Gardens are, traditionally, a place where man or woman can retain a measure of nature in their house, a place where we come to feel the pull of the natural world. This isn't true for all gardens, but it is the purpose of the Chinese garden, a place that takes a pivotal place in the Chinese house design. A place of peace, a place to write poetry, and most of all - a place to connect with nature. These are some dazzling exmaples of what many consider a terrific way of combining function and art.
|
![]() |
In Chinese culture, gardens play an important cultural role, and are just as important as any other part of the house. They are a place for the residents to retreat to, celebrate in or spend a quiet day. Chinese gardens are a place for man to "contemplate nature", and often include the use of garden statues, such as this piece: "Dreaming of the Tiger." |
|
![]() |
Yuyuan Garden, a koi pond. Most Chinese gardens incorporate water, either moving or still. Usually they would have a pond, and perhaps a few off-shooting streams, home to a variety of fish, such as carp or goldfish. Sometimes they will have mandarin ducks. The water has a calming effect that boosts that feeling of serenity the gardens are made for. |
|
![]() |
This is the Hangzhou Pagoda Bridge, a lovely complement to the surrounding natural beauty of this place. |
|
![]() |
This is the former house of Hu Xueyan in Hangzhou. It was built in 1872 and utilizes Taihu rocks which represent both wisdom and immortality. |
|
![]() |
Pavilions and pagodas are a common sight in Chinese gardens, such as this lovely garden - the Jichang Yuan garden. |
|
![]() |
Shixianglu in Autumn. |
|
![]() |
Mountains possess a magical quality in Chinese culture, and so often the rocks in the Chinese garden represent the mountains. This is Flower Basket Hall in the Lion Forest Garden. |
|
![]() |
The chinese imperial gardens at the Summer Palace. |
|
![]() |
An incredible bonsai forest - Yunyan Ta China. |
|
![]() |
Li garden, an old classic Chinese garden with a pavilion. |
|
![]() |
West Lake, Hangzhou, China. |
|
![]() |
Beautiful Yuyuan Garden, in the old city of Shanghai, is seen by many as one of the most stunning and lavish gardens of that region. The garden was reportedly first established in 1559 as a private garden created by Pan Yunduan, who spent almost 20 years building a garden to please his father. |
|
![]() |
An entrance to Yuyuan Gardens. |
|
![]() |
Another stunning photo of Yuyuan Gardens. In reality, it is probably filled with visitors who have come to enjoy the colors and beauty. |
|
![]() |
A classic piece in Chinese gardens is the curved bridge. |
|
![]() |
Under the shadow of Yu Long Snow Mountain, rises Helong Tan Park on a clear, beautiful morning. |
Submitted by user: Nora T.
Each Type of Lily Has Its Own Unique Colors and Patterns!
Hybrid Lilies like these are the most beautiful addition to every garden, requiring little maintenance and giving us beautiful flowers
Planet Earth is So Diverse and Beautiful!
This video will take you on a stunning journey around the world, its most beautiful spots, and most remarkable people.
Iceland Might Be the Most Breathtaking Place On Earth
Iceland is too beautiful to describe in words. Maybe these photos will do the trick...
12 Vibrant Natural Landscapes Made with Thread and Needle
Embroidery artist Vera Shimunia captures the beauty and vibrancy nature in her art. From mountain terrains to lovely sunsets, here is some oh her best work.
Gaudi: The Iconic Architect That Made Buildings Look Alive
Antoni Gaudi is the most famous Modernist architect. This is a story of his life and creative evolution.
Photographer Captures the Moment Everything Turns Blue
German photographer Kilian Schoenberger dedicated a whole photo series to the magical moment between day and night everything turns blue and dreamy
15 Captivating Photos of Impressive Artwork and Designs
We stumbled upon some really unique photos of intentional and accidental art.
17 Poignant Photos That Are Anything But Ordinary
At first glance, you might not understand what's so special about some of these photos, but each one has a backstory that will make it unforgettable.
14 Vivid Portraits of Gorgeous Rare Birds
This photographer traveled the globe in the search of the rarest and most gorgeous birds, and here are 14 of his best avian portraits...
Singapore Bursts Into Color in These Gorgeous Photos
Singapore is a success story - it's the city-state that took its citizens from the third world into the first in a generation. View its incredible architecture.
Remember These? 15 Forgotten Kitchen Gadgets
Do you remember these quirky kitchen gadgets?
20 Stunning Photos Captured at the Perfect Moment
Take a look at these perfectly-timed photos that will undoubtedly take your breath away.
This Photographer Shows Us the Parts of Asia We Rarely See
This Japanese photographer Ryosuke Kosuge shows us the parts of Asia most people in the West rarely get to see...
18 Glimpses of the World’s Most Fascinating Places
These awe-inspiring photos feel almost dreamlike,
The Artful World of Embroidery: 14 Inspiring Pics
These guys are seriously talented!
