Just in time for this month’s celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year, welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse, I’d like to share with you my experience when we visited the famous Golden Dragon Museum in Bendigo, VIC.

Personally, I always enjoy paying a visit to a local Chinese Museum. The amount of history, arts, and culture combined in each place is often a great way to understand the community and its aspirations for its future.

This could be the second Chinese Museum I visited here in Australia, the first one is the Chinese Museum in Melbourne, VIC.

Since opening its doors in 1991, the Golden Dragon Museum has been a favorite destination for locals and visitors alike. With an impressive collection of more than 30,000 objects and artifacts, the museum is dedicated to preserving the Chinese arts, history, and culture that is an integral part of the region and throughout the wider Australia. 

During my visit (March 2025), it seems that the museum is having an ongoing renovation/rehabilitation project; hence, many artifacts are securely stored somewhere, and several artifacts on display are in a quite small area. The museum was a bit dimmer, quite dark inside, and I only used a photo-editing tool to do justice to these amazing images. 

This museum is also the home of the world’s oldest Dragon called ‘Loong' (literally translates to Dragon), which debuted in the Easter Fair in 1901. Loong is 29 metres in length, and his colorful adorned in green, gold, and red satin and pom poms, with a giant head and a mouth that could eat you whole. 

An antique wooden carved chair, and part of Loong’s 29 metre body in the background. I hope that they can finally finish their renovation and find a good permanent room exclusive for Loong. He deserves to have that exclusive room.

You can check the full documentary report of Loong’s history, and how a family in Bendigo continuously search the artisans in the making of processional dragons. 

For more than a century, Bendigo’s streets have come alive with the vibrant presence of processional dragons - a tradition only paused by the COVID pandemic and the occasional bout of heavy rain. Since 1892, these magnificent creatures have become enduring symbols of Bendigo’s cultural identity, captivating generations of locals and visitors alike. 

They remain a centrepiece of the Bendigo Easter Festival and have travelled far beyond the city, delighting audiences across south‑eastern Australia. Loong, for instance, famously appeared in Melbourne’s 1901 Federation celebrations and today holds the remarkable title of being the oldest surviving complete processional dragon in the world.

Supported by the City of Greater Bendigo Community Grant program, this exhibition shines a spotlight on the full lineage of Bendigo’s dragons, including the lesser‑known figures and those lost to history. Among them are two dragons that predate Loong (named Sun Loong and Dai Gum Loong), their stories preserved through community memory and archival fragments. Together, they reveal a rich and evolving tradition that continues to shape Bendigo’s cultural landscape.

Sometime in 2024, there’s a report of vandalism throughout six reported sites in Bendigo, including the Bendigo Golden Dragon Museum on the list. 

The motives of these two perpetrators are racism, which is not tolerable in modern Australian society. The federal government has offered $100,000 towards the restoration of the world's oldest processional dragon Loong, and other important artefacts at Bendigo's Golden Dragon Museum.

The Golden Dragon Museum has teamed up with La Trobe University to unveil a fascinating new temporary exhibition that shines a fresh light on mid‑century China. Changing Times: Posters from the Stuart E. Fraser Collection brings forward a rarely seen selection of political posters that once shaped public thinking on civic duty, public health, community life, and national unity.

Curated by Dr Jacqui Shelton of the La Trobe Art Institute, the exhibition showcases 19 standout works carefully chosen from an extraordinary archive of more than 4,000 posters. This remarkable collection was assembled by Emeritus Professor Stewart E. Fraser (1929–2001), founder of La Trobe’s School of Education, during his many research trips to China throughout the mid to late 1900s.

These posters are bold, colourful, and rich with historical context offer visitors a vivid glimpse into the visual culture of a rapidly changing nation. Through Dr. Shelton’s thoughtful curation, the exhibition not only highlights the artistic qualities of these works but also reveals the social messages and political aspirations they once carried.

A visit to the Golden Dragon Museum would not be complete without a walk through the beautiful Yi Yuan Garden. Admire the weeping flowering cherry tree, feed the fish, and enjoy the peace this tranquil area of bustling Bendigo CBD offers.

Tucked beside the Golden Dragon Museum, the Yi Yuan Gardens (Garden of Joy) feel like a gentle exhale, a serene counterpoint to the museum’s vibrant dragon displays. Designed by Australian landscape architect Albert Chong and inspired by the elegance of Suzhou‑style gardens, this space invites you to slow down, wander, and simply be.

As you stepped through the entrance, the city noise softened into the background. In its place came the soothing murmur of water and the soft rustle of leaves, as if the garden itself were welcoming me into a quieter world. Classical Chinese gardens are built on symbolism, and Yi Yuan is rich with meaning in every corner.

