Chapter 22 Chinese Ancient Gardens中国古代园林
1.Ancient Gardens
1)History of Chinese Gardens
Two main garden traditions in China evolved over time:the vast imperial gardens，emblematic of the power and wealth of the empire;and the scholar or literati gardens，built as retreats from the onerous world of officialdom．The earliest references to gardens in China are found in Zhou Dynasty records describing vast tracts of land to be reserved for hunting parks for kings and princes．Success in the hunt was a metaphor for a successful reign．Later，in the Songs of Chu，a 4th-century B．C．text，a shaman singer attempts to entice the soul of a dying king back to life with a description of the beauties of a garden with winding streams，lotus lakes，and distant views of the mountains．In the Shanglin park of China's first emperor，Shi Huang Di，were countless animals，birds，and exotic plants gathered as tribute from vassal states，thus creating a living replica of his entire domain．Poets such as the famed Tao Yuanming(365-427)recorded in verse the pleasures of strolling though one's garden．Both the Sui and Tang dynasties saw the further development of imperial and individual gardens．Wang Wei(699-759)created his Wangchuan villa in Lantian County，Shaanxi，a rustic retreat immortalized in poetry and paintings for centuries as the epitome of the scholar's retreat．
The Song Dynasty gave rise to the proliferation of urban literati gardens，and at Kaifeng，Song Huizong(1082-1135)erected the Gen Yue Mountain，an artificial construct approximately seventy-seven meters tall，including many famous garden rocks．Kublai Khan(1214-1294)of the Yuan Dynasty built at Beijing an extravagant city complete with lakes and hunting parks．The subsequent Ming Dynasty revised and embellished the Forbidden City with myriad courtyards and gardens and developed the Park of the Sea Palaces，a vast complex of gardens and retreats for the imperial family．The most famous of the gardens of the Qing Dynasty was the imperial Yuanmingyuan，within the precincts of which were countless watercourses，pavilions，libraries，farms，training fields for the emperor's soldiers，and European-style fountains and buildings．
2)Cosmology of Chinese Garden
The unique character of Chinese gardens has its roots in Chinese philosophy，most notably Daoism．A garden was seen as a mirror of the natural world．Everything in the universe was created from a conduct for qi(vital energy，or life force)．The universe was understood to be a combination of yin(female or negative)and yang(male or positive)elements in a state of constant fluidity．A balance of opposites in the construction of buildings，natural features，and plantings was a goal of the garden designer．Recreating the natural world in a garden was thought to replicate the benefits of immersing oneself in nature，a belief similar to ideas about the benefits of landscape painting．Scholars whose official duties prevented them from visiting the mountains could enjoy the benefits of nature in their own gardens．The ancient practice of fengshui(literally，“wind-water”，often translated as geomancy)consisted of situating homes，buildings，graves，and gardens properly in a landscape to receive the optimum benefit．
Traditional Chinese thought places humans as a small part of the infinite universe．Each living creature is a part of nature and the intrinsic link between humans and nature can't be broken．Chinese gardens are an effort to imitate nature in their homes，to conform to nature without breaking this fundamental connection．Each part of the garden is meant to highlight and remind visitors of the harmony between humans and nature，with the goal of breeding harmony between character and emotion．
Imperial gardens symbolized the supreme power of emperors，but were also places of recreation．Private gardens were places of relaxation and contemplation，a sanctuary to satisfy people's longing for nature．Regardless of geographic location or scale，Chinese gardens represent a Chinese tradition of finding harmony within the world by turning to nature．
