In 1952, the Fairytale Forest opened with ten fairytales, including a scene from The Chinese Nightingale. Back then, a small bird sat on a branch by a low wall. In front of the wall lay a rocky setting with flowers nestled between the stones. Every few minutes, the nightingale would sing and the flower buds would open. This original version of The Chinese Nightingale was replaced in 1979 by Draak Lichtgeraakt.

The current version of The Chinese Nightingale was designed by Ton van de Ven and opened in 1999 as one of the last fairy tales created by his own hand. The building is no longer in good condition, which led to an important choice: a full rebuild or a new purpose for the area. The very first ten fairytales will always have a place in the Fairytale Forest, and that’s why The Chinese Nightingale will return in a beautiful and honourable way. 

The ornamental garden has also been part of the Fairytale Forest since 1952. What once was a large field of flowerbeds now lies between the fairytale The Gardener and the Fakir and the exit of the Fairytale Forest. You can stroll past a gazebo and various statues. Large carp swim in the pond, and beneath a romantic little bridge a waterfall gently flows. The ornamental garden will remain.

You can enjoy the current version of The Chinese Nightingale and visit the ornamental garden until 8 March 2026. After that, the area around the fairytale and the garden will be closed for construction works.

The area around The Chinese Nightingale in the Fairytale Forest is being transformed, bringing the 32nd fairytale to life: the Fairy Tale Library. Nearby, The Chinese Nightingale will return in a new form.