View the Winning Photographs From the Siena Photo Awards
The Siena International Photo Awards is one of the most prestigious awards ceremonies anywhere in the world. View the incredible winning entries here.
25 Photo Restorations of US Presidents Who Lived Long Ago
This talented artist created a series of incredible photo restorations of the portraits of US presidents who lived and served before colored photography
Astonishing! These Photographs Will Leave You in Awe!
Each year, the Siena International Photo Awards share the best photographs of the most beautiful events, people, and places on Earth. Here are some of the best!
A Different Look at the Moments that Changed the World
Incredible photos of historical events, shot from a different angl, showing a different view of the events.
12 Reasons Japanese Bathrooms Are the Best!
Find out why Japanese bathrooms are more efficient and comfortable than western bathrooms. Maybe it'll give you a few ideas...
What Did Our Favorite Brands Look Like a 100 Years Ago?
While the Big Mac hasn't changed in 50 years, these big brands are virtually unrecognizable.
Wow, You Don't See THIS On a Regular Day...
Each one of these photographs has a whole story behind it, and each is more extraordinary than the last. This photo collection brings together some rare and unusual sights that you probably haven't seen before!
Life in the Past Century in 15 Unbelievable Vintage Photos
A magnificent collection of vintage photos that will teleport you back in time...
Let These Wonderful Photos Fill Your Day with True Joy
These pictures tell some beautiful stories, and all of them unite to make you feel that life is a joy!
In Pictures – Smithsonian Magazine’s Award Winners
Check out the outstanding nature and drone winners from Smithsonian Magazine’s Awards.
Take a Look at These Photographs & Walk Back in Time...
It's amazing to see photographs from archives because it's like taking a walk back in time. This collection is no exception. Take a look.
This Artist Wanted to See What's in Your Fridge...
This fascinating photography project reveals what's in the fridges of different people around the world and what can we can learn from them about their owners.
These Stunning Photographs Capture the Glory of Nature
The winners and finalists of the BigPicture Natural World Photography Competition highlight how breathtakingly gorgeous our Earth is.
5 Ancient Roman Buildings Still Inhabited Today
These Ancient Roman homes were never really abandoned. In fact, some of them are almost perfectly preserved and inhabited to this day...
15 Unique Business Cards That Left a Lasting Impression
Now that's how you make a business card!
Showstopping Aerial Photos From 22 Famous Places Worldwide
Agora Images is back with another astonishing competition, and this time, we'll be soaring in the sky above 22 iconic locations around the world
Explore the Magic of Outer Space Through These 15 Images
Here are 15 of the most captivating astronomy pictures.
The 2023 German Society for Nature Photography Competition
A remarkable collection of 15 photographs unveiled during the 2023 German Society for Nature Photography competition.
Have You Seen These Beautiful Churches?
Churches are beautiful and peaceful places that always manage to put me in a relaxed state of mind. Perhaps it is their beauty or their design, but this amazing feeling is even more powerful at these 22 most iconic and majestic of churches.
These Extremely Rare Photos Will Teach You Something New
Prepare to see history in a whole new light through these fascinating snapshots.
In Pictures: 2024 Photographer of the Year Winners
Marvel at the breathtaking winners of the 2024 Photographer of the Year contest.
16 Rare Historical Photos You’ve Never Seen Before
Check out these fascinating and rare historical photos.
Native Americans: Striking Vintage Pics from a Century Ago
For over 30 years, Edward S. Curtis has documented the life of Native Americans. Here are some of his rare portraits
12 Fascinating Vintage Museum Photos You Have to See
These weird old museum pics will make you fascinated.
15 Mall Photos That Capture the Retro Shopping Scene
These throwback mall pics are a blast from the past.
10 of the Most Outlandish Building Designs Ever Conceived
These 10 architectural projects push the envelope far enough to reach another planet. Here are 10 of the most outlandish construction projects ever conceived.
20 Fascinating Cross Sections Explained
Look at these 20 fascinating cross-sections of various things found in the world, from flowers to weapons and different mechanisms!
14 Adorable and Funny Coincidences You’ve Got to See!
These 14 pictures are all lucky coincidences captured on camera. They make us all relive that magic moment when the universe aligns perfectly!
WWII’s Most Thrilling Dogfights Caught on Camera (12 Pics)
These intense WWII dogfight photos are unbelievable!
10 Famous Historical Photos That Were Actually Staged
The truths behind these famous historical photos will surprise you.
16 Black-and-White Portraits That Speak to the Soul
Photographer Lee Jeffries’ soulful portraits will stay with you for long.
22 Rare and Beautifully Colorized Historical Photos
Looking through these meticulously colorized photos, most of which were taken during the two World Wars, is a unique and moving experience.
To enable your Ad-Free Subscription, please fill the fields below
Your subscription was successful, now you can enjoy an ad-free experience!!
Note: To make sure you get no ads, please make sure to log in to your account. If you are logged in already, then refresh the page. The subscription can be cancelled at any time.