To build a garden is to build a paradise. As the tangible expression of wonder, gardens are intended to be peacefill retreats and resting places for the soul. Standing in the gardens, we not only see pavilions, pagodas, terraces, mountains, water, flowers and grass,but also sense what Chinese people of centuries past appreciated and believed. From Taoism they took the concept of letting thingstake their own course, so they imitated the natural flow of rivers and lakes.

Preface

Introduction

Critiques

01 Gardens in Suzhou and Their Cultural Connotations

02 Each Garden Has Its Special Features

03 The Creation of Scenes at the Humble Administrator's Garden

04 The Layout of the Lingering Garden

05 The Layout of the Master of Fishing Nets Garden and the Story of the Astor Court

06 Trees and Flowers in Gardens

07 Rocks in Gardens

08 Small Private Gardens

09 The Layout of the Entrance to a Garden

10 Working with Rocks and Waters

11 Garden Building and Natural Scenery

12 Local Features of Gardens

13 The Proper Way to Restore an Ancient Garden

14 Tradition and Innovation in Garden Building

Gardens

01 Zhuo Zheng Garden (Humble Administrator's Garden)

02 Wang Shi Garden (Master of Fishing Nets Garden)

03 Cang Lang Garden (Blue Waves Garden)

04 Yi Court (Art Court)

05 Shi Zi Lin Garden (Lions Grove)

06 Liu Garden (Lingering Garden)

07 Ou Garden (Couple Garden)

08 Mountain Villa of Greenery

09 Tui Si Garden (Retreat and Repentance Garden)

10 Yi Garden 0oyous Garden)

11 Qu Garden (Curving Garden)

12 Ting Feng Garden (Listening-to-Maples Garden)

13 Ji Chang Garden (Merry-Lodging Garden)

14 Yan Garden (Swallows Garden)

15 Xian Garden (Admiration Garden)

16 Ge Garden (Individuality Garden)

17 He Garden

18 Qiao Garden

19 Zhan Garden (Admirable-Looking Garden)

90 Yu Garden (Cheering Garden)

21 Small Lotus Manor

22 West Garden in Xitang Town

Afterword