Posted:
4/2/2019 |
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Date: April 2, 2019
Contact: Missouri Botanical Garden Public Relations Dept.
Phone: (314) 577-0286 (media use only)
Email: cmartin@mobot.org (media use only)
Celebrate the beauty of Chinese Culture at the Missouri Botanical Garden
Chinese Culture Days celebrates 40th Anniversary of Sister-City Relationship with Nanjing
WHAT: Chinese Culture Days
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m, April 27-28
WHERE: Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd, south St. Louis
COST: $16 for adults, $8 for members, $5 for children, free for children of Members. Admission is free for all children under 2.
INFO: http://events.missouribotanicalgarden.org/Chinese-Culture-Days
(ST. LOUIS): Join the Missouri Botanical Garden for our annual springtime festival of Chinese culture.
Chinese Culture Days will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, April 27 and 28. The festival features acrobatics, square dances, tea and cooking demonstrations, traditional artwork and authentic regional cuisine.
The event officially kicks off with an opening extravaganza and parade Saturday morning. Marvel at a magnificent performance from a 70-foot dancing dragon as the festival gets underway.
The theme of this year’s event is “Friendship Forever” as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of St. Louis’ sister-city relationship with Nanjing.
As part of the theme, we will present special “Intangible Chinese Culture Heritage” demonstrations featuring artisans from Nanjing. This is a rare opportunity to see talented artisans show off cultural skills on the verge of extinction, like lantern making, sugar painting and paper cutting.
Audiences will be astonished by a Chinese Acrobatic Show featuring dazzling dance, amazing acrobatics, and mystical music.
Stroll through the Chinese Garden, which will be adorned with more than 100 hand-made lanterns from Nanjing depicting traditionalChinese musical instrument performances.
A special folk art show will take audiences on a journey across time and space as they learn more about Nanjing’s historic significance.
This year, the festival also coincides with “World Tai Chi Day” on Saturday, April 27.
A celebration with 150 masters from a dozen local Tai Chi schools and organizations will demonstrate various Tai Chi styles. Audience participation is encouraged—come learn some new moves! World Tai Chi Day celebrations happen at 10 a.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sunday. Other Tai Chi demonstrations will take place both days as well.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy a variety of colorful performances. Dance with the dragon. Learn how to Chinese square dance. Understand the art of Chinese tea. Watch all-star chefs from Nanjing and learn how to prepare delicious, yet easy to make, Chinesedishes.
A grand parade will bring together dance teams, acrobats, performers in traditional costume, martial arts teams, drummers, and a traditional wedding party for an unforgettable performance. The parade also offers visitors the chance to meet cast members.
A Children’s Arts and Crafts area will be set up from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Pose with our panda mascot between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
Food is available for purchase in the Chinese Food Court. See live demonstrations and exhibits of traditional Chinese arts. Shop for unique merchandise and souvenirs in the marketplace.
Tickets are $16 for adults, $8 for Members, $5 for children ages 3 to 13, and free for children of Members. Admission is free for all children under 2.
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The Missouri Botanical Garden’s mission is “to discover and share knowledge about plants and their environment in order to preserve and enrich life.” Today, 160 years after opening, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark and a center for science, conservation, education and horticultural display.