The Differences Between China Gardens and Japan Gardens-Layout

Regarding the layout, Japan Gardens in the early days, formed one style which included ponds and small hills, the area is very big. Its main feature is imitating the natural hills and waters. There are pond and hill. If the pond is big, then people should build small islands in the lake, then the islands are connected by the bridges.

In this period, Japan Gardens start to form its own style gradually. Later, Zen Buddhism is introduced into Japan, landscape painting freehand technique is used by Japan Gardens. Then Japan Gardens formed its present style: smalls hills without or having little water.

Although China Gardens is landscaped by freehand technique too, it does not have such fixed layout. It highlights landscaping according to the local conditions. The high place will be made the platform while the low place will be made the pond. In the limited space, designer imitates the scenery in the nature and integrates into the buildings, hills and water, and plants.

Meanwhile, China Gardens often uses “big from small” technique. Taking advantages of blocking, perspective, extension to reach the aim of enlarging the feeling of space.