China, a land of ancient traditions, rich history, and imperial splendor, has long been known for its exquisite gardens. These gardens, often referred to as “royal gardens” or “imperial gardens,” were not just spaces for relaxation and beauty, but also symbols of power, prestige, and philosophical principles. The gardens were meticulously designed to reflect the emperor’s harmony with nature, the cosmos, and the heavens, embodying the philosophies of Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism that guided the imperial court.
This article takes you on a journey through some of the most famous royal gardens in China, from the Summer Palace to the Forbidden City, and explores their historical significance, design principles, and cultural importance.
The Summer Palace: A Masterpiece of Landscape Architecture
One of the most renowned royal gardens in China is the Summer Palace (Yiheyuan) in Beijing. Originally constructed during the Qing Dynasty in the 18th century, the Summer Palace served as a retreat for the imperial family, particularly during the hot summer months when the Forbidden City became unbearably warm. Spanning over 2.9 square kilometers, the Summer Palace is a stunning blend of nature and architecture, with vast gardens, tranquil lakes, and grand palaces.
At the heart of the Summer Palace is Kunming Lake, a vast body of water that symbolizes the beauty of nature and the cosmic order. Surrounding the lake are numerous pavilions, temples, and bridges, each designed to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. The Longevity Hill, which rises above the lake, is home to a number of important structures, including the Tower of Buddhist Incense and the Seventeen-Arch Bridge. These structures not only serve as aesthetic landmarks but also represent the emperor’s relationship with nature and the divine.
The Long Corridor, another iconic feature of the Summer Palace, is a covered walkway that stretches over 700 meters and is decorated with over 14,000 paintings depicting Chinese mythology, history, and culture. This corridor is an excellent example of the intricate and thoughtful design that permeates the entire Summer Palace, blending art, nature, and spirituality.
The Summer Palace is not just a royal garden; it is a cultural treasure that symbolizes the grandeur and philosophical principles of the Qing Dynasty. Today, the Summer Palace remains a popular destination for tourists and scholars, who visit to admire its beauty and learn about the imperial history of China.
The Forbidden City: A Garden of Imperial Power
The Forbidden City (Zijincheng), located in the heart of Beijing, is not only a palace complex but also home to a series of royal gardens. As the seat of the Ming and Qing emperors for over 500 years, the Forbidden City was the center of political, cultural, and spiritual power in China. While the Forbidden City is renowned for its grand palaces, its gardens are also significant, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of court life.
The Imperial Garden, located in the northern part of the Forbidden City, is a small but intricately designed garden that exemplifies the principles of Chinese garden design. With its carefully arranged rockeries, ponds, and trees, the Imperial Garden was created to symbolize the harmony between man and nature. The garden’s layout reflects traditional Chinese principles of Feng Shui, which emphasize balance, flow, and the integration of the natural world with human life.
The Hall of Literary Glory and the Hall of Heavenly Purity, which are located near the Imperial Garden, also feature their own private gardens. These gardens were reserved for the emperor and his family, providing a space for relaxation, contemplation, and private ceremonies. The Forbidden City’s gardens, though not as expansive as those of the Summer Palace, played an important role in the daily life of the imperial court, offering a peaceful sanctuary in the heart of one of the world’s most powerful empires.
The Chengde Mountain Resort: A Royal Escape in Nature
Located in Chengde, a city northeast of Beijing, the Chengde Mountain Resort (Chengde Biyuancheng) is another stunning example of a royal garden. Built during the Qing Dynasty, this vast imperial garden served as a summer retreat for the emperors, providing a tranquil escape from the oppressive heat of Beijing. The Mountain Resort covers more than 5.6 square kilometers and is one of the largest royal gardens in China.
Unlike the highly formal gardens of the Forbidden City or the Summer Palace, the Chengde Mountain Resort is designed to reflect a more natural and relaxed aesthetic. The resort is divided into two main sections: the Imperial Garden and the Outer Eight Temples. The Imperial Garden is a peaceful retreat that features artificial lakes, islands, and lush greenery. The Outer Eight Temples, located outside the garden’s walls, are a blend of Tibetan Buddhist and Chinese architectural styles and were built to showcase the Qing emperors’ power and influence over the Tibetan region.
