The great gardens of China

the long version

"The gardena place for refined pleasure and spiritual relaxationhas its roots in ancient China. Western travelers from Marco Polo onward marveled at the intricacy, the elaborate buildings, the subtle design, and the assured use of plants, water, and natural materials in Chinese landscapes. The Great Gardens of China shows, through stunning original photography and cogent text, both the visual splendors of Chinas finest gardens and explains their ideas and techniques in accessible terms. Now every gardener, architect, or designer can understand Chinas garden heritage and be inspired to use it to dramatic effect. Beginning with an introduction to Chinese beliefs and the historical development of garden design, this book discusses the basic aesthetics and landscaping elementsarchitecture, rock stacking, waterscapes, plants, borders, and scenic routesused in Chinese garden design. The author, an expert in the history and theory of Chinese and international gardens, also describes specific gardens, from famed world cultural heritage sites like the Summer Palace in Beijing and the gardens of SuzhouLion Grove, Humble Administrators, Lingering, and Master-of-Nets Gardensto the lesser known. The Great Gardens of China serves as a compendiumin text and illustrationof all facets of the Chinese garden."--Publisher's description.