内容简介
Chinese gardens fall into two major categories: the imperial and the private. The former, usually grand andlavishly decorated, are seen most frequently in Beijing of north China, while more of the latter, exquisitelysmall, neatly laid out and artistically landscaped, are found in Suzhou of south China.
The history of the Suzhou classic gardens can be traced back to the gardens of King Wu of the Springand Autumn period in the 6th century BC, although the earliest documented private garden was built inthe 4th century AD. In the Ming and O~ng dynasties, Suzhou developed into one of the most prosperouscities in China. Private gardens could be found everywhere, both inside and outside the old city wall. In itspeak, Suzhou had more than 2o0 gardens. Unfortunately, only a few dozens have been preserved in fairlygood condition. Basically, Suzhou's classic gardens feature a delightful combination of pavilions, terraces,towers, fountains, hills, flowers and woods, seeking to recreate natural landscapes in miniature.
Although there are a number of scenic, temple, and scholar gardens, most of the classic ones were usedfor private residential purposes; gardens where people could relax, entertain, and live comfortably at thesame time. In a densely populated city where natural landscapes are rapidly disappearing, these gardens aretruly creative expressions of the love of beauty and harmony with nature.
The history of the Suzhou classic gardens can be traced back to the gardens of King Wu of the Springand Autumn period in the 6th century BC, although the earliest documented private garden was built inthe 4th century AD. In the Ming and O~ng dynasties, Suzhou developed into one of the most prosperouscities in China. Private gardens could be found everywhere, both inside and outside the old city wall. In itspeak, Suzhou had more than 2o0 gardens. Unfortunately, only a few dozens have been preserved in fairlygood condition. Basically, Suzhou's classic gardens feature a delightful combination of pavilions, terraces,towers, fountains, hills, flowers and woods, seeking to recreate natural landscapes in miniature.
Although there are a number of scenic, temple, and scholar gardens, most of the classic ones were usedfor private residential purposes; gardens where people could relax, entertain, and live comfortably at thesame time. In a densely populated city where natural landscapes are rapidly disappearing, these gardens aretruly creative expressions of the love of beauty and harmony with nature.