The Chengde Mountain Resort is a perfect example of the imperial family’s desire to harmonize with nature while maintaining their political power. The natural landscape, combined with the imperial architecture, reflects the Qing Dynasty’s values of unity between the emperor, the heavens, and the earth.
The Old Summer Palace: The Lost Gardens of Imperial China
The Old Summer Palace (Yuanmingyuan), located near the Summer Palace in Beijing, was once one of the most beautiful and grandiose royal gardens in China. Built during the Qing Dynasty, the Old Summer Palace was a sprawling complex of gardens, palaces, and pavilions, known for its intricate designs and vast collection of European-inspired architecture. The Old Summer Palace was home to many emperors, including the famous Emperor Qianlong, who sought to create a garden that blended Chinese and Western styles.
Unfortunately, much of the Old Summer Palace was destroyed during the Second Opium War (1856–1860) by British and French troops, leaving only a few remnants of its once-glorious beauty. Despite its destruction, the Old Summer Palace remains an important symbol of China’s imperial past and its connection to global cultural exchanges.
The gardens of the Old Summer Palace were designed with the same philosophical principles that guided other royal gardens in China, with an emphasis on harmony, natural beauty, and cosmic balance. The Long Corridor at the Old Summer Palace, similar to the one at the Summer Palace, was an artistic masterpiece, filled with paintings that depicted scenes of Chinese folklore, history, and philosophy.
While the physical gardens may no longer exist, the Old Summer Palace remains a powerful symbol of the Qing Dynasty’s imperial aspirations and its desire to blend nature with art, architecture, and culture.
Imperial Gardens in the Ming Tombs: A Journey to the Afterlife
Located in the Ming Tombs near Beijing, the Imperial Tombs of the Ming Dynasty represent a different aspect of royal gardens. These tombs were built to honor the emperors of the Ming Dynasty and serve as their final resting places. The tombs are surrounded by lush gardens, ceremonial pathways, and massive stone statues, all designed to ensure the emperor’s peaceful journey to the afterlife.
The Sacred Way, a path lined with stone animals and officials, leads visitors to the tombs and reflects the imperial family’s belief in the importance of order, respect, and cosmic balance. The gardens surrounding the Ming Tombs are designed with a sense of reverence, reflecting the emperor’s continuing authority even in death. These gardens are symbolic of the eternal power of the emperor, designed to preserve their legacy and ensure their journey to the afterlife was as grand and dignified as their life on earth.
Design Principles of Chinese Royal Gardens
Chinese royal gardens are designed according to specific principles rooted in Confucianism, Taoism, and Feng Shui. These gardens aim to achieve balance and harmony between man and nature, and often feature a combination of natural landscapes and human-made elements such as pavilions, bridges, rockeries, and ponds. The use of water is a particularly important feature, symbolizing the flow of life and the interconnectedness of all things.
In addition to their aesthetic value, royal gardens served practical purposes, such as providing a space for relaxation, meditation, and ceremonial activities. The design of these gardens also reflected the emperor’s role as the mediator between heaven and earth, with each element symbolizing different aspects of the cosmos.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Royal Gardens
The royal gardens of China are not just beautiful landscapes; they are symbols of the deep cultural, philosophical, and spiritual traditions that shaped the imperial court. From the grandeur of the Summer Palace to the tranquil beauty of the Forbidden City’s gardens, these spaces reflect the emperor’s relationship with nature, the heavens, and the cosmos. Today, these gardens continue to serve as cultural treasures, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulent and harmonious world of China’s imperial past.
As we explore these magnificent gardens, we are reminded of the intricate balance between nature and art, the timeless beauty of Chinese design, and the enduring legacy of the emperors who sought to create harmonious spaces that would reflect their power, prestige, and connection to the divine.
