People from all over the world came to Bendigo in search of gold, but perhaps none is as evident and celebrated as the Chinese. Bendigo is still known today as ‘Dai Gum San’ or ‘Big Gold Mountain’ by the Chinese.
In the mid-1800s, 20 percent of Bendigo’s population hailed from China. They came as miners and merchants, bringing their customs, culture and beliefs to the goldfields. Today, the city still celebrates the impact that they made.
Bendigo Joss House Temple:
The Bendigo Joss House Temple, a Chinese place of worship, was constructed in the 1870s. Originally part of the Ironbark Chinese Camp, it is one of the few remaining buildings of its type in Australia.
At the heritage-listed Bendigo Joss House Temple your students will discover more about Chinese beliefs and the story of the Chinese who came to Bendigo in search of gold.
The main temple is dedicated to Guan-Di (Kwan Gong), the god of war and prosperity. The Chinese saw him as a wise judge, guide, protector and provider of wealth and prosperity; attributes sought by the Chinese inhabitants of this strange land.
Constructed using locally handmade bricks and painted red – symbolising happiness, strength and vitality – the Bendigo Joss House Temple is considered a significant and unique part of Bendigo’s cultural history.
Golden Dragon Museum:
Bendigo’s Golden Dragon Museum takes pride of place in the Dai Gum San precinct, which also features the Yi Yuan Gardens and Kuan Yin Temple; home of the Goddess of Compassion.
Here, your students can experience a living history of the Chinese people of Bendigo from the gold rush to the present. The museum is home to the world’s oldest imperial Chinese Dragon, Loong and the world’s longest imperial Chinese Dragon Sun Loong.
The Golden Dragon Museum offers a range of educational experiences across all ages and school levels including; Guided tours of the museum, Year 7 Ancient History Tour, Year 9 Immigration History Tour, VCE History Revolutions: China, historical tours, special interest tours and craft programs.
Having become the hub of Chinese cultural activity in Australia, your students will experience first-hand the golden relationship between Bendigo and China.
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