Golden Dragon Museum Bendigo
Bendigo is known for its rich history and cultural diversity. Golden Dragon Museum is a popular cultural centre in Bendigo that displays the rich Chinese history of the city and the broader Gold Fields region.
The Museum was built on the site of Bendigo’s former China Town, which was the home of Chinese community life in Bendigo until the early 1960s.
A Symbol of Unity and Reconciliation
Golden Dragon Museum is not only a tribute to the Chinese gold field heritage but also a symbol of unity and reconciliation between the Chinese and non-Chinese communities in Bendigo and beyond. During the gold rush, the Chinese miners faced discrimination and were often excluded from the wider community. However, the Museum serves as a reminder of the contributions and sacrifices made by the Chinese community as they struggled in a new land.
Bendigo Dragon Museum
“The Golden Dragon”
One of the highlights of the Golden Dragon Museum is the Golden Dragon, Dai Gum Loong, itself. The dragon is a symbol of strength, power, and good luck in Chinese culture. The Golden Dragon is 125 feet long and has over 7,000 scales. It is made of silk, bamboo, and paper and is carried by over 100 people during the annual Bendigo Easter Festival parade.
The Museum also houses Loong, the oldest complete Imperial Processional Dragon in the world, which is proudly included on the Victorian Heritage Register. Loong first paraded in 1901 and was an integral part of the Bendigo Easter Festival until his retirement in 1970. Sun Loong, the world’s second longest Imperial Processional Dragon paraded from 1970 – 2019 and can also be seen at the Museum.
Dai Gum San Precinct
Golden Dragon Museum is part of the Dai Gum San Precinct, which also includes the Guan Yin Temple and the Yi Yuan Gardens. With its various elements, Dai Gum San Precinct is a beautiful and at certain times of the year very lively space that offers visitors a glimpse into Chinese culture and traditions.
The Yi Yuan Gardens, also known as the Garden of Joy, is a traditional Chinese garden that features a pond, a Moon Gates, and a pavilion. It is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Bendigo and is a popular spot for weddings and events. The Guan Yin Temple is a beautiful place of worship for Buddhist wishing to pray to the Goddess of Mercy, Guan Yin.
Events and Activities
Bendigo Easter Festival
The Bendigo Easter Festival is an annual event that celebrates Bendigo’s rich history and lively community. The festival, which has been running for over 140 years, is one of the longest-running cultural festivals in Australia.
The highlight of the festival is the Gala Parade, which features the Dai Gum Loong and lion teams from Bendigo and across Australia. The parade attracts some 80,000 spectators and is a must-see event for anyone planning to visit Bendigo.
Chinese New Year Celebrations
Golden Dragon Museum in partnership with the Bendigo Chinese Association hosts Chinese New Year celebrations, which include traditional lion and dragon dances, firecrackers, and cultural performances. The outdoor celebrations are free and a great way to experience Chinese culture and traditions and are suitable for all ages.
Workshops and Demonstrations
Golden Dragon Museum offers a range of workshops, performances, talks and demonstrations throughout the year. This dynamic and ever-growing program of events are a great way to learn about Chinese culture and traditions and are suitable for all ages.
