On 17 January, 2020, the Yu Garden Hamburg was formally reopened. With different cultural events as well as Chinese culinary delights, the Yu Garden Hamburg is back after intensive renovation works. On time for the Chinese new year’s celebrations, the authentic Chinese tea house ensemble opened its doors again. The cultural meeting place is located behind Rotherbaum district’s MARKK ethnology museum.
German and Chinese Relations
Business and cultural bonds between Hamburg and China have been strong for centuries. Since 1731, Chinese trade ships have reached the Hamburg port, bringing with them not only East-Asian goods but also many long-cherished cultural influences. In 2006, the cities of Shanghai and Hamburg agreed on creating an intercultural meeting place that will also host cross-cultural business meetings to further strengthen the bond. It was agreed on a traditional southern-Chinese tea house to further underline the relation between the two partner cities of Shanghai and Hamburg.
The beautiful ensemble of tea houses and a Chinese garden was first opened in 2008. It is located on Feldbrunnenstraße, the Inner Alster, the Rothenbaum tennis stadium, Hamburg University and Dammtor station are all within walking distance.
The Reopening Ceremony
After the reopening, regular cultural events as well as a Chinese restaurant will contribute their share towards successful bilateral understanding and appreciation across all potential political boundaries. Close cooperation with various bodies from the cultural, scientific, educational and business sphere facilitate this endeavour. Among others, Hamburg’s universities are working on a number of seminars that will be held at the tea house in the future.
A traditional Chinese gong was tolled for the reopening ceremony that otherwise included poetry, calligraphy, music and Dim Sum in abundance.
