Cyrildene, Johannesburg

Cyrildene has a rich history of people coming into Johannesburg from Asia. The Chinese community in Johannesburg has grown considerably since the 1990s, when many Taiwanese people moved into the suburb of Cyrildene and 'Little China Town' was born.

Cyrildene is an old suburb that previously had Jewish residents. Today, it is filled with eastern influence and Chinese architecture. It lies on the ridge to the east of the Johannesburg CBD and is surrounded by the Observatory, Linksfield, and Bruma, which are only one road away. The entire area is only 120 ha.

Climate:

Cyrildene has an annual temperature of approximately 20°C. Summers are very hot, with an average high of 30-32 °C. Winter is much colder, with a low of 9.5°C. July is the coldest month of the year. Cyrildene is a suburb of Johannesburg that has a subtropical climate, bringing with it summer rains and thunderstorms in the summer months.

Distance from Key Points:

• Oliver Tambo International Airport: 14 minutes (15.6 km) via the R24.
• Sandton: 23 minutes (16,6 km) via De Villiers Graaff Motorway and M1.
• Pretoria: 42 minutes (57.7km) via Ben Schoeman Motorway, Pretoria Main Road/N1.
• Johannesburg CBD: 16 minutes (7.7 km) via Albertina Sisulu Road.

Cyrildene is situated in the east of Johannesburg CBD, between Observatory and Linksfied. It is also close to Bedfordview, Morning Hill, Bezuidenhout Valley, and Kensington.

Education 

Cyrildene Primary School is a progressive school with a high academic standard. Cyrildene children are spoilt for choice when it comes to living in close proximity to some of the top schools in Johannesburg. These include Parktown Boys High School, King Edward VII (KES), St. Benedicts, Jeppe High School for Girls, Jeppe Boys High School, St. John's College, St. Andrews School for Girls, Hyde Park High School, and Edenvale High School.

Shopping in the area 

When you enter the 'Pai Fong' (Red Pergola) into Derrick Avenue in Cyrildene, you will be transported to China. With the many Jing Hua grocery shops and Jong Hua tea shops, this is an experience. There are three blocks of vendors where you can find very cheap prices.

Just minutes away from Cyrildene, you will find Bruma's Oriental City, and neighbouring suburbs provide for all shopping requirements. Exclusive Bedford Centre, Park Meadows Lifestyle Centre, and super mall Eastgate Shopping Centre with all the top retail stores are nearby.

Medical and health facilities

Linksfield Park Medical Centre and Netcare Linksfield Hospital are 8 minutes (4,4 km) from Cyrildene. Bedford Gardens Hospital is 9 minutes (3.2 km) away.

Eating out in Cyrildene

There is a delightful choice of Chinese and other Asian cultural cuisine in Cyrildene. Derrick Avenue is a cultural hub; restaurants on this street include China Town Restaurant, Diao Yu Dao Restaurant, Dynasty Soymilk for dine-in and takeout, Fong Mei, and 'HomeMade Dumplings' to name a few. There is also Ronjia takeout and 'Delicious Casserole Food' on Derrick Avenue. On Hettie Street, there is Anong Thai Restaurant.

Special Attractions 

In Cyrildene you can experience an array of Asian delights and cultures. Spend the day, pop in and sing karaoke with the locals, enjoy a cup of tea, visit a spa, or delight in some Asian foods. Choices of Asian food are Thai, Taiwanese, Cantonese, Korean, Shanghai, or trying some Szechuan cooking. The aromas of jasmine, ginger, and, of course, garlic will have you coming back for more.

Properties in Cyrildene include freestanding large family homes and apartments. This area is a renovator's dream, with many old properties looking for a modern facelift or a quick rejuvenation.