The State Forestry Administration of the People’s Republic of China and the Department of Agriculture of the United States intend to cooperatively construct a Classical Chinese Garden as a gift from the Chinese people to the American people on approximately 12 acres within the boundaries of the United States National Arboretum in Washington, D.C. Upon completion, the U.S. National Arboretum will have sole ownership of the China Garden, and Chinese cultural events will take place onsite to enhance the traditional friendship between the Chinese people and the American people. The People’s Republic of China is to provide some 22 structures, classical Chinese art and furnishings, as well as the landscaping and rockeries, while the United States will provide site preparation and maintain the completed Garden. The National China Garden Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, was established in early 2011 to raise funds for the project. China and the United States have recently taken the following steps on the China Garden:
The two countries agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding between the State Forestry Administration of the People’s Republic of China and the Department of Agriculture of the United States of America. Through this Memorandum, both countries expect to continue cooperation until completion of the Chinese Garden. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Chinese Ambassador Zhang Yesui will sign the memorandum of understanding on January 24, 2011. Madame Jiang Zehui, who is the Executive Director for the Chinese side on China Garden, will be present and witness the signing.