3)Elements of the Garden
The two main elements of a garden are rocks and water，symbolizing the yang and yin，respectively．Traditional Chinese gardens are constructed in a series of walled outdoor courtyards，joined by walkways or doorways．Use of garden rocks(yang)at strategic locations within a garden brings to mind the mountain ranges and peaks of nature．Incorporation of a watercourse，pool，lake，or cascade adds the water(yin) and all its mutable forms．Plants are included for literary and cultural references，for seasonal suitability，and for aesthetic reasons，such as the beauty of their shadows against the light garden walls，or the harmony of the sound of wind and rain in their foliage．Buildings such as ting(pavilions with open sides)，xie(gazebos)，tang (formal halls)，and covered walkways make accessible the featured sites in the gardens and the effects of the changing hours of the days and seasons．
Such garden structures are named with references to classical literature，and the addition of calligraphy adds another layer of appreciation to the garden．Often potted plants are placed in courtyards at the peak of their blooming seasons，and pools and lakes water lilies，lotus，and fish．Gardens also include rockeries that are constructed of aggregates of bizarrely shaped rocks made into miniature mountains or roofs for artificial caves，both symbolic of the entrance to the realms of immortals and useful as an escape from the heat of summer．
Yuan Zhi(The Craft of Gardens，datable to 1631-1634)，written during the late Ming Dynasty by Ji Cheng，is considered the classic text on garden design．Encompassing both practical and aesthetic advice，the manual advises the garden designer to be sensitive to the proper use of contrasts and juxtapositions of elements and to seek the essence lying behind the forms．
2.Ancient Chinese Garden and lts Culture
Ancient Chinese gardens were created in the same way as a combination of landscape and paintings together with poems—this was the so-called“poetic garden”．The design of Chinese gardens was to provide a spiritual utopia for one to connect with nature，to come back to one's inner heart，to come back to ancient idealism．Chinese gardens are a spiritual shelter for men，a place they could be far away from their real social lives，and close to the ancient way of life，their true selves，and nature．This was an escape from the frustration and disappointment of the political problems in China．They used plants as symbols．Bamboo was used in every traditional Chinese garden．This is because bamboo represents a strong but resilient character．Often pine is used to represent longevity，persistence，tenacity and dignity．The lotus is used to symbolize purity．The flowering plum is one of the most important aspects of a Chinese garden，as it represents renewal and strength of will．Flowering peaches are grown for spring color．The chrysanthemum is use to symbolize splendor，luster and“the courage to make sacrifices for a natural life”．Peonies symbolize wealth and banana trees are used simply for the sound they make in the breeze．
1)Private Garden in China
In old days private gardens in China were owned by bureaucrats，landlords，rich merchants，and the scholar-gentry．During the Ming and Qing dynasties private gardens were found all over China．In the north most of them were built in Beijing．In the lower Yangtze River Valley the majority of them were found in Suzhou and Hangzhou．In the south private gardens were mostly in the Lingnan region．But among all the private gardens，those in the lower Yangtze River Valley were the most typical of Chinese garden culture—the nation's four best known gardens are all situated in this region:Anlanyuan Garden of Haining，Zhanyuan Garden of Nanjing，Lion Grove of Suzhou，and Qinyuan(Jichangyuan)Garden of Wuxi．Most private gardens are in cities．As extensions of dwellings，they are generally small in size，but look elegant and tasteful，and they perform multiple functions such as lodging，get-together，study，theatrical performance，and sightseeing．With the limited space of a garden，nature is imitated in a fastidious way．The beauty of natural landscape is condensed and reproduced in the form of artificial mountains and tree groves in a garden that could be visited and watched，and in which harmony is achieved between man and nature．In the meantime，no effort is spared to achieve a poetic grace and satisfy the fancy for a lofty and elegant lifestyle．
