Our building is an authentic recreation of a traditional two-storey Chinese building, set in established Chinese gardens and forecourt. It captures the essence of architecture in Southern China and is designed in principle with the Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui. This ancient Chinese art guides the design and placement of a building to take advantage of the flow of natural energy.

A book titled “All you need to know about Feng Shui” is available for purchase in the Gum San Gift Shop should you need further insight into this philosophy of getting balance in design, construction and living in harmony with your environment.

We are very proud of our roof. It is adorned with dragons and other mythical creatures, and is a unique and striking feature of the Ararat skyline. The 56,000 tiles were generously donated by The People's Government of Taishan, China along with four Master Tilers to complete the installation.

Photographs and other data is on hand in the Centre showing the construction phases as it grew from the ground, to what you see today.

Taishan is a Sister City with Ararat and the Ararat Rural City Council. Numerous delegations from both cities have visited each other over the years with many of the volunteers visiting several times whilst touring in China.

The Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre creates an unexpected, eye-catching vista to travellers as they pass though Ararat along the Australian East-West road link known as the Western Highway A3.