1. Classic Chinese Gardens
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You may come across a number of Classical Chinese Gardens on your China Tour, and it
is important that you understand the significance of their intention and design in order to
appreciate them fully during your magical China travel experience.
Although Classic Chinese Gardens are essentially a place of quiet solitary contemplation
in the presence of the wonders of nature, you can also
share them with a special friend or close family
members while on one of our China Tours. As you do
so, you will discover a spiritual heaven that helps you
re-connect with nature as you travel back to your own
inner heart and true self. Chinese people also use them
as spiritual shelters or retreats, places in which to escape
the frustrations and disappointments of life, and to come
to terms with the realities that surround them, within a
symbolic, calming environment.
Design Elements
• Plants and trees especially have deep symbolic value – bamboo for resilience,
pine for tenacity and dignity, lotus flowers for purity, and the flowering plum for
renewal and strength of will.
• Nothing in Design is accidental – it is frequently based on an inspirational
painting or poem but also includes elements beyond the immediate frame such as
multiple layers of scenery to express the infinite as well.
• Architecture is the basis for a Classic Chinese Garden – this provides the structure
within which secondary planting occurs.
• Decorative Rock is frequently incorporated into the design, because it represents
wisdom and immortality – when combined with water such as streams and pools
it becomes a powerful medium for expressing the ongoing regenerative nature of
life, while also creating a gentle rushing sound that's perfect for contemplative
meditation.
• Pathways and Bridges are essential elements too, that draw the visitor away from
self towards new vistas, and fresh visions of regenerated life.
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2. The Ancient Gardens of Suzhou
If possible, please do include a visit to the
ancient City of Suzhou that is famous for its
ancient gardens in your China Tour. It was a
wealthy city once, thanks to the silk trade, and
many of its residents created special gardens,
nine of which are UNESCO World Heritage
Cultural Sites and open to the public on China
travel tours today. Unlike Imperial Parks, the
Suzhou Gardens were created for intimate
family enjoyment as opposed to being designed
to make grand political statements. Their owners
also invited special guests and expanded family members to join them; hence the fresh
perspectives and intimate pavilions that greet tourists on China tours at every turn today.
These are just a few examples of what you could encounter when visiting Suzhou on
your China Tour:
• The Lingering Garden that dates from the year 1566 and the days of the Ming
Dynasty is in the private garden style and is famous for its Cloud-Crowned Peak.
• The Humble Administrator's Garden is perhaps the most famous, having been
created in the year 1509 around a large, lotus-filled lake.
• The Lion Grove Garden is known for its extensive ornate rockeries built from
hand-picked rocks in the year 1342.
These peaceful contemplative places are best visited by tourists enjoying their China
travel experiences outside of busy season, and lunchtime too, when an hour spent in
quiet meditation will be the highlight of your China Tour. An added advantage is that
you will also avoid the noisy crowds from other China Tours.
Classic Chinese Gardens www.AsiaClassicTours.com