VALDOSTA — Handcarved woodwork, a brightly painted, intricately designed ceiling and lots of new menu choices are just a few of the things the owners of China Garden thought would improve their restaurant. Recent renovations have provided a new appearance inside and out.

May and Mike Gung opened the doors of China Garden March 17, 1977. At the time, it was the first Chinese restaurant and only the second international restaurant. When the Gung family, of Chinese descent, moved to Valdosta from Tallahassee, Fla., they knew this was the place where they would fulfill their dreams.

Valdosta gave the Gungs and China Garden a warm welcome. For many years, they served people Asian food and entertained them with karaoke. A fire in 1994 brought one round of renovations, and in 2000 a separate company was interested in leasing the restaurant. The Gungs allowed them to lease it for several years, during which time the quality did not remain consistent.

In 2005, the Gungs assumed full control once again and embarked on an extensive renovation to improve the overall restaurant experience. Room by room, China Garden underwent changes for improvement, never closing its doors.

The restaurant is designed to be like a Chinese home, with an ambiance and appearance that makes customers feel comfortable and intrigued. Mike himself created the multitude of impressive handcarved dividers and windows throughout the restaurant. Original pieces that May brought back from Hong Kong add accents around the restaurant.

In the entrance, buffet area and dining room, new marble tile now makes up the floor. The buffet has been moved to the front room. Guests now have plenty of space to graze through it, searching for their favorites.

Previous management set the buffet under the beautiful ceiling in what is now the dining room. Steam had caused damage to the intricately design ceiling that was recently refinished and restored to its best appearance.

Once just an average room with tables similar to those throughout the facility, the banquet room is now beautifully decorated in classic Chinese family style. It features rosewood furniture with oriental carvings and chairs with silk linings; authentic oriental pieces and traditional Asian wall paper.

The Gungs would like to hold many more special events at China Garden. They have a meeting room that opens from the dining area can seat 75 people and in the back an extended deck is perfect for entertaining.

Next in line for renovations are the lounge and office space upstairs. The Gungs hope to bring back karaoke since people used to love it so much. It will offer a fun atmosphere with great drinks like sake margaritas.

Now stone paths lead through the garden, past Japanese magnolias and bonsai trees. The atmosphere is peaceful but is still undergoing renovation and landscaping. They are also working on adding a small bar on the back deck.

China Garden’s menu is changing, too. In addition to classic Chinese favorites and great sushi, they have added dumplings, Pan-Asian dishes and a Hibachi grill where steak, chicken, pork and shrimp can be prepared in a variety of sauces and to a variety of temperatures. Thai dishes may also be added soon.

“The traditional dishes are combined with new dishes for a unique menu,” daughter Emily Gung said. “We are celebrating an Asian American culture where assimilation is important. We want to share it with Valdosta.”

The new renovations have improved the unique flair that China Garden already had. Owners May and Mike hope that it will improve the experience for their customers. So far they have gotten positive feedback from customers who are returning time and time again.

“Dad didn’t remodel for profit or to compete. He put his passion and heart into this restaurant; he built the building with his own hands,” their other daughter, Irene, said. “Valdosta was so warm and supportive of our family, the least we can do is provide people with the best we have to offer.

“We want to rebuild our reputation; have our friends come back with a new appreciation.”

In addition to the many physical improvements, May plans to make improvements to the business. She wants to return goodwill received from the people of Valdosta through community service: “We got a lot and we want to give a lot back.”