Ponds, waterfalls, and winding streams weave through the landscape, symbolising life, continuity, and the flowing energy of Qi. Their gentle sound has a way of calming the mind almost instantly.

Strategically placed stones—chosen for their sculptural shapes and textures—represent mountains, strength, and endurance. They anchor the garden with a sense of timelessness.

Bamboo for resilience, pine for longevity, plum blossoms for perseverance—each plant is chosen with intention. Together, they create a living tapestry that shifts beautifully with the seasons.

Curved bridges guide you along meandering paths, while elegant pavilions offer shaded spots to pause and reflect. They feel like invitations to linger.

I eventually found a quiet bench overlooking a koi pond, where flashes of orange and gold drifted lazily beneath the surface. It was the perfect place to let everything I’d learned at the museum settle in, a moment of stillness that deepened my appreciation for the culture behind it all.

Located within the gardens is the Kuan Yin Temple, a serene and active place of worship dedicated to Kuan Yin, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. This isn’t a relic preserved behind glass—it’s a living spiritual centre for the local Chinese community, and visitors of all backgrounds are warmly welcomed.

Inside, the temple glows with the soft light of candles and the scent of incense. Intricate carvings and traditional altars create an atmosphere that feels both sacred and deeply comforting. Standing there, you gain a powerful sense of the spiritual practices that sustained Chinese immigrants through hardship and change.

What struck me most was how seamlessly the temple connects past and present. It’s a reminder that the museum isn’t just preserving history; it’s honouring a culture that continues to thrive, adapt, and guide its community today.

In this peaceful corner of Bendigo, surrounded by water, stone, and prayer, you feel the heartbeat of a tradition that has travelled across oceans yet remains beautifully intact.

The Golden Dragon Museum is conveniently located in the heart of Bendigo, Victoria, at 1-11 Bridge Street. It’s within easy walking distance of the city centre, public transport, and various accommodation options. Bendigo itself is about a 2-hour drive north of Melbourne, making it a perfect day trip or weekend getaway.

Open Tuesday-Sunday 9:30 am - 5:00 pm. Check the website for public holiday hours.

        Adult (17yo and older) $16

        Concession (Students, Seniors and Pensioners) $13

        Children (5 to 16yo)  $7

        Children (under 5yo) - FREE

        Family (2 Adults and up to 4 children) $40

Last entry to the Museum is at 4.30pm.

Gardens and Temple close at 4.30pm.

Website: goldendragonmuseum.org

Give Yourself Time to Wander  

Set aside at least two to three hours so you can fully soak in the museum’s rich history, intricate artistry, and the peaceful charm of its gardens. This isn’t a place to rush — it’s an experience to savour.

Chat with the Volunteers  

Keep an eye out for the museum’s wonderful volunteers. Many are descendants of early Chinese immigrants, and their personal stories add a heartfelt, human layer to the exhibits. Their insights often turn a simple visit into something truly memorable.

Don’t Skip the Videos  

Throughout the galleries, you’ll find documentary clips featuring past Easter Festivals, interviews, and behind‑the‑scenes moments. These videos offer invaluable context, especially when learning about the dragons, parades, and cultural traditions.

Stroll the Gardens with Intention  

The Yi Yuan Gardens are designed for quiet reflection. Slow down, take a seat, and appreciate the symbolism woven into every pathway, plant, and pavilion. It’s a beautiful pause in the middle of your visit.

Visit the Kuan Yin Temple  

Approach this sacred space with respect and curiosity. Observing the rituals and traditions here offers a deeper understanding of the spiritual foundations that shape the culture.

Look Out for Special Exhibitions  

The museum regularly hosts temporary exhibitions that spotlight unique aspects of Chinese history, craftsmanship, or contemporary art. These rotating displays add fresh layers to every visit.

If available, a guided tour is a fantastic way to uncover the museum’s highlights — and its hidden gems. You’ll walk away with a richer, more connected understanding of the stories behind the displays.

        * Gift shops are available for your souvenirs and gifts to take home.

        * All areas of the museum, the Chinese Garden, and the Kuan Yin Temple are wheelchair accessible. 

        * Guide dogs and other registered assistance dogs are welcome at the museum, gallery spaces, garden and in the temple.

        * Auslan self-guided tour is available. 

Companion and Carer Card holders receive one free entry with the purchase of one admission ticket (to equal value).

        * The use of flash photography, tripods, is NOT permitted in all permanent exhibitions and most temporary exhibitions. Hand-held photography and filming (using your smartphone with no flash) is permitted