History of Shaanxi Gardens

Author: Zhou Yun'an
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1997-03-01
Features: The content of Shaanxi gardens is rich and the context is clear, having gone through the entire process from emergence, development to maturity. It is similar to the development path of Chinese gardens. Historians believe that the original form of Chinese gardens was the yu (hunting preserve) used exclusively by emperors for hunting before the Three Dynasties. The Wenzhi Yu in Fenghao, Shaanxi is particularly renowned. It is not only the beginning of Shaanxi gardens but can also be considered the birthplace of Chinese gardens. The most influential architectural palaces and gardens of the Qin and Han dynasties in the history of Chinese gardens all took the Shaanxi royal gardens as models, vividly described. The palaces and gardens of the Qin and Han dynasties are the epitome of Chinese architectural palaces and gardens. The water features of the Orchid Pool Palace in the Qin dynasty and the "One Pool Three Mountains" layout of the Jianzhang Palace in the Han dynasty laid the foundation for the development of Chinese landscape gardens, even influencing garden design until the Ming and Qing dynasties. By the Sui and Tang dynasties, natural landscape gardens were elevated to expressive landscape gardens, bringing poetic and artistic sentiments into gardens, truly achieving the highest realm of "gardens free of mundane sentiments." Landscape gardens reached their maturity. In the history of Chinese gardens, royal garden construction thrived continuously, occupying a significant proportion and having a profound influence. Shaanxi served as the capital of 12 dynasties, with royal gardens scattered across the 800-li Qin Plain. The royal and temple gardens of Shaanxi stood out, unmatched by others. When discussing private gardens, Suzhou private gardens are often cited as examples, yet Shaanxi private gardens once flourished to an extent unmatched by them. In the Sui and Tang dynasties, private gardens were widespread in the suburbs of Chang'an, reaching their peak at the time. During the Sui and Tang dynasties, religion was, and temple and monastic gardens emerged accordingly. Despite several vicissitudes, some famous temples and monasteries remain to this day, their influence evident.