WHERE: Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., south St. Louis

 COST: $12 adults (13-64), $10 seniors (65+), $5 children (3-12), $5 Garden members

 INFO: www.mobot.org;(314) 577-5100, 1 (800) 642-8842 toll free

  (ST. LOUIS): Immerse yourself in traditional Chinese arts, music, culture and cuisine with Chinese Culture Days at the Missouri Botanical Garden, Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22 from10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for children (ages 3 to 12). Purchase tickets in advance online at www.mobot.org.

        The grand parade will begin at 11 a.m., led by a dazzling 70-foot, 24-legged dragon winding through the crowds to dispel bad luck and evil spirits. Traditional martial artists and lion dancers follow, accompanied by gongs and drums to bring in good luck for the Year of the Rabbit of the Chinese zodiac. The parade will be repeated at 2 p.m. both days.

        Witness an incredible display of elegant and riveting dance and acrobatics performed by Shanghai acrobats. For over 40 years, the New Shanghai Circus Troupe has worked to perfect the fine Chinese folk art of tumbling into an international award-winning performance involving both artistry and acrobatics. Performances are held at the outdoor Cohen Amphitheater.

        A host of activities surround the Grigg Nanjing Friendship Garden, also known as the Chinese Garden. The private "Scholar's Garden" is filled with pavilions, bridges and decorated pavements, affirming the idea that Chinese gardens are built, not planted. These structures reflect the traditional Chinese art form of shan shui-mountain and water-landscape. Stones around a central pool of water symbolize the five sacred mountains in China.

        Take a guided tour of the Chinese Garden hourly between noon and 4 p.m. Throughout the weekend, experience lessons in the ancient martial art of T'ai Ji. Enjoy tea tastings and Chinese traditional music played on the ancient pipa and Gu Zheng instruments.Learn the rich culture and history of eight major cuisines of Chinese cooking and perfect your cooking skills with a demonstration in the lower level of the Kemper Center for Home Gardening. Visit the outdoor food court, where dumplings, egg rolls, lo mein and other mouth-watering favorites will be available for purchase from local restaurants and Chinese organizations.

        A program of regional styles of Chinese fashion and cultures will take place daily inside the Shoenberg Theater. Through beautiful costumes, music and chants, performers demonstrate how fashion has evolved with the change of history and culture.

        Chinese Culture Days admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors (ages 65 and over), and $5 for children (ages 3 to 12). Garden members are $5; members' children ages 12 and under are free. Doors open at 9 a.m. with activities from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Trams will not operate during the event.

        Sponsor support for Chinese Culture Days is provided by Novus International, Inc.

        The Missouri Botanical Garden is located at 4344 Shaw Blvd. in south St. Louis, accessible from Interstate 44 at the Vandeventer exit and from Interstate 64 at the Kingshighway North & South exit. Free parking is available on-site and two blocks west at the corner of Shaw and Vandeventer.

        For general information, visit www.mobot.org or call the recorded event line at (314) 577-5100 or toll-free 1 (800) 642-8842.

        The Missouri Botanical Garden's mission is "to discover and share knowledge about plants and their environment, in order to preserve and enrich life." Today, 152 years after opening, the Missouri Botanical Garden is a National Historic Landmark and a center for science, conservation, education and horticultural display.