Jiangnan from the Perspective of Cultural Heritage

This book explores six Ming-Qing gardens in Shanghai—Qiuxia Garden, Guyi Garden, Yu Garden, Zuibaichi Garden, Qushui Garden, and Kezhi Garden—through 202 images and expert insights, revealing the cultural essence of Jiangnan garden art. Text in English and Mandarin.

This book focuses on six Ming and Qing dynasty garden masterpieces—Qiuxia Garden, Guyi Garden, Yu Garden, Zuibaichi Garden, Qushui Garden, and Kezhi Garden—presenting the wisdom of Jiangnan garden design, where "though man-made, it appears heaven-sent," through 202 exquisite images and professional analyses. Approaching from a cultural heritage perspective, it details the distinctive features and legacy of each garden's core heritage structures, uncovering the cultural codes embedded in pavilions, terraces, towers, rockeries, and ponds. Special attention is given to precious cultural relics such as stone inscriptions, plaques, and couplets found in these classical gardens. Combined with an exploration of construction techniques, the book reveals the Jiangnan literati spirit and everyday urban memories embodied within these garden spaces.

Text in English and Mandarin.