Chinese Gardens Trust design manager John Henderson said the garden was "99.5% complete" and he expected the remainder of the work to be finished by May 18.
In the past few weeks, the 20 Chinese artisans had completed the Pai Lou (elaborate archway) and finished painting inside and cleaning.
About nine of the artisans left on Sunday to return to China, and the remainder would leave in coming weeks.
The repair of Rattray St and a service lane between the garden and the Otago Settlers Museum was all that was left to complete, he said.
The last container to arrive on site would have rubbish bins for the garden and boards which listed sponsors.
Mr Henderson said the majority of the materials left over after the project would be kept for maintenance purposes, and the remainder sold back to the Shanghai Construction and Decoration Company.
Trust secretary Malcolm Wong said representatives from the Shanghai Museum would be in Dunedin at the end of May to authenticate the site.
An opening ceremony for the public would be held next month, with a blessing by Ngai Tahu, and the key would be handed over to the council.
The official opening, by the Chinese Gardens Trust, would be held after the required 90-day maintenance period.
Mr Wong said delegates from the Shanghai Municipal People's Government would attend the official opening ceremony.
