This garden is one of the Paradise Garden Collection at Hamilton Gardens in New Zealand and follows on from my previous post.
Chinese Scholar’s Garden (Yichang-Yuan)
The tradition of the Chinese scholars building dates back to the Tang Dynasty in the 7th century. For them, gardens were havens for relaxation, meditation and the cultivation of the spirit. The Chinese garden portrays a miniature of the cosmos. In it are ‘mountains’ and ‘hills’, ‘rivers and ‘lakes’, ‘cliffs’ and ‘chasms’ following the Taoist tradition. Take your time to wander up to the bold, red Ting Pavilion. A winding journey takes you over the seasonally blooming Wisteria Bridge, across the Island of Whispering Birds, past the elusive Hidden Philosopher, and through lush bamboo to finally reach the Pavilion and its breathtaking views of the Waikato River.
The Chinese Garden is a tapestry of convoluted trees, rugged rocks, water, windows – watch out for contrasts: light and shade, shadows and reflections, sounds and scents, heights and depths, mountains and waters, yin and yang.
How wonderful these photos are. I am enchanted by Chinese and Japanese gardens laden as they are with so much symbolism. And that turtle-dragon (sorry, I don’t know what else to call it) would look wonderful in my own garden! Thank you.
It is a beauty isn’t it? I’d like it too. I could have spent a lot longer in this garden – so much to see and so many photo opportunities.
So beautiful! Wish I could see it in person. Thanks for expanding my world.
Truly my breathing slows and deepens just seeing photos let alone visiting Asian-style gardens. The dragon in your opening photo (with a turtle-like shell) is stunning! I want to get closer to examine him and shy away at the same time! Yin and yang.
I love that bronze statue of turtle dragon. I want one!
You can bring it to my greenhouse in ‘next’ life !
Will do!
Breathtakingly beautiful Jude The photos have sharpened my desire to go back again and again and…..
It is certainly a garden that you can visit many times. I noticed on their web site that the Tudor Garden is now open. When do you set off on your cruise Pauline?
We leave 21 March arrive NZ 4 April, Easter weekend…
What an enchanting place! Thanks for the wander around, Jude!
Very tranquil Sue. I’d have liked to have spent a bit more time here.
But at least you saw it…..
You are industrious, Jude. I can’t keep up! 🙂 What a stunner this is! I love oriental gardens.
Figured I should get these out soonest Jo, while the trip is still fresh in my mind. Must admit it is fading now though.
It does, all too quickly, doesn’t it? I scroll back for my 6WS header in my media library every week and I can’t believe how long since… everything!
Absolutely love the first pic of the entry! …The place looks so serene.
It’s very well done, and like every oriental garden I have visited, simply oozes peace.