Fine art of classical Chinese gardens
There are so many beautiful gardens and flowers to be enjoyed wherever we go, writes Elaine Yim
Suzhou is known by several names such as “Venice of the Orient”, “Land of Milk and Honey”, “Heaven on Earth” as well as “Garden City”.
A city with many rivers and canals, Suzhou was established 2,500 years ago during the 6th century BCE as the ancient capital of the Wu Kingdom. It was a prosperous city and royal gardens had existed since then.
The city enjoys a sub-tropical climate and has four seasons; the summers are hot and humid while winters are cool and damp, with occasional snowfalls.
The oldest is Canglang Ting which was built during the Song Dynasty. The Humble Administrator’s Garden is the largest garden while Mountain Villa with Embracing Beauty is the smallest. a few sections such as north, south, east, west and centre. These sections may comprise the library, living quarters, study or ancestral hall of worship. Each section is separated by walled corridors, pond or meandering stream and connected by zigzagged or winding, covered or uncovered pathways and bridges. The ponds are filled with various types of fishes and mandarin ducks.
Sometimes there’s even a garden within a garden. Popular plants include fragrant lotus, osmanthus, peonies, weeping willows, pine trees, bamboo and even maple trees that reflect the changing seasons. Halls and pavilions act as viewing platforms and places for inspiration, reflection and contemplation. Window and moon- or vase-shaped door openings form the frames of a picturesque, ever-changing landscape.
Stones and rocks of unusual shapes are often collected and displayed as a standalone or stacked atop one another. Poetry and calligraphy are inscribed on the stones or hung on the walls