China Garden, one of the largest Chinese gardens outside of China, will soon be built at the National Arboretum, a gift from the Chinese government to the U.S.

            To be located on 12 acres on a prime site in the Arboretum, it will consist of 15 traditional Chinese architectures including pavilion, parlor, chamber and waterside kiosk. It is certain to become a top tourist attraction in the nation’s capital.

            The garden will have an ornate two-story teahouse and exhibition hall overlooking a 1.3-acre lake, various rock formations, paths, and plants winding through buildings and ornaments selected from the best of northern and southern Chinese classic gardens.

"This Garden will be the most beautiful and sophisticated garden of its kind outside of China–we are all quite excited about it," said Friends of China Garden, Inc. Executive Director Jeffrey Chen.

The Chinese government will finance all construction, building material and design costs. The U.S. government will provide building site preparation and maintenance costs. Dr. Chen said there is no firm date yet on when the construction can start. So his group is trying to speed up the process by holding a fund raising concert on November 5..

"The concert is designed to bring better exposure of China Garden to the public, and hopefully we can help raise the construction cost of $8 million," he told Asian Fortune on September 27. "This budget will cover the excavation and preparation of site, utility hookup, and other peripheral facility cost."

He added: "The Chinese government will put up about $45 to $50 million. This includes the design, material, assembly, shipping, and worker's wage to put it all together here in the US."

The fund raising concert, "The Evening of China Garden," will be held at the Strathmore Music Center. It will showcase a famous local professional Chinese American music group, Washington Chinese Traditional Orchestra, featuring Chinese classical and modern instrumental and vocal music. The main program includes instrument solos of ancient Chinese music, ensembles of traditional pieces, duet of singing the Chinese folk songs, and chorus with the orchestra.

The concert is sponsored by Friends of China Garden (FCG). Volunteers and donations, which are tax deductible, are welcome and needed. Tickets are $50, $35 and $25. Contact Dr. Chen at (301) 299-9313, or email lcc001@aol.com for sponsor and donation. For tickets, call Dr. Tao Ming, FGG secretary, (301) 229-1771, or email him at taoming@verizon.net