Design
The garden is designed with elegance (ya, 雅) in mind. The garden is traditionally entered through a narrow passage where meditation takes place, prior to entering the main garden. The design of the garden produces harmony through its views and concepts. The garden creates an infinite space within an enclosed area. • The borrowed view extends space beyond the border of the garden. • The hidden view creates suspense and excitement as one moves deeper into the garden. • The opposite view is framed by a moon gate or floral window. ==Elements==
Elements
• Wood - Nails or glue are not used in a Chinese garden. Wooden elements are joined together using traditional Chinese construction techniques (a sophisticated mortise-and-tenon system characteristic of traditional Chinese Ming Dynasty construction). • Rocks - In Chinese literature, rocks are described as the "bones of the earth." • Water - The garden contains three ponds and one waterfall. Water is thought of as the arteries of the world. • Plantings - China has contributed the rose, lilac, daphne, species of rhododendron, and the peony to the rest of the world. Trees, shrubs, and flowers are selected for shape, seasonal character, and symbolic meaning. • Furniture - The furniture of the garden is called the "internal organs." • Walls - Walls are strategically placed in the garden for design purposes. • Walkways - The curvature of the walkways offer many views and angles. • Bridges - Bridges and paths frequently zigzag, providing visitors with ever-changing vantages to experience the garden. Chinese philosophers also believed that zigzagging paths would throw off evil spirits. • Pavilions - There are two pavilion in the garden. One is for the scholar's study and the other provides visual access to various other scenes. • Xie - A Xie is a building one half hovering over a lake. The designs makes it seem that the building is floating in the water. • Painting and Calligraphy - Paintings and calligraphy represent the garden owner's knowledge of literature and art. == References ==