A Brief Analysis of the Construction of Private Gardens in Suzhou under the Theory of Spatial Narratology

A novel approach to understanding the narrative structure of classical Chinese private gardens, exemplified by Suzhou's Humble Administrator’s Garden, reveals how spatial elements—such as artistic conception, node placement, path design, space combination, and gardening techniques—cohere to create a cohesive narrative experience. This study applies spatial narratology, a theoretical framework that integrates spatial analysis with storytelling principles, to dissect the garden's design and function. By mapping these components, researchers demonstrate how gardens like those in Suzhou are not merely aesthetic spaces but intricately designed environments that guide visitors through a curated sequence of sensory and conceptual experiences. The findings offer new insights into the cultural significance and artistic sophistication of Chinese classical gardens, bridging the gap between spatial design and narrative theory.

Li, T. (2020). A Brief Analysis of the Construction of Private Gardens in Suzhou under the Theory of Spatial Narratology. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1673(1), 12071. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1673/1/012071