The Chinese Garden in Stuttgart, Germany, is a relaxing little spot that offers an escape from the city's bustle. (John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes)
Above the bustle of Stuttgart sits the Chinese Garden, a corner of calm on the north side of the city where visitors can mellow out for a while.
One of the lesser-acclaimed attractions in a metropolis known for art galleries, car museums and snarling rush hour traffic, the garden is about a mile from the magnificent Killesberg Park. It covers only about 16,000 square feet.
Beyond the traditional Chinese gate that serves as an entrance, visitors are transported into a different little world. And the perch above the city allows them to take in the urban chaos from afar while basking in tranquil surroundings.
Besides being a worthy place to stop and chill, it’s great for family picnics.
The pavilion at the top of the Chinese Garden in Stuttgart, Germany, offers a vantage point to take in the surrounding area. (John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes)
At the top is a pavilion that gives a panoramic view of the garden. The centerpiece is a “hall of friendship,” with wooden carvings intended to symbolize the ties between the state of Baden-Wuerttemberg and a Chinese partner province called Jiangsu.
Developed in the 1990s, the garden was part of a 1993 city exhibition in Rosenstein Park that was a big hit at the time.
But the location wasn’t suitable for a permanent exhibit. Instead, the city decided to reconstruct the site, with the help of Chinese craftsmen, at the current location, which has been open since 1996. In 2008, the facility was renovated.
The garden has small, winding paths, a little waterfall and a pond that add to the tranquil vibe.
While the garden isn’t a mega attraction that should be at the top of anyone’s Stuttgart travel itinerary, it’s still a nice way to relax for visitors and residents alike.
A waterfall, ponds and walking trails add to the relaxing atmosphere in the Chinese Garden in Stuttgart, Germany. (John Vandiver/Stars and Stripes)
On the QT
Address: Panoramastrasse 33, Stuttgart, Germany.
Hours: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. daily
Cost: Free