The Yuyuan Garden in Shanghai:a typical example of the south garden
The Yuyuan Garden is found in the southeast part of the old city of Shanghai．Pan Yunduan，who was Sichuan Provincial Administrative Commissioner of the Ming Dynasty，built this private garden for his parents in 1559．It remains as the only ancient garden in urban Shanghai，and for this reason it is protected as a national cultural legacy．The Yuyuan Garden has had its fill of ups and downs．It has changed hands repeatedly，and undergone major expansions on several occasions．The garden was also associated with many major historical events in Shanghai，but in terms of landscaping culture，it can well be regarded as a crystallization of the Chinese garden culture after the mid-Ming Dynasty．The Yuyuan Garden today is a veritable jungle of architectural structures，where the forms of artificially hills are reflected quiveringly in the ponds，and the entire place is hidden in the rich verdure of trees and plants．No wonder ancients praised it as the“best garden in the southeast”．
The Yuyuan Garden abounds in exotic scenes and sights．A total of 48 scenic views-chambers，halls，pavilions，kiosks，corridors，walls，trees，rocks and ponds—are picturesquely laid out in this garden's 20，000-square-metre space．The artificial hills look real，and so do the caves．Five dragon-shaped walls divide the garden into six scenic zones with distinct features．Of all the beauty spots in the Yuyuan Garden，the Giant Artificial Hill is definitely the best．In fact，it is the largest artificial hill built of yellow stone since the Ming Dynasty．Several thousand tons of stones were consumed in constructing this hill，whose main peak stands 12 metres tall．All the stones were quarried from Wukang County in Zhejiang Province．Both the textures of rocks and their shapes were taken into full account when this hill was being piled up to evoke memory of the real thing．The presence of a footpath，cliffs，ravines，and streams has contributed to the realness the builders purported to achieve．A kiosk stands atop the hill to commander the vista beyond the walls of the Yuyuan Garden．
2)Imperial Garden in China
The term“imperial garden”generally refers to those in which emperors lived and entertained themselves．Apart from the general features of classical Chinese gardens，imperial gardens are also marked by the following five salient features．
The guideline for the design of an imperial garden gives expression to feudal autocracy and reflects the idea that the Son of Heaven is the richest man under heaven．
There is a liberal choice of locations，and the construction of an imperial garden is backed up by abundant resources，so that not only mountains and lakes in their original forms could be incorporated，but lakes dug，and mountains constructed，as well，in imitation of natural scenes．All sorts of buildings could be constructed，too．
The general layout of an imperial garden was magnificent，the buildings are beautiful or imposing and perform diverse functions，so that living in his imperial garden the emperor could administer state affairs，take up his lodging，receive tributes，feast his guests，watch theatrical performances，singing and dancing，Wushu contests，pay homage to the Buddha，collect books and treasures，observe crops，and go fishing and hunting．
Materials for the construction of gardens were wide ranging，and vast numbers of artisans could be conscripted for this purpose，so that collective wisdom was pooled and the gardens were richly varied in form．
