Celebrating 30 years of tradition and partnership, the Missouri Botanical Garden’s Chinese Culture Days returns May 2–3, 2026, highlighting the Garden’s enduring relationship with St. Louis’ Chinese American community and the creation of the Chinese Garden.
In 1996, the Missouri Botanical Garden opened the Margaret Grigg Nanjing Friendship Chinese Garden, a gift from St. Louis’ Sister City, Nanjing. The St. Louis-Nanjing sister city relationship was the first agreement of its kind between the United States and China, established in 1979 to promote mutual understanding through educational, cultural, municipal, and economic exchanges.
The opening of the Chinese Garden was a cultural touchstone for the local Chinese American community. The friendship garden was inspired by traditional gardens found throughout Nanjing, places designed not only to take in the beauty of nature, but also to engage in scholarly pursuits such as poetry contests.
In May 1996, the Garden dedicated the space during the Chinese Festival (now Chinese Culture Days). For the past 30 years, the Garden has partnered with Chinese Culture Education & Services to bring together hundreds of community volunteers for a weekend of Chinese pageantry, art, music and dance, history and legends, and food.
On May 2 and 3, the 30th anniversary of both the Chinese Garden and Chinese Culture Days will be celebrated with a weekend showcasing the living history of Chinese art, martial arts, cuisine, and gardening through performances and interactive demonstrations. The doors open at 9 a.m. and the celebration begins Saturday at 10 a.m. with a performance outside the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center, followed by a parade to the Cohen Amphitheater for the festival’s opening ceremony.
What to do at Chinese Culture Days 2026
Chinese Culture Days welcomes visitor of all backgrounds to experience and learn more about Chinese culture and history during the festival while having fun and making memories.
Whether you consider yourself a foodie, a history buff, are coming with friends, or bringing the family, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this event.
In 2026, featured artists, experiences, and demonstrations encourage guests to explore traditional artists, Chinese influence in modern cinematic scores, and the Chinese Garden itself.
Experience the Living History of China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage
The festival offers deeper connections to Chinese artistry by highlighting the living history and inherited practices of folk art.
Visitors can witness China’s Intangible Cultural Heritage firsthand through live demonstrations with renowned artists. Master artist Zhang Yueying preserves the delicate tradition of Chinese paper-cutting through intricate designs and large-format scroll works, while Jiang Zisheng, a sixth-generation inheritor of sugar figurine blowing, showcases a rare art form that blends storytelling, craftsmanship, and audience interaction.
Discover Traditional Chinese Music in Hollywood
Explore how traditional Chinese instruments have influenced the sound of cinema for generations alongside acclaimed multi-instrumentalist Wang Hong, performing with musicians from the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Wang will share insights from his work on major productions such as Avatar: The Last Airbender and Kung Fu Panda, illustrating how traditional Chinese music shapes the emotional landscape of modern films.
Play Games, Hear Music, and Take in the Serenity of the Chinese Garden
During Chinese Culture Days, visitors can experience Qin, Qi, Shu, Hua—the traditional arts of music, games, calligraphy, painting, and Tai Chi. Performances and tours will be offered in the Chinese Garden throughout the weekend.
Witness the majesty of the Grand Shanghai Circus
The acrobatic troupe dazzles audiences with a series of four spectacular 30-minute performances—two each day. Each show
features a thrilling display of strength, balance, and precision as the talented performers execute gravity-defying flips and perfectly
synchronized routines. From breathtaking unicycle acts to graceful feats of agility, the troupe promises an unforgettable experience
that will keep spectators on the edge of their seats.
Bring home your own souvenir
Shop for one-of-a-kind souvenirs from local businesses, artists, and Chinese-American organizations. Vendors will be set up at the Spink Pavilion, the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center lobby, and Linnean Plaza throughout the entirety of Chinese Culture Days.
You can also create your own souvenir through the Chinese Handcraft DIY program, designed for children ages 10 and up. Participants learn to create traditional and contemporary Chinese handcrafts and take their creations home as keepsakes.
The program teaches basic skills while exploring the cultural history of Chinese crafts, spanning from the Warring States period
(476–221 BC) to the Qing Dynasty (1644–1911). Featured projects include fragrant pouches for the Dragon Boat Festival, window
decorations for Chinese New Year, and other festival-themed crafts.
Try Authentic Regional Cuisine & Watch Live Cooking Demos
Enjoy Boba Tea, Wok, and more during Chinese Culture days by visiting the Chinese Food Court in the East Lot of the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Foodies and cooking enthusiasts can also learn more about the art of Chinese tea, see live cooking demonstrations, and explore the history of Chinese restaurants and food in St. Louis throughout the weekend at the Kemper Classroom.
how to Get Tickets to Chinese Culture Days 2026
We recommend reserving your tickets to Chinese Culture Days in advance, either online or at the Jack C. Taylor Visitor Center. As a reminder, the Missouri Botanical Garden never sells tickets on third-party platforms, including social media.
- General Adult Admission (13+) | $16
- General Children’s Admission (12 and under) | $8
- Garden Member Adults (13+) | $8
- Garden Member Children (12 and under) | Free
- Festival-Level Members | Free + 6 Free Tickets
Purchase Tickets in Advance
Where to Park During Chinese Culture Days
The Garden offers parking outside of the Visitor Center, including several EV charging stations.
There is no charge for parking at the Missouri Botanical Garden. If the parking lot is full, visitors should use the free parking at the overflow lots at the corner of Shaw Boulevard and Vandeventer. Shuttles will be running to and from this parking lot to the Visitor Center throughout the festival.
As leaders in sustainability, we are also big fans of walking, biking, and public transportation. We offer bike parking near the Visitor Center and are conveniently located near two Metro bus stops.
Jessika Eidson | Public Information Officer
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