For most Vancouverites, the Ming dynasty is out of sight and out of mind. The last Chinese imperial dynasty ruled by Han people fell in 1644 after 276 years in power.
But at 6 p.m. on Thursday (September 25), the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden will revive the Ming dynasty’s cultural traditions for a gala fundraiser at Floata Seafood Restaurant. To celebrate the 39th year of the garden’s existence, organizers will take guests back in time to enjoy calligraphy demonstrations, Hanfu performances, live music, incense rituals, and tea ceremonies.
Proceeds from the event will fund the garden’s efforts to preserve Chinese cultural heritage and deepen community dialogues through art, education, and storytelling.
Henry Heng Lu, executive director of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, said in a news release that this “curated and carefully crafted gala is all about experiencing classical Chinese culture”.
“The Garden is so much more than a tourist attraction,” he stated. “It brings culture, education, and participation through the many cultural festivities, performances and workshops, exhibitions, and wellness activities we host throughout the year.”
Ming era inspired garden’s design
The Ming dynasty replaced the Song dynasty, which was known for its painting and calligraphy. The court painting academy in the Ming era gave rise to 15th-century masters Bian Jingzhao and Lin Liang, who focused on flowers and birds. The Ming era was also known for the Wu School of painters, who often included inscriptions describing their method and motivation for creating their pieces.
In addition, the Ming era was known for its literary works, often written in classical Chinese. There were also novels and plays written for the masses, as well as some amazing architectural innovations, including the Forbidden City.
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden was created in the Ming dynasty style. The next big event on its calendar is an event on October 4 and 5 called Mid-Autumn Festival 2025: Journey Through the Five Senses. It will feature a performance by Vancouver Cantonese Opera, a lion dance by Hon Hsing Club, and live guzheng music by Barrett Bai. In addition, Rod Chow be doing roving magic shows and Chloe Chua (Changeling Movement) will perform a roving Mid-Autumn dance.
For more information about the Immersive Ming Dynasty Fundraiser Gala, visit the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden website. Tickets for Mid-Autumn Festival 2025: Journey Through the Five Senses are available through Eventbrite. Follow Pancouver on X @PancouverMedia and on Instagram @PancouverMedia.
