Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Amanda Furru

Garden proposal unites St. Paul with Chinese sister city

Rendering of a proposed Chinese garden
Rendering of a proposed Chinese garden at Phalen Regional Park. The five elements of Chinese Garden design (vegetation, artistic rocks, water, scenic pathways, and architecture) are reflected in this concept drawing.
Jennifer Junfang Fan and Jon Youhua Wen | Changsha Hunan Jianke Landscape Company

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

Editor's note: Public gardens aren't just a nice place for a walk. Inspired by Minnesota's multiple Japanese gardens, a Chinese garden planned in Phalen Regional Park is intended to promote understanding of China's cultural heritage. In this next installment of MPR's Young Reporters Series, Amanda Furru tells us about the new garden project working to strengthen the connection between St. Paul and Chinese sister city, Changsha.

Few residents may know it, but St. Paul's nearly 30-year friendship with its Chinese sister city may be about to bloom.

In July, the Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society dedicated the site for a proposed Chinese garden at Phalen Regional Park. The $7 million garden would be the most significant project to come from St. Paul's partnership with Changsha, China.

"This is a pretty exciting project, and it's a big project for Minnesota," said Linda Mealey-Lohmann, president of the Garden Society. Mealey-Lohmann has been working to make it a reality for almost a decade.

However, backers still need to raise millions of dollars.

Lakeside pavilion
The pavilion will stretch along the lakeshore offering views of the Phalen Channel and restored stone bridge. It is located between existing willow trees.
Jennifer Junfang Fan and Jon Youhua Wen | Changsha Hunan Jianke Landscape Company

Groundbreaking is tentatively scheduled for next spring. Mealey-Lohmann said the project could proceed with as little as $300,000, since construction will likely occur in phases. The project has already received $50,000 in state Legacy Amendment funds.

The 1.2-acre garden is an ambitious proposal. It will include a pagoda-like pavilion, new walking paths, a rock garden and a stone bridge connecting the garden to Lake Phalen's Picnic Island.

The design also features a lakeside pavilion with an enclosed classroom and outdoor space for tai chi.

The “path of the Hmong immigrant”
Saint Paul is home to one of the largest Hmong populations which claims Changsha, China as its ancestral home. The "path of the Hmong immigrant" is the focus of the Hmong cultural Plaza.
Jennifer Junfang Fan and Jon Youhua Wen | Changsha Hunan Jianke Landscape Company

Garden backers say the project was inspired by the popularity of Minnesota's numerous Japanese gardens, including the Charlotte Partridge Ordway Japanese Garden at the Como Conservatory.

Just as those spaces promote Japanese culture, St. Paul's Chinese garden is intended to promote understanding of China's cultural heritage.

In a nod to East St. Paul's large Hmong community, architects added a "cultural plaza" to the design. Hmong people trace their ancestry to areas throughout China, including Changsha, the capital of Hunan province.

The garden's buildings will reflect the ornate detailing found there.

"And that's going to be the first Chinese garden in the U.S. that will have that style of architecture," said Mealey-Lohmann. "So we think that will really attract visitors to Minnesota from all over the U.S. and maybe all over the world to come and visit the park."

St. Paul's friendship with Changsha began in 1985, when a group of Midwestern leaders went to China on a trade mission.

St. Paul's project isn't the only Chinese garden proposal in the works.

The Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society also has tentative plans to build a second garden at Washburn-Fair Oaks Park, across from the Minneapolis Institute of Art. That Chinese garden would honor the sister-city relationship between Minneapolis and Harbin, China.