Located in the 33 acre Overfelt Gardens, the Chinese Cultural Gardens provides a opportunity for cultural enrichment, and contemplation. The garden is impressive with a 30 foot marble and bronze statue of the Chinese philosopher Confucius as its main focal point. Along with this, there is a beautiful ornamental Friendship Gate, a memorial to Chiang Kai-shek and a memorial hall dedicated to Sun Yat-Sen inscribed with "Great Harmony" by Confucious. Another unique point is the Black Stone which was mined from the mountains in the Republic of China and shipped across the ocean to the Chinese Cultural Gardens.
The Garden also produces a Chinese Moon Festival, geared to the Child and Family in Community and reflects much of their diversity. Over 200 high school students participate in this event. It consists of 3 main parts: 1) the arts and crafts with 15-18 tables; 2) the staging area with performances that reflect the cultural diversity of the neighborhood, and a poetry winners presentation from the 5th grade and under; 3? the exhibit/resource and workshop area with student presentations, environmental and community information.
Staff, "Moon Festival", San Jose Mercury News, Wednesday, 13 September 1995, Morning Final Edition, East Extra Sec., p.1
Erin Kimura
