Suzhou Gardens
The Suzhou garden originated from the desire to retire from the strife
 of
officialdom and to shun from worldly affairs. It seeks the return to nature
and the cultivation of temperament. In Taoist philosophy and the refinement
of culture underlies the theme of the garden. Hills and waters, flowers
and trees, pavilions, terraces, towers and halls constitute the basic garden
elements, while the prominent tone is expressed in the dark color of rooftiles,
the gray of bricks and chestnut brown of wooden pillars.
Most gardens in Suzhou had been the property of private families. Tranquility,
elegance, and harmony with
nature are therefore what contribute to the serenity in these gardens.
Accordingly the builders invented ingenious techniques to put limited
space to best use. Depressions were transformed into ponds; tiny protrusions
were molded into hills; pavilions and chambers were erected according
to well-conceived plans, and flowers and trees were planted wherever they
were needed to cover the entire area. All this combined to form a natural,
yet richly landscaped environment so that the occupants could get the
feeling of returning to nature without stepping out of the grounds of
their home. Such is the unique features of Suzhou gardens. In terms of
layout, a limited space is skillfully converted into a kaleidoscopic of
themed mini-scenes, which gives ample expression to the ethnic style of
the Chinese art of landscaping and garden construction.
Suzhou garden is thenature personified in a nutshell, which enables one
to "feel the charm of mountains, forests and springs without leaving
the noisy surroundings of the town". The human interest aspect lies
in the fact that the architect, philosopher, poet, painter and common
people can grasp their own needs in a visit, to sense an idea, the essence,
the lines and the rhythm. The unfolding of the garden vistas is the pattern
of a landscape scroll. The garden setting is conducive to the most natural
inspiration when enjoying tea, literature, flower arranging or playing
a musical instruments in the garden. Suzhou gardens are the best living
museums for tourists that want to get a better understanding of the ancient
Chinese culture and civilization.
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