Mid Island on Staten Island in Richmond County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
New York Chinese Scholar's Garden
Completed: 1999
Landscape Architect: Zou Gongwu, Landscape Architecture Company of China
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 7, 2026
1. New York Chinese Scholar's Garden Marker
The New York Chinese Scholar's Garden (NYCSG) is the first authentic classical outdoor scholar's garden in America. The design represents the traditional private gardens in Suzhou, China during the Ming Dynasty (1368 CE - 1644 CE), which emphasize harmony and balance of the yin and yang through four elements: rocks, water, plantings, and architecture. Many of these elements are believed to cultivate good fortune throughout the garden. As early as the 3rd century BCE, Chinese scholars would retreat to gardens like these to seek refuge from their stressful and demanding jobs in government service.
Every floor tile, door, window, and wooden beam was handcrafted by a team of 40 Chinese artists and craftspeople, who spent a year in China creating the garden's components, and another six months in Staten Island as artisans-in-residence at Snug Harbor to install the pieces.
No nails or glue were used in the garden's construction. The wooden elements are joined together through a sophisticated mortise-and-tenon system common in traditional Chinese Workmanship.
Erected by Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden;
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1999.
Location. 40° 38.574′ N, 74° 6.241′ W. Marker is on Staten Island, New York, in Richmond County. It is on Mid Island. It is on Cottage Road south of Chapel Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1000 Richmond Ter, Staten Island NY 10301, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in New York City. It is also in the American Northeast, in the Mid-Atlantic, and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Netherland and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Carl Grillo Glass House and Perennial Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also
Photographed by Devry Becker Jones (CC0), February 7, 2026
2. New York Chinese Scholar's Garden Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Carl Grillo Glass House (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Cottage Row (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it); The Governor's House (was about 500 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Additional keywords. landscape architecture
Credits. This page was last revised on February 8, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 54 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 8, 2026, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia.
