🌿✨ Chinese Scholar’s Garden: A Ming Dynasty Dream in NYC

Tucked inside Staten Island’s Snug Harbor Cultural Center, this 1999-built oasis is one of only two authentic Chinese classical gardens in the U.S.—and every brick sailed from Suzhou! 📍 New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden Address: 1000 Richmond Ter, Staten Island, NY 10301 Hours (May 2025+): Wed-Fri: 12PM-7PM Sat-Sun: 11AM-7PM (Last entry 6:30PM) Tickets: $5 (Adults) | $4 (Students/Seniors) | Free for Staten Island residents 1st Friday monthly! 🌟 Why It’s Magic Ming Dynasty craftsmanship: Built without nails—just dovetail joints! Symbolic landscapes: 15-ft Taihu rocks, moon gates, and floating pavilions. Plants with meaning: Peonies (wealth), purple bamboo (elegance), and more. 🚌 How to Get There 1️⃣ Staten Island Ferry → St. George Terminal → Bus S40/S44. 2️⃣ No ferry? Bus S53 → Transfer to S44 (complicated!). 3️⃣ Drive/Uber for reliability. #NYCHiddenGem #ChineseGarden #StatenIsland #CulturalOasis #TravelOffThePath