Most imperial gardens are situated in the north，and thus susceptive to the northern climatic in so far as architectural tradition，coloration and the planting of vegetation are concerned．Despite keen efforts made to imitate famous gardens in the lower Yangtze Valley，these gardens still retain a style unique to the north．
Beijing's imperial gardens are outstanding examples of classical Chinese garden culture;they are also part of the precious world cultural heritage．Among these gardens，the Beihai Park，the Jingshan Park，the Summer Palace，Yuanmingyuan and Xiangshan Park are the most famous ones．The Mountain Summer Resort of Chengde，250 kilometers northeast of Beijing，is generally regarded as an extension of Beijing's imperial gardens．
The Summer Palace in Beijing:a typical imperial garden
Situated in the western outskirts of Haidian District，the Summer Palace is 15 kilometers(9．3 miles)from central Beijing．Having the largest royal park and being well preserved，it was designated，in 1960 by the State Council，as a Key Cultural Relics Protection Site of China．Containing examples of the ancient arts，it also has graceful landscapes and magnificent constructions．The Summer Palace is the archetypal Chinese garden，and is ranked amongst the most noted and classical gardens of the world．In 1998，it was listed as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO．
Constructed in the Jin Dynasty，during the succeeding reign of feudal emperors;it was extended continuously．By the time of the Qing Dynasty，it had become a luxurious royal garden providing royal families with rest and entertainment．Originally called Qingyi Garden(Garden of Clear Ripples)，it was know as one of the famous“three hills and five gardens”(Longevity Hill，Jade Spring Mountain，and Fragrant Hill; Garden of Clear Ripples，Garden of Everlasting Spring，Garden of Perfection and Brightness，Garden of Tranquility and Brightness，and Garden of Tranquility and Pleasure)．Like most of the gardens of Beijing，it could not elude the rampages of the Anglo-French Allied Force and was destroyed by fire．In 1886，Empress Dowager Cixi embezzled navy funds to reconstruct it for her own benefit，changing its name to Summer Palace(Yiheyuan)．She spent most of her later years there，dealing with state affairs and entertaining．In 1900，it suffered again，being ransacked by the Eight-Power Allied Force．
Composed mainly of Longevity Hill and Kunming Lake，the Summer Palace occupies an area of 294 hectares(726．5 acres)，three quarters of which is water．Guided by nature，artists designed the gardens exquisitely so that visitors would see marvelous views and be amazed by perfect examples of refined craftwork using the finest materials．
Centered on the Tower of Buddhist Incense(Foxiangge)the Summer Palace consists of over 3，000 structures including pavilions，towers，bridges，and corridors．The Summer Palace can be divided into four parts:the court area，front-hill area，front-lake area，and rear-hill and back-lake area．
Front-Hill Area:this area is the most magnificent area in the Summer Palace with the most constructions．Its layout is quite distinctive because of the central axis from the yard of Kunming Lake to the hilltop，on which important buildings are positioned including Gate of Dispelling Clouds，Hall of Dispelling Clouds，Hall of Moral Glory，Tower of Buddhist Incense，the Hall of the Sea of Wisdom，etc．
Rear-Hill and Back-Lake Area:although the constructions are fewer here，it has a unique landscape，with dense green trees，and winding paths．Visitors can feel a rare tranquility，and elegance．This area includes scenic spots such as Garden of Harmonious Interest and Suzhou Market Street．
Court Area:this is where Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu met officials，conducted state affairs and rested．Entering the East Palace Gate，visitors may see the main palace buildings:the Hall of Benevolence and Longevity served as the office of the Emperor，the Hall of Jade Ripples where Guangxu lived，the Hall of Joyful Longevity，Cixi's residence，the Hall of Virtue and Harmony where Cixi was entertained．
