Best Gardens to See in China
1. The Classical Gardens of Suzhou
Suzhou, often referred to as the "Venice of the East," is renowned for its classical gardens, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These gardens, created by scholars and officials, embody the essence of Chinese garden design, where every element is carefully planned to create a harmonious balance.
a. Humble Administrator's Garden (Zhuo Zheng Yuan)
The Humble Administrator's Garden is the largest and most famous garden in Suzhou, covering an area of about 52,000 square meters. The garden is divided into three sections: the eastern, middle, and western parts, each with its own distinct style. The eastern section is spacious, with vast ponds, pavilions, and winding paths. The middle section is the essence of the garden, with a central pond surrounded by buildings, bridges, and rockeries. The western section is more intimate, with smaller courtyards and delicate landscaping.
b. Lingering Garden (Liu Yuan)
The Lingering Garden, one of the four most famous gardens in China, is known for its exquisite layout, architectural design, and use of space. The garden covers an area of about 23,300 square meters and is divided into four sections: the eastern, central, northern, and western parts. Each section has its own theme, with the central part being the most elaborate. The garden's architecture, including the corridors, pavilions, and halls, is intricately designed to blend seamlessly with the natural landscape.
c. Master of the Nets Garden (Wang Shi Yuan)
Despite its small size, the Master of the Nets Garden is considered a masterpiece of garden design. Covering an area of only about 5,400 square meters, the garden is a perfect example of how to create a sense of space and depth in a limited area. The garden is famous for its use of "borrowed scenery," where elements from outside the garden, such as nearby buildings or landscapes, are incorporated into the garden's design to create a more expansive view.
2. The Summer Palace (Yihe Yuan) in Beijing
The Summer Palace, located in the northwest of Beijing, is a vast ensemble of lakes, gardens, and palaces. It served as a retreat for the Qing Dynasty emperors and is now one of the most popular tourist attractions in China.
a. Kunming Lake
Kunming Lake, covering an area of 2.2 square kilometers, is the central feature of the Summer Palace. The lake was created by extending a natural body of water and is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including the Longevity Hill and various temples, pavilions, and bridges. Visitors can take a boat ride on the lake to enjoy the stunning scenery from the water.
b. Longevity Hill (Wanshou Shan)
Rising 60 meters above the lake, Longevity Hill is the focal point of the Summer Palace. The hill is dotted with various halls, towers, and pavilions, including the iconic Tower of Buddhist Incense. The hill offers panoramic views of Kunming Lake and the surrounding area, making it a popular spot for visitors.
c. The Long Corridor (Chang Lang)
The Long Corridor is a covered walkway that runs along the northern shore of Kunming Lake. It is over 700 meters long and is decorated with thousands of paintings depicting scenes from Chinese history, literature, and mythology. The corridor provides a shaded path for visitors to enjoy the lake and the surrounding gardens.
3. Yu Garden (Yuyuan) in Shanghai
Located in the heart of Shanghai's old city, Yu Garden is a classical Chinese garden that dates back to the Ming Dynasty. The garden covers an area of about 20,000 square meters and is known for its beautiful landscapes, intricate rockeries, and historic buildings.
a. The Grand Rockery
The Grand Rockery, located at the entrance of Yu Garden, is a 14-meter-high artificial mountain made of Huangshi stone. It is one of the oldest and largest rockeries in China and serves as a striking centerpiece of the garden. Visitors can climb to the top of the rockery to enjoy a panoramic view of the garden.
b. The Exquisite Jade Rock
The Exquisite Jade Rock is a famous 3.3-meter-high rock with 72 holes. It is said that if you burn a joss stick beneath the rock, the smoke will magically rise out of all the holes. This rock is one of the three most famous rocks in China and is a must-see for visitors to Yu Garden.
c. The Sansui Hall
The Sansui Hall is the main hall of Yu Garden and was originally used to entertain guests. The hall is named after the word "Sansui," which means "luxury and honor." The hall is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, including ponds, bridges, and rockeries, making it a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the garden's beauty.
4. Chengde Mountain Resort (Bishushanzhuang) in Hebei
The Chengde Mountain Resort, located in Chengde, Hebei Province, is a vast imperial garden and palace complex built during the Qing Dynasty. The resort covers an area of 5.6 square kilometers and is one of the largest imperial gardens in China.
a. The Lake Area
The Lake Area is the centerpiece of the Chengde Mountain Resort and consists of eight lakes, each with its own unique landscape. The lakes are surrounded by pavilions, bridges, and terraces, creating a picturesque scene that reflects the beauty of southern China.
b. The Plain Area
The Plain Area is located to the north of the Lake Area and is designed to resemble the grasslands of northern China. This area is home to several temples, including the Puning Temple, which houses the world's largest wooden statue of the Buddhist goddess Guanyin.
c. The Mountain Area
The Mountain Area occupies the northern part of the resort and is covered with dense forests, winding paths, and secluded temples. This area was used by the emperors as a place for hunting and relaxation, away from the hustle and bustle of the capital.
5. West Lake (Xihu) in Hangzhou
West Lake, located in the city of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, is one of the most famous and beautiful lakes in China. The lake is surrounded by hills, gardens, temples, and pagodas, making it a popular destination for both tourists and locals.
a. The Ten Scenes of West Lake
The Ten Scenes of West Lake are ten scenic spots around the lake that have been celebrated in Chinese poetry and art for centuries. These include the Broken Bridge, where the legend of the White Snake took place, and the Three Pools Mirroring the Moon, where three pagodas create a magical reflection on the water.
b. The Leifeng Pagoda
The Leifeng Pagoda is an iconic structure located on the southern shore of West Lake. The pagoda was originally built in 975 AD and was later reconstructed in 2002. It offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding area.
c. The Su Causeway
The Su Causeway is a scenic walkway that runs across the northern part of West Lake. It was built by the famous poet and governor Su Dongpo during the Song Dynasty and is lined with willow trees, creating a peaceful and romantic atmosphere.
Conclusion
China's gardens are not just places of beauty; they are reflections of the country's history, culture, and philosophy. From the classical gardens of Suzhou to the imperial retreats of Beijing and Chengde, these gardens offer a unique insight into the soul of China. Whether you are a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, these gardens are a must-see on any trip to China.
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