Sydney’s Chinese community expresses alarm over plans to remove a beloved artwork marking the unofficial entrance to Chinatown. The Golden Water Mouth sculpture, fenced off due to structural concerns with its 10-meter-high tree, stands at the corner of Sussex and Hay Streets.

Community Views the Artwork as a Vital Symbol

Kevin Cheng, co-founder of the Soul of Chinatown group, argues that authorities have not exhausted all options to preserve the piece. “It’s ripping something out from the heart of Chinatown,” Cheng states. “It’s a really powerful work and symbol for us, us being Chinatown, but also the Chinese-Australian community and the broader Asian-Australian community.”

Cheng worries that removal without replacement would cause a significant cultural loss. “We are concerned that, if it is to be removed, that nothing will be replaced or put in its place and that would be a huge loss … from a symbolism and spiritual point of view for our community.”

Created in 1999 by the late artist Lin Li, the sculpture incorporates China’s five natural elements—fire, earth, water, gold, and wood. The central tree hails from Condobolin in New South Wales’ central west, a region linked to 19th-century Chinese miners.

George Wing Kee, a Chinatown veteran since 1946 and former tour guide, explains the tree’s selection. “The artist chose the tree because it was resilient to floods and fire that had hit the town,” Wing Kee says. “In that respect the tree represented not only the resilience and the connection that the Chinese people had with the town, it was a time where they reflected their passion for living in Australia.”

The design includes feng shui features, with water flowing down the tree and recirculating upward.

Structural Damage Prompts Action

Officials have enclosed the site with fencing and signs warning of timber issues. “Despite regular maintenance the natural timber is cracking and degrading, as is expected, with evidence of some termite activity,” a City of Sydney spokesperson notes.

“Given the nature of the damage to the artwork it may not be feasible for the artwork to remain,” the spokesperson adds. Plans include evaluating partial retention. “All options are being considered, including keeping the majority of the work in place. If removal is required the community has contributed suggestions including preserving part of the work elsewhere or remembering it on site.”

Calls for Meaningful Replacement

Cheng proposes honoring Lin Li’s vision with a new artwork if removal proceeds. He advocates for signage to highlight the original’s history and cultural role, noting many visitors remain unaware of its significance.

“If there is removal there is a wonderful opportunity for the City of Sydney to commit to funding for a replacement,” Cheng suggests. “I think it would be the biggest travesty of all if there was just the standard City of Sydney benches put there, or a bike rack.”

He views this as an exciting moment for Chinatown, aligning with ongoing revitalization efforts. The City of Sydney invests $44 million into upgrading Haymarket and Chinatown, including Dixon Street.