Hidden Gem in NYC: Chinese Scholar's Garden 🏯✨
Tucked away in Staten Island’s Snug Harbor, the New York Chinese Scholar's Garden is a Ming Dynasty-inspired masterpiece—one of only two authentic classical Chinese gardens in the U.S.! 📍 Why It’s Special: Handbuilt by 40 Suzhou artisans (1999) using ancient mortise-and-tenon techniques—no nails! Every tile, pillar, and rock was shipped from Suzhou, China.🎉 Philosophy in design: Moon gates, floating pavilions, 15-ft Taihu rocks, and symbolic plants (peonies, bamboo, azaleas). 🚌 How to Get There: Staten Island Ferry → St. George Terminal → Bus S40/S44. No ferry? Bus S53 → transfer to S44 (complicated!). Driving/Uber is easier (especially if buses are unreliable).👍 🎟️ Tickets & Hours: $5 adults | $4 students/seniors | Free under 5. Staten Island residents: Free first Friday monthly!😀 Open Wed-Fri (12PM-7PM), Sat-Sun (11AM-7PM). #NYC #HiddenGems #ChineseGarden #StatenIsland #CulturalHeritage #TravelGoals #CityWalk 🏮🌿