Renovation in the Chinese Garden: A piece of tradition returns!

Renovation in the Chinese Garden: A piece of tradition returns!

The Chinese Garden at the Ruhr University Bochum is about to reopen after extensive renovation work. The opening is scheduled for October 1, 2025, after a period of several years in which the garden was closed due to urgent renovation needs. The garden, which was built in 1990 in the southern Chinese style, unfolds as an authentic structure in the university's botanical garden and attracts numerous visitors from the region with its idyllic design. The garden not only offers a quiet retreat, but also a popular photo location for guests.

A free tour of the garden will be offered on September 20, 2025, with the number of participants limited to 20 people per group. Two guides lead the groups at frequent intervals to give visitors insights into Chinese garden art and the renovations necessary to maintain the cultural heritage.

Renovation work in detail

Renovation work in the Chinese Garden is currently in full swing. Four experienced construction specialists from China - Hu Xiaojun, Gu Tianming, Jin Zhongming and Cheng Jinhuan - are specifically responsible for the work required in Chinese construction. Your tasks include repairing walls, roofing and carpentry of wooden elements.

During the course of the work, however, an unexpected need for repairs to the thatched roof of the fishing hut was discovered. In order to cover this additional expense, a company from northern Germany was commissioned to re-cover the thatched roof. The costs for this additional work must be covered by donations from the support association “The Chinese Garden e.V.” be financed because the original budget is already heavily used.

• Geplante Eröffnung: 1. Oktober 2025
• Führung: 20. September 2025, 20 Personen pro Gruppe
• Genutzte Expertise: Vier chinesische Bauspezialisten
• Beauftragtes Unternehmen für Reetdach: Norddeutsches Unternehmen

The renovation is necessary not only to repair weather and vandalism damage, but also to preserve the original charm of the garden. This includes repairing the roof, replacing wooden decorations and replacing leaky or damaged elements, such as the rotten back railing and the broken door wing. This extensive work amounts to a total of around 130,000.00 euros, of which the association has so far been able to collect around 29,900.00 euros.

The garden as cultural heritage

Traditional Chinese garden art dating back to the 1st millennium BC. Dating back to 2000 BC, places great value on the harmony between trees, water and architectural elements. The Chinese Garden in Bochum is a reflection of an ideal universe, which is what makes it so special as a sight. It's not so much the natural beauty that's missing, but rather the craftsmanship skills that are now provided by the skilled workers brought in especially from China.

Garden architecture is not only a piece of cultural history, but also a recognized part of art and culture funding, for which the support association is specifically asking for external support to finance the renovation. Companies and private groups that are willing to provide the necessary funds will receive a special tour as a thank you.

The reopening of the garden in October will be a significant event for the Bochum community, which will have the chance to experience a piece of Chinese culture and art on their own doorstep. The Chinese Garden remains an important cultural link between East and West.