What better place to ring in the Year of the Dragon than the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.

The garden, at 578 Carrall Street in the Canadian city’s Chinatown neighborhood, commemorated its 25th anniversary in 2011, and the birthday festivities will come to an explosive finale January 29, 2012, during its annual Chinese New Year celebrations.

Featured events include a dragon exhibit, red lanterns, traditional games and more.

Here’s another reason to celebrate: the venue was recently named the world’s top city garden in National Geographic’s new book, Secret Journeys of a Lifetime.

The garden is an authentic representation of an age–old garden tradition which reached its peak in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). It is characteristic of the private spaces within a Ming scholar’s residence. With its asymmetrical arrangement of rocks and plants, its winding paths and corridors, and the vistas that overlook its courtyards, the garden emulates the rhythms of nature.

Ming dynasty scholars, the elite of their time, lived and worked in their garden, sharing these enchanting spaces with friends and family of all ages. Like any home, a scholar’s garden was filled with energy, but also offered quiet moments for contemplation.

(Photo courtesy of Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden)