Chinese Gardens - Artistic recreation of nature in its original form

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Chinese gardens display a delicate balance between the forces of nature and man's creation. The main principal of these gardens is to recreate nature in deep observation and understanding of the nature. The origin of Chinese garden was due to the abundance and beauty of natural landscape resources. These luxurious gardens provide a spiritual refuge from worldly worries. Read to know all about Chinese gardens from its significance use of garden elements to its fascinating architecture.

Chinese garden natural elements: Chinese gardens consist of three natural elements, rock, water and plants. The rock in he garden represents the skeleton of universe, the water- the blood of the universe and the plant-the hair of the universe. Thus by making use of these elements it animates life in the garden.

Rocks: also termed as Chinese scholar rocks are used for structural and sculptural purposes. These large and porous garden rocks symbolize the dwelling of Taoist immortals. The sculptural Taihu rock, which represents wisdom and immorality, is one such example.

Water: It is the central component of the Chinese gardens. Chinese gardeners while making the traditional gardens always check if the site has natural water source. However in the absence of one such thing artificial water source are made and hidden behind man-made mountain to enhance a natural picture. Water serves as a balance for the other elements in the garden.

Beside the visual pleasure, it is also used for providing listening satisfaction in the garden. It is also used to reflect the sky, architecture or any other special features near the water for an aesthetic look. It is also believed that Taoists sat down by the lakeside pavilions to watch the water reflection to cleanse their soul.

Plants: are used as symbols. For instances, bamboo for strong but resilient character, pine for longevity and dignity, lotus for purity, flowering plum for renewal and strength, peonies for wealth. Banana trees are also used largely in these gardens but they do not have any symbolism. They are used for the sound that they make in the breeze.

These plants are most favored for their association of overcoming the limitations of ordinary life.

Other Features
Waterside Pavilion is the common feature of the Chinese garden architecture. These pavilions are wooden house supported on stilts. They help in viewing the garden from all sides of the building. Decorative windows are placed along the outer boundary of the wall.

The Chinese pavilions have different style of designs on the roof. The roofs also carry a message. It displays the phoenix, a legendary bird that has lighter and sharper wings for the roofs to follow along. The functional reason for such representation is it shoots the water off the roof during rainy season. Thus acting like slid for the raindrops. The best example for waterside pavilion is the Humble Administrators Garden.

Walkways, and outer and inner walls are some of the other features of chinese gardens. The walls have moon-shaped doorways and small windows in the shapes of vases as their belief of being perfect. Bats carved on the top stone molding are the symbol of good luck. The floor of stones symbolises tranquility. It is said that when people walk on it barefoot they feel more calm and light. Graceful bridges and enchanting landscapes are the other features that provide an elegant setting to the event.

Just like in Japanese gardens, nature is loved and greatly honoured in chinese art. These are widely picturised in all the features that they use in the garden. The features carry a message. Message of love and honour towards nature. It celebrates human spirit and glorifies nature in its own essence.