APRIL 11, 2011 -- Immerse yourself in traditional Chinese arts, music, culture and cuisine with Chinese Culture Days at the Missouri Botanical Garden, Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for children (ages 3 to 12).

The grand parade will begin at 11 a.m., led by a dazzling 70-foot, 24-legged dragon winding through the crowds to dispel bad luck and evil spirits. Traditional martial artists and lion dancers follow, accompanied by gongs and drums to bring in good luck for the Year of the Rabbit of the Chinese zodiac. The parade will be repeated at 2 p.m. both days.

Witness an incredible display of elegant and riveting dance and acrobatics performed by Shanghai acrobats. For more than 40 years, the New Shanghai Circus Troupe has worked to perfect the fine Chinese folk art of tumbling into an international award-winning performance involving both artistry and acrobatics. Performances will be held at the outdoor Cohen Amphitheater.

A host of activities surround the Grigg Nanjing Friendship Garden, also known as the Chinese Garden. The private "Scholar's Garden" will be filled with pavilions, bridges and decorated pavements, affirming the idea that Chinese gardens are built, not planted. These structures reflect the traditional Chinese art form of shan shui—mountain and water—landscape. Stones around a central pool of water symbolize the five sacred mountains in China.

Take a guided tour of the Chinese Garden hourly between noon and 4 p.m. Throughout the weekend, experience lessons in the ancient martial art of T'ai Ji. Enjoy tea tastings and Chinese traditional music played on the ancient pipa and Gu Zheng instruments.

Learn the rich culture and history of eight major cuisines of Chinese cooking and perfect your cooking skills with a demonstration in the lower level of the Kemper Center for Home Gardening. Visit the outdoor food court, where dumplings, egg rolls, lo mein and other favorites will be available for purchase from local restaurants and Chinese organizations.

A program of regional styles of Chinese fashion and cultures will take place daily inside the Shoenberg Theater. Through beautiful costumes, music and chants, performers demonstrate how fashion has evolved with the change of history and culture.

The Missouri Botanical Garden  is located at 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, Mo., 63110. For more information call 314-577-5100.

Photos courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden.

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