This Lunar New Year, Learn about Chinese Culture with "A Scholar's Garden" Web Site
VANCOUVER February 3, 2003
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden has always been a "living museum" in which to exhibit and interpret Chinese culture, art, history, and traditions. And now, the Garden's role as a bridge between Chinese and non-Chinese cultures will be even stronger with the release of its new interactive, Virtual Museum web site, "A Scholar's Garden," which is available in English, French, and Chinese at http://www.virtualmuseum.ca/Exhibitions/ScholarGarden/.
The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver is the first full-scale scholar's garden ever constructed outside of China. Until now, the only way to appreciate the Garden was to visit it in person. "A Scholar's Garden" expands the Garden's current geographical reach and opens new gateways to virtual visits from around the globe. "The launch of this site allows us to extend an invitation to users from around the world to experience the sights and sounds of this unique Garden that is steeped in cultural and historical significance," says Yvonne Chui, Executive Director of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden.
"A Scholar's Garden" intrigues and entices visitors, communicating the rich feast for the senses that the Garden provides, while promoting a greater knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of Chinese culture and history. The site engages the mind and provides visitors with numerous opportunities for learning and enlightenment. Authoritative information, engaging images, ambient sound, and music, all combine to provide a richly textured experience.
The site is divided into four distinct and easily navigable sections: The Tour - a walk through the Garden; Garden Meanings - an exploration of the philosophy and symbols found in the Garden; About the Garden - the history of Chinese gardens and of the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden; and Mindscape Excursions - interactive games, educational resources, and FAQ's.
The site was produced with financial funding from the Department of Canadian Heritage, Virtual Museum of Canada. It was created in partnership with the creative and technical team at 7th Floor Media. "We were delighted to work with the people at the Sun Yat-Sen Garden to create this site, which highlights one of Canada's cultural gems - this garden oasis located in the middle of downtown Vancouver," comments 7th Floor Media Co-Director, Julie Zilber. 7th Floor Media at Simon Fraser University is Canada's leading educational and cultural new media group.