The Chinese gardens are created as part of surrounding landscape, they recreate more large-scale landscape in miniature. Traditionally in the territory of the Chinese garden there are buildings of east type and natural elements.
Almost in each Chinese garden it is possible to see architecture, the house or the pavilion, decorative stones and rock-garden, green plants, trees and flowers and also reservoir, for example, pond. The majority of the Chinese gardens are surrounded with wall, and inside they have coiling footpaths and paths.
The design of the Chinese garden is not accidental. It is always thought well over, and visitors have to walk in certain order.
For the last 3000 years the gardens in China were created by all its inhabitants, from emperors and administrative top to scientists and poets. The first gardens have been constructed in the valley of the Yellow River. Kings and representatives of the nobility at the time of the Shang dynasty (1600 - 1046 B.C.) hunted and planted fruit and vegetables in the gardens. There were two types of gardens: some for animal husbandry, others – for plants and truck farming.
The Chinese garden is designed in such a way that it cannot be seen entirely at once. On the plan it is possible to find several small landscapes so that they could be examined in process of festivities on garden. And each of these landscapes is well planned and issued. Some types which are not included in the plan of garden, nevertheless, can be part of landscape. For example, it can be mountains, the view of which opens behind one of scenery inside.
Types of buildings reflect occupation of the owner in the Chinese garden. For example, in garden of the scientist it is possible to find library. In some gardens there can be buildings and pavilions connected among themselves, and from everyone the view of some separate part of garden opens. In other gardens it is possible to see bridges, temples, galleries and towers.
At each Chinese garden surely there are stones. Some designers prefer simple rock-garden, others incline to the mountain from stones. In large classical gardens it is possible to see artificial mountains with the pavilion at top.
Presence of artificial mountains at the Chinese garden is not accidental. The mountain has symbolical value in the Chinese culture. Peaks of mountains symbolize virtue and stability. Through mountains the philosophy stated by Confucius is honored. Also they remind of the legendary island Immortal where the mountain top was the important place.
Plants for garden are selected very carefully, depending on their texture, form, color and smell. In some gardens there is pond of lotuses near which there is the respective pavilion.
Usually in the Chinese gardens put many fragrant colors for creation of the necessary atmosphere. Other important element is the sound. When drops of rain fall on leaves of bushes and trees, it has to calm.