 1. The evolution of private garden:
In China, three types of garden can be viewed by visitors like imperial, private and public garden. In ancient times, the public garden has never appeared as its private owner only built the private garden. Also there are a lot of differences between North and South China. In North, its owner built just with house, opera terrace and courtyard but no garden such as Qiao Family's Manor. Some items in Beijing also built with garden in the courtyard. In South, most of the rich families own the garden in its house that is talked about today----private garden in Suzhou or Hangzhou.
A very close link exits between the building of private garden and economic development. In South China, people lead a rich life; a large amount of plantation and silk products stated in Suzhou, which enhanced the building of private garden. About 100 private gardens were built in Suzhou in the Qing Dynasty and now about 30 left featuring the style of Suzhou Graden.
 2. How to appreciate Suzhou Garden:
a. From the origin of owners. In Suzhou, some gardens were built by officials and some built by merchants. So a quite difference is created in them. The officials' garden is for personal proposal that is departed form office area. The office area sits in front and the garden entering is forbidden. These owners are very knowledgeable and cultivated; their gardens pay attention on its intrinsic meanings. In another way, the merchants' garden usually fully strength its outer deluxe style to people.
b. Close to nature. Like Tuisi yuan Garden in Suzhou. A script " Wind and Moon  spend nothing" was sculptured on one of the windows. It is told that one expects to enjoy wind and moon only at home after retired, which indicates the thought of closing to nature and relax ones old times. Most of official owners were unwilling to tell others his real estate as he has ever experienced so much ups and down in official circle. And they were also afraid of exposing the luxury buildings outside. These private gardens look plain, simple and ordinary. The guest can only enter into their living room without into their gardens behind. From today's view, the gardens are designed as an ordinary building from outer face and as a deluxe hotel inside. The owner's quality and knowledge are all exemplified from these garden's design. So the garden's design is often very cultivated and artistic. And the height of the garden's outer wall is also the same with the top of pavilion inside that covers the optic differences when people passing by. Total: 2 Pages,Page 1 [ 1 2 ] |
