By Ben Westcott
One of the world's most powerful nations has joined Canberra's centenary celebrations, with Beijing giving its sister city a traditional Chinese garden.
ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher revealed the new garden would be built on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, in the Lennox Gardens. Canberra has been a sister city of Beijing since 2000, joining almost 50 other sister cities of the Chinese capital.
An artist's impression of the Canberra Chinese Gardens - the view to the east from the new lakeside path.
The new garden will be unveiled in November, just after the 14th anniversary of the announcement.
Ms Gallagher said the new garden would feature paths meandering past Chinese stone sculptures and a Chinese pavilion with an expansive view across the city. ''[There will be] places where Canberrans and visitors can relax and enjoy the garden's serenity,'' she said.
Ambassador Ma Zhaoxu said the establishment of the Chinese garden symbolised the strong economic and cultural ties between the nations.
''We share many bonds that extend beyond the formal sister city title and facilitate strong friendship links - connections which exist between our children, businesses and communities,'' he said.
Mr Ma said the sister city relationship was of great mutual benefit. ''Over time, the garden will grow and prosper just as the friendship between the people of Canberra and the people of Beijing is prospering,'' he said.
The gift will be the second international garden in Lennox Gardens after the Nara Peace Garden, which was given to Canberra by its other sister city, Nara, in Japan.