One of my birthday treats to self was a trip the the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden in Staten Island yesterday. I had seen a video of it on Instagram and wanted to go to feed my craving for peace and exploring green spaces.
The garden is accessible by the Staten Island Ferry and S40 bus which together took about 45 minutes from the Whitehall Ferry Terminal. Both the ride on the ferry and the ride on the bus were calm, setting a lovely leisurely tone for my commute. I believe the journey to be as important as the destination so this was a wonderful start to my mini getaway.
The bamboo forest inviting you to enter the garden.
Upon paying the $5 to get in, the garden path takes you on a delightful tour through grand bamboo forests and secret overgrown detours. The spicy woodsy smells of pine and bamboo were really grounding. The invitation to slow down and just be with the moment was so wonderfully strong. If there were a place to sit, I could have sat there and enjoyed just breathing. It’s with purposeful reason the garden curators did not put a seat to rest there because there was so much more to see.
Koi pond at the New York Chinese Scholar’s Garden
Just steps away was this beautiful scenic koi pond. Everything about this moment called forth the senses. The feeling of the sun on my skin, the sound of the wind rustling in the leaves, the green smell of thriving plants, and watching the fish swim lazily in the water. This time I did sit to enjoy it. The rocks provided a perfect momentary resting place to just be and take it all in. I brought out my book and read a chapter just to give the sun and air a chance to really get into my pores before continuing on to explore the architectural beauty and wonder ahead.
A little bridge connecting courtyards in the garden.
There were so many whimsical nooks and crannies, and detailed hand-laid stone-tile patios, and picturesque views, and architectural details, I was there for hours with my inner child wandering and giggling and sneaking peeks around corners and smelling things and just being in awe that someone assembled this wonderland.
A doorway into a hidden garden nook.
This trip was more than I expected as I got a playful whimsical awe-full experience where I had originally anticipated only peace and beauty. I would absolutely recommend the trip to this garden as a getaway. I’m hoping the next time I go it is raining. I can only imagine what a transformative and magical experience that would be!
A view overlooking the upper tier of the Koi pond.