The Relationship Between Chinese Gardens and Confucianism

Chinese style gardens are treasures of ancient Chinese garden art, renowned for their unique layout and exquisite details. They are an important component of traditional Chinese culture, reflecting the aesthetic taste, philosophical thinking, and attitude towards life of ancient literati.

Throughout its development, traditional Chinese philosophy has mainly been influenced by Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhist culture. As China is a country primarily based on agriculture, ancient ancestors relied on the heavens for their livelihoods, so any school contains ecological aesthetic wisdom. The ecological concept in traditional Chinese philosophical thought guides the creation of Chinese gardens and is reflected in their aesthetic connotations.

Confucianism, represented by Confucius, is the mainstream of traditional Chinese culture, advocating moral norms such as benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and faith, as well as the doctrine of the mean. In classical Chinese garden design, the influence of Confucianism is ubiquitous.

Confucianism emphasizes "ritual system", which refers to social order and norms. In the design of classical Chinese gardens, this spirit of "ritual system" is reflected. The layout, architectural style, and decorative details in gardens all follow certain rules and regulations, reflecting a rigorous and orderly aesthetic pursuit.

The feudal ritual ideology of imperial supremacy also affects the planning and layout of royal gardens. For example, most royal gardens have a clear main axis, and there is a clear center on the main axis. The position, height, scale, and volume of this center command all scenic spots and scenic spots, symbolizing the supremacy of imperial power.

Confucianism also emphasizes the unity of heaven and man, which means the harmonious unity between humans and nature. The elements of architecture, mountains and rocks, and water features in Chinese gardens are integrated with the natural environment, creating a peaceful, harmonious, and natural atmosphere.

                                         
Strolling through the classical Chinese literati gardens, people can feel a noble, elegant, and fresh atmosphere and emotional experience, thus obtaining a spiritual satisfaction and sublimation.