Gardens of the World: China

China is a country with a rich cultural heritage and a long history of gardening. From imperial gardens to ancient temples, the country is home to some of the most beautiful gardens in the world. If you are a garden enthusiast, here are the five most iconic gardens in China that you cannot afford to miss if you happen to be travelling through this magnificent country:

1. The Summer Palace, Beijing

The Summer Palace is a vast garden complex located in the northwest suburbs of Beijing. It was originally built in the 18th century as a royal garden and summer retreat for the Qing dynasty emperors. The complex covers an area of 2.9 square kilometres and includes lakes, gardens, palaces, and pavilions. The garden was opened to the public in 1924 and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998. The Summer Palace is not only a beautiful garden, but also a place of historical significance that offers insight into the lives of the Chinese emperors.

The Humble Administrator's Garden is a famous classical Chinese garden located in Suzhou, a city renowned for its gardens. The garden was first built during the Ming dynasty and has since undergone several renovations. It covers an area of 5.2 hectares and features beautiful pavilions, rock formations, and water features. The garden is a masterpiece of Chinese gardening and is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in China.

3. The Yu Garden, Shanghai

The Yu Garden is a traditional Chinese garden located in the heart of Shanghai. It was first built in the 16th century during the Ming dynasty and was later restored in the 18th century. The garden covers an area of 2 hectares and includes beautiful pavilions, rock formations, and water features. The Yu Garden is a popular tourist attraction in Shanghai and is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful atmosphere.

4. The Lingering Garden, Suzhou

The Lingering Garden is another famous classical Chinese garden located in Suzhou. It was first built during the Ming dynasty and has since undergone several renovations. The garden covers an area of 23,300 square meters and features beautiful pavilions, rock formations, and water features. The Lingering Garden is known for its intricate design and is considered one of the finest examples of classical Chinese gardening.

5. The Garden of the Master of the Nets, Suzhou

The Garden of the Master of the Nets is a small but exquisite garden located in Suzhou. It was first built during the Song dynasty and has since undergone several renovations. The garden covers an area of 0.5 hectares and features beautiful pavilions, rock formations, and water features. The Garden of the Master of the Nets is known for its delicate design and is considered one of the most beautiful gardens in China.

China is home to some of the most iconic gardens in the world. From imperial gardens to ancient temples, the country's rich cultural heritage and long history of gardening has given rise to some of the most beautiful and well-preserved gardens in the world. If you are a garden enthusiast, be sure to add these gardens to your travel itinerary and experience the beauty and serenity of these iconic Chinese gardens.