A Chinese-style garden by the lake, a gift from Zürich's twin city Kunming, with pavilions, ponds and carefully designed paths.
The Chinagarten at the Zürichhorn was a gift from Zürich's sister city Kunming in 1994. Built by Chinese craftsmen and designers, it contains a lake pond, bridges, pavilions and a teahouse laid out in the classical southern Chinese garden style, with winding paths designed to open new views at every turn. The garden is small and easily seen in half an hour, but the details reward a slower look. It makes a calm stop on the Zürichhorn walk, close to the Heureka sculpture by Jean Tinguely and the lakeside cafés. It closes in winter and opens for the warm season, so confirm dates before a visit. Weekends and holidays can be crowded.
| Admission | Adult Approx. CHF 4 (approx $5) · Child Approx. CHF 2 (approx $2.50) |
|---|---|
| Hours | Seasonal, approx. March-October daily around 11AM-7PM (closed in winter) |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time | Spring blossom or early autumn |
| Getting there | Tram 4 to Zürichhorn, or tram 2 to Tiefenbrunnen then 10 minutes' walk along the lake |
| Address | Bellerivestrasse 138, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland |
Good to know
- Best for
- couples, photographers, walkers
Location
Bellerivestrasse 138, 8008 Zürich, Switzerland
47.3550, 8.5520 View on map
Highlights
- Classical Chinese pavilions and bridges
- Gift of Zürich's twin city Kunming
- Lakeside setting at Zürichhorn
- Nearby Tinguely's Heureka sculpture
Tips for visiting
- Combine with the Zürichhorn promenade and Heureka sculpture by Jean Tinguely
- Visit on a weekday for quiet
- Check opening dates, as the garden closes outside the warm season
When to visit
Spring blossom or early autumn.
Accessibility
Paths are mostly level but include bridges with steps; check the entrance for step-free routes.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
Is it open all year?
No. It is open seasonally, usually from spring to autumn, so check dates before visiting.
Is there a teahouse?
Yes, the garden has a small teahouse that serves tea during opening hours.