The Central Garden Capital Campaign: Now is the Time!

At the Seattle Chinese Garden’s annual banquet and auction on June 5, 2026, we announced some changes to the Central Garden capital campaign. After consultation with many donors and supporters, we have adopted new phased approach to construction with a focus on Phase 2a, a project of $16.2 million that features the Chongqing Tower, the Scholar’s Studio, the Lotus Pond, and some other landscape features. With the $5 million from the City of Seattle, $2.5 million from the State of Washington, and pledges from the board and local individuals and written commitment of in-kind support in the form of Chinese building materials and skilled artisanal labor, the campaign has commitments of $12.2 million with only approximately $4 million left to raise.

Mission

The mission of the Seattle Chinese Garden is to showcase the rich heritage of Chinese arts and culture to our visitors by building, operating, and sustaining a Sichuan-style Chinese Garden that serves as a bridge of friendship between our region and Chinese people around the world.

Vision

The Seattle Chinese Garden will inspire global understanding by immersing visitors in the richness and beauty of Chinese culture.

The Seattle Chinese Garden will be a dynamic, thriving community space that engages local, regional and international visitors in the richness of Chinese Culture.

Why now?

With the rise in international tensions and anti-Asian prejudice, there has never been a more important time to educate people about the beauty and importance of Chinese culture and to increase public understanding of Chinese communities locally and around the world.

 

Chongqing Tower

 

Teahouse on Lotus Pond

Phase 2a: Featuring The Chongqing Tower

 

On June 5, 2026, after careful conversations with our community and supporters, the Seattle Chinese Garden announced a revision to the phasing of the capital campaign. The Central Garden will be divided into Phase 2a: Featuring the Chongqing Tower and Phase 2b: Featuring the Teahouse on Lotus Pond. Phase 2a would cost approximately $16.2 million and includes:

 

  • The Chongqing Tower

  • The Scholar’s Studio

  • Lotus Pond

  • Zigzag Bridge

  • Song Mei Relocation and Covered Walkway

  • Restrooms

Contributions to Date

Estimated Cost

 

Construction: $12,237,00
Artisan Support: $1,834,000
Soft Costs: $952,000
Other Project Costs: $597,000
Fundraising: $591,000

 

Government
Chongqing in-kind construction materials & skilled labor:
~$3,700,000
City of Seattle:
$5,000,000
State of Washington: $2,500,000
Total: ~$11,200,000


Individuals
Seattle Chinese Garden Board: 
$353,000
Other Supporters: $722,647
Total:  $1,075,647

 

Total Raised to Date: Approx. $12,275,647

Total Cost: $16,200,000

The Future Garden Plan

The existing Knowing the Spring Courtyard is shown in area number #1. 

The Central Garden includes the four-story Chongqing Tower, Teahouse, Scholar’s Studio, Lotus Pond, Mirror Lake, landscaping, and small pavilions shown in area #2. As of June 5, 2026, this phase has been divided into Phase 2a and 2b.

The Gathering Together Banquet Hall and administrative complex in area #3 will be built later.

Would you like to donate to  the Seattle Chinese Garden’s  Capital Campaign for the Central Garden?

For more information about:

 

Giving levels 
Naming opportunities 
Ways to Give

Please contact Aolani Chan
Email: aolani.chan@seattlechinesegarden.org
Phone: (206) 934-5219