Born in Belgium in 1960, Domb has had a lifelong admiration for China, inspired, he tells CGTN, by his parents - especially his mother. 

"I was born with love for this country, for China," he explains. "Chinese civilization is incredible... probably the only one able to reconcile tradition and modernity." 

Growing up, Domb's childhood home was filled with Chinese art and literature, the type of creative space where a young boy's imagination can take flight far beyond the walls of his loving home.

However, it would be almost 40 years before Domb would decide to create his own tribute to the world's oldest continuous civilization. 

Inspiration struck not during a trip to China, but to Canada in 1997 – when, as part of a trade delegation to Montreal, he was taken to an authentic recreation of a classical Chinese landscape. It was an experience which made an immediate impression. 

"I saw this garden and instinctively understood the truth of every detail," he recalls.

Years of planning followed, but in 2005 Domb was able to start his own project, hiring Chinese artisans to lovingly construct every element using traditional materials and centuries-old techniques. 

Their skill and dedication ensured the garden could finally open in 2006. 

"You cannot achieve that if you don’t work with the craftsmen from the country. It's just impossible," Domb says. 

Pairi Daiza's Botanical Director Guy Vandersande agrees: "It's like changing a kidney – you need compatibility," he says.

"The Chinese craftsmen had gold in their hands... it's the memory of centuries passed from generation to generation."

Spanning 45,000 square meters, today the Chinese Garden is a place of extraordinary authenticity, from its traditional architecture to its flora, wildlife and layout.

But beyond its visual splendour, Domb ensured the garden reflects deeper philosophical messages, with principles of Chinese thought woven into every detail.

Pointing out an elegantly curved doorway, he explains: "It's the shape of a plant, the leaf of a plant, which is the canna. But what does it mean to cross a gate which is a leaf?

"It means that if you have the right perspective, the right attitude, you will see the beautiful temple hidden by a leaf. But if you don't have the right attitude, you will miss the big temple in front of the plant. So everything is how you look at the world."

Clearly for Domb, perspective is key. His garden is not just an opportunity to experience China, but to reconsider how we look at the world.

This belief is reflected throughout its design, from symbolic rock placements – hand-picked by Domb – to zigzag bridges intended to deflect negative influences. It's an experience that invites introspection.

"You're a little bit manipulated, in a lovely way, to feel better," Vandersande explains, "with the stones, with the vision, with the surprises."

Eight years after Pairi Daiza opened, 2014 marked a significant milestone – for both the park and China-Belgium relations – when the zoo welcomed Xing Hui and Hao Hao, two pandas on loan from China.

Before the move, Domb met with officials in Beijing to explain his philosophy.

"I started to talk about what motivates me and they understood it immediately," he says. "They felt they had someone in front of them who's a real friend."

The pandas went on to attract millions of visitors and raised increased awareness about their conservation, while Domb developed a close connection to the animals.

"I'm a little bit like a panda," he smiles. "I like to live in the wild, in nature, in the green. This is really what I love... in the depth of myself I am a panda."

This bond was further solidified when Chinese President Xi Jinping and Belgian King Philippe inaugurated the Panda House and planted a magnolia tree within the garden.

The pandas and the tree went on to flourish: Hao Hao has given birth to three healthy cubs, and the tree blooms twice a year, as if symbolic of the growing relationship between the two nations.

In December 2024, the three cubs were returned to China to participate in conservation and breeding programs, marking an important milestone in the ongoing collaboration.

The pandas' keeper, Liu Yang, who had relocated from China to care for them, speaks highly of Domb: "He always says, 'Pandas first.' And he deeply respects Chinese culture… he has real respect."

In 2023, Domb wrote to President Xi, highlighting the garden as an epitome of harmonious coexistence between man and nature, and an opportunity to build "a bridge between common people."

In his reply, President Xi expressed confidence that he would continue to foster friendship and cultural exchange between China and Belgium.