being the 'model' at 5'2" and 57 years old, but we did get a snap or two of me as well. Here I'm wearing the Lyric Tunic and matching Pocket Legging (my newest favourite, I just LOVE the handy, super deep pockets!)

I can't wait to come back in the spring to see what's in bloom! I'm hoping to catch these outstanding peonies in flower again!

 I hope you've enjoyed this mini tour of a Vancouver gem!