Golden Dragon Museum

Bendigo Victoria

Golden Dragon Museum 

Chinese heritage is an integral part of Bendigo. From the goldrush to the present day, the Bendigo Chinese community has influenced the proud history of Bendigo – from its traditions of charitable works for local hospitals to its spectacular displays in the Bendigo Easter Fair.

Born of the long association with the people of the region‚ the Bendigo Chinese Association is proud to present the Golden Dragon Museum – a living history of the Chinese people of Bendigo from the goldrush of the 1850’s to the present day. Having become the hub of Chinese cultural activity in Australia‚ the museum allows visitors to experience first hand‚ Chinese arts and crafts with visiting artisans and tradespeople.

Central to the permanent display is Sun Loong the longest imperial dragon in the world (over 100 metres)‚ Loong the oldest imperial dragon in the world and their accompanying regalia – previously only viewed by visitors to Bendigo’s Easter Fair‚ but now available to the public all year round.

We are happy to provide guided tours. Group bookings are most welcome and special rates apply to groups of 15 or more people. Please book in advance and enquire about our catering arrangements.

We also specialise in school tours. For further information please contact us using the details at the end of this page.

Coach and car parking is available at both the front and rear of the museum. Designated coach parking is at the entrance to the museum in Bridge Street.

All areas of the museum are accessible by wheelchair. Two wheelchairs are available for use.

 Yin Yuan Classical Chinese Gardens

The Yi Yuan (Garden of Joy) was a joint project between the Bendigo Chinese Association Inc., the City of Greater Bendigo, the Federal Government, the Victorian State Government and the City of Baoding (Hebei Province, China).

All foundations and bricklaying were done by local Bendigo tradesman, and on the 15th of August 1996, twenty one highly skilled artisans from Hebei Province arrived in Bendigo to complete the gardens. Working seven days per week from 8am to 6pm every day, their work was completed by the 4th of November. Bendigo now has a  Chinese Garden equal to any other Chinese Garden of the same size, anywhere in the world.

Based on the Imperial Palace in Beijing, the architecture and construction of the gardens is authentic in every way.

The gardens feature a Buddhist Temple, the Guan Yin Miao (Temple of The Goddess of Mercy). The temple was consecrated on the 30th of November 1996, according to Buddhist rituals and the customs and traditions of the Bendigo Chinese.

At the entrance to the gardens is a reflection wall. Inspired by the 'Nine Dragon Wall' in Beijing's Imperial Palace and designed by artist Zhou Xiaoping, this tiled mural was created utilising skills, resources and materials from Bendigo. This is the first Dragon Mural that has been made in Australia.

Also featured in the gardens are the Taoist Eight Immortals, which are one of the most popular subjects of representation in China. Their portraits are to be seen everywhere. In the Chinese Classical Gardens at the Golden Dragon Museum in Bendigo, there are statues as well as a mural feature of them. Together they represent different conditions of life, poverty, wealth, aristocracy, plebeianism, age, youth, masculinity and femininity. The immortals encourage laughter and banish care and help to enliven the struggle for existence.

Kuan Yin Temple

Kuan Yin (The Goddess of Mercy) is the most popular goddess associated with Buddhism in China and many Asian countries today. She is worshipped as the protector of families and the household, especially women and children.

The temple was consecrated on the 30th of November 1996, according to Buddhist rituals and the customs and traditions of the Bendigo Chinese.

Traditionally most Kuan Yin Statues are made of wood and clay. Bendigo's 'Kuan Yin' is hand- carved from white marble, which is very special. She is depicted in the temple carrying a flywhisk (a symbol of authority) and a perl (representing purity and knowledge). She is enthroned with one bare foot resting upon an open lotus flower.

Her symbol is the lotus flower. The lotus represents the Past, Present, and Future since the same plant bears buds, flowers and seeds all at the same time. In Buddhism it also represents the unfolding of wisdom and life.

Admission Pricing

Hours

Open 9.30 am - 5.00 pm every day. Closed Christmas Day.

Museum: 5 - 11 Bridge Street, Bendigo, Victoria, Australia.
Postal Address: PO Box 877, Bendigo VIC 3552
Telephone: +61 3 5441 5044
Facsimile: +61 3 5443 3127

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