Chinese Garden Design

Earliest Chinese Gardens records are from the Shang dynasty in 1600-1000 BC. Stories indicate that Chinese legends of immortals were part of early garden design. The Classic of Mountains and Seas describes islands and Mount Penglai, home to 8 immmortals that are characterized in art and design and conceptualized in gardens of to be recorded throughout history. The Han dynasty (206 BC-220 AD), Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368), Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), Qing dynasty (1644-1912), until present, are periods of symbolizm and refinement, luxury and imperial treasury displayed in a unique style.

Classical Chinese Garden Design

Varying in size, the gardens were beautifully chaotic, with spatial irregularity, winding paths, occupied by ponds.

Bamboo Grove

Flowers and trees all have their own symbolic meaning. Plum trees were a symbol of rebirth, while, the Peach tree symbolizes immortality.

Pagoda's

Arching roofs, with four pillas act as shelters and sacred spaces in Chinese gardens.

Ponds

Moving water offers tranquility and peaceful environments

Rock Gardens

An integral element to Classical Chinese Gardnes. The rocks garden symbolizes virtue, and a central part of the Isles of Immortals.