World Heritage Identification Number: 813
World Heritage since: 1997
Category: Cultural Heritage
WHE Type: Agriculture Landscapes, Parks & Gardens
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇨🇳 China
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Asia and the Pacific
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Masterpieces of Chinese Landscape Architecture: The Classical Gardens of Suzhou
The Classical Gardens of Suzhou, located in the historical city of Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China, are a remarkable collection of nine gardens that have earned a place on the UNESCO World Heritage List. These gardens serve as a testament to the enduring tradition of classical Chinese landscape architecture, where the pursuit of replicating natural landscapes in miniature forms a central theme.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
Classical Chinese garden design, which seeks to recreate natural landscapes in miniature, is nowhere better illustrated than in the nine gardens in the historic city of Suzhou. They are generally acknowledged to be masterpieces of the genre. Dating from the 11th-19th century, the gardens reflect the profound metaphysical importance of natural beauty in Chinese culture in their meticulous design.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criterion (i): The classical gardens of Suzhou that have been influenced by the traditional Chinese craftsmanship and artistry first introduced by the freehand brushwork of traditional Chinese paintings, embody the refined sophistication of traditional Chinese culture. This embodiment of artistic perfection has won them a reputation as the most creative gardening masterpieces of ancient China.
Criterion (ii): Within a time span of over 2,000 years, a unique but systematic form of landscaping for these particular types of gardens was formed. Its planning, design, construction techniques, as well as artistic effect have had a significant impact on the development of landscaping in China as well as the world.
Criterion (iii): The classical gardens of Suzhou first originated from the ancient Chinese intellectuals' desire to harmonize with nature while cultivating their temperament. They are the finest remnants of the wisdom and tradition of ancient Chinese intellectuals.
Criterion (iv): The classical gardens of Suzhou are the most vivid specimens of the culture expressed in landscape garden design from the East Yangtze Delta region in the 11th to 19th centuries. The underlying philosophy, literature, art, and craftsmanship shown in the architecture, gardening as well as the handcrafts reflect the monumental achievements of the social, cultural, scientific, and technological developments of this period.
Criterion (v): These classical Suzhou gardens are outstanding examples of the harmonious relationship achieved between traditional Chinese residences and artfully contrived nature. They showcase the life style, etiquette and customs of the East Yangtze Delta region during the 11th to 19th centuries.
Encyclopedia Record: Classical Gardens of Suzhou
The Classical Gardens of Suzhou are a group of gardens in the city of Suzhou, in Jiangsu, China, that have been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.Additional Site Details
Area: 11.922 hectares
Number of Components: 9
(ii) — Significant interchange of human values
(iii) — Unique or exceptional testimony to a cultural tradition
(iv) — Outstanding example of a type of building or landscape
(v) — Outstanding example of traditional human settlement
Coordinates: 31.31666667 , 120.45
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© Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0 Resized from original. (This derivative is under the same CC BY-SA license.)