Front Lake Area:covering a larger part of the Summer Palace，opens up the vista of the lake．A breeze fluttering，waves gleam and willows kiss the ripples of the vast water．In this comfortable area there are the Eastern and Western Banks，the Seventeen-Arch Bridge，Nanhu Island，and so on．On the western bank float six distinct bridges amongst which the Jade-Belt Bridge is the most beautiful．
3.The lnfluence of Chinese Garden on the World
As early as in the 6th century，Japan had already known of Chinese garden landscaping through Marco Polo，who visited many Song Dynasty gardens in southern China during the Yuan Dynasty．In the 17th century，Chinese garden landscaping was introduced to England where it then spread to France and the rest of Europe．In the late 18th century，Chinese garden landscaping had a huge influence on the European Romantic Movement，and European landscaping moved away from a stiff aristocratic style to a more natural style found in Chinese gardens．
Western and Eastern garden landscaping bear different forms and styles because of different philosophies and sense of aesthetic beauty．In form，Western landscaping embodies artificial beauty with symmetrical，regular and well-knit layouts．Geometry is ever-present as flowers and plants are pruned upright and square．Chinese garden landscaping doesn't require symmetry or fixed regulations as plants，trees and buildings are built to a natural form．Whereas Western landscaping theory aims to remedy the defects of nature，Chinese garden landscaping blends plants and buildings into an organic whole and imitates nature by building mountains(rocky outcroppings)with flowing water to present a quality suggestive of poetry or painting．To fully enjoy the beauty of Chinese gardens，it's important to understand the philosophy implied through the sceneries．
Word Bank
evolve使逐步形成
emblematic象征的
literati文人
onerous艰巨的，繁重的
officialdom官场
tracts大块地
entice诱惑，怂恿
tribute贡品
replica复制品
domain领地，领土
cosmology宇宙学
intrinsic固有的，内在的
epitome典型的人或事
proliferate快速繁殖、增长
embellish美化，装饰
fluidity流动性
optimum最佳的，最适宜的
cascade瀑布
mutable易变的
aggregate集料，骨料
juxtaposition并列，并置
miniature微型复制品
encompass包含，包括
manual指南，手册
foliage叶，叶子
resilient有弹性的
tenacious抓牢的，握紧的
splendor华丽
luster柔和的光泽，荣耀
gentry绅士
fastidious精心挑选的
salient显著的，主要的
layout布局
vista景色
veritable名副其实的
crystallize使结晶，使具体化
archetype原型
designate指定，选定
elude躲避，逃避
rampage狂暴地乱冲乱撞
embezzle挪用
ransack抢劫，彻底搜索
exquisite精美的，雅致的
tranquility平静，安宁
dispelling驱散，使消失
参考译文
1.古代园林
1)中国园林的历史
在中华民族漫长的历史长河中逐步形成了两个园林传统:皇家园林和私家园林。前者是皇室权力和财富的象征;后者是文人学者隐退后，远离尘嚣的居所。中国最早有关园林的记载是在周朝。当时的园林是王侯公子们狩猎的场所。狩猎成功预示统治的成功。后来，在《楚辞》中描述了一位巫师吟歌描述一个美丽的园林以唤醒临死的国王:蜿蜒的小溪、宜人的荷塘、悠悠的远山。在秦始皇的上林苑里，蓄养各种鸟兽，栽培异地引进的植被，还有来自诸侯各国的各种贡品。园林就是一个小王国。晋代诗人陶渊明(365年—427年)曾向人们展示了悠然自得的园林生活。隋、唐是中国园林发展时期。山水诗人王维隐退后，建造了蓝田辋川园林(现在陕西省)，过着隐居的生活。蓝田辋川园林是传统文人园林的典范。
宋朝的文人园林发展很快。宋徽宗(1082年—1135年)大兴土木，他在开封修建的园林，一座假山就高达77米。元朝忽必烈(1214年—1294年)在京城修建的豪华园林，有山有水，还有狩猎场。明朝修缮、扩建了紫禁城、北海公园以及其他皇家园林。清朝最有名的皇家园林是圆明园，园中水道众多，集楼阁、书院、练武场、西洋建筑于一体。
2)中国园林宇宙观
中国园林的一个典型特征是它深深扎根中国哲学尤其是道家哲学。园林可以看成是自然界的一面镜子。根据道家的观点，宇宙万物都含“气”。天下万形都是由“气”构成的。一阴一阳的规律普遍存在于天地万物运动变化过程之中，促成万物的生灭变化。因此，中国古代园林的建造、布局、自然环境的取舍、树木植被的配备都十分讲究得体、平衡。中国的园林强调主体意识的参与、强调人与自然合一，强调诗、情、画的统一。文人官员平常事务缠身，不能游山玩水，私家园林就是他们修身养性的好地方。古代中国人讲究“风水”，房屋、墓地、园林等各种建筑选址都必须得当、适宜，以图吉利。
根据中国传统的思想，人是宇宙的一部分，每一个生物都是自然的一部分，人与自然不能分割。中国园林的特点是模仿自然，遵循自然规律。园林中的每一部分都强调人与自然的和谐，可以让人达到内心的平静。
皇家园林象征着皇帝至高无上的权威，但也是他们娱乐休闲的好地方。私家园林是主人退思、享乐、疗养、陶冶性情的地方。总之，无论大小，无论位置的好坏，中国园林都体现着人与自然和谐相处的传统。
3)园林的构成要素
园林构成的两个要素是山和水，它们分别代表着阳和阴。传统的园林由一群庭院组成，庭院之间通过小道和长廊连接。园林里的山布局讲究，是“阳”的象征，有一种使人联想到自然界群山巍峨的雄伟气势(即“阳刚之美”)。而这里的流水、池塘、湖泊、瀑布则是“阴”的象征，增添了园林的柔美秀丽(即“阴柔之美”)。树木植被的选择既要适合季节的变迁更替，又要体现主人的文化修养、审美情趣，要让光与影、动与静和谐统一，风声、雨声和落叶声声声入耳。亭、台、楼、阁、榭、廊等既自成一景，又把整个园林连接成一个整体。
与经典文学和古代书法联系在一起是中国园林的又一特征。庭院里摆放着盆景，池塘、湖泊种满荷花，鱼儿在水里嬉戏。这里还有假山，用各种奇形怪状的石料砌成，形状惟妙惟肖，如同天成。假山里还有些人工洞穴。不管是假山还是山洞，都是通往天国、进入极乐世界的象征。不过，夏天这里是纳凉避暑的好地方。
明朝晚期计成撰写的《园治》是一部有关园林的经典著作。这部著作不仅具有实用价值，而且具有审美价值。他主张将构成园林的诸要素相互比较、相互映衬，寻找各种要素的最佳组合，达到最理想的效果。
2.中国园林文化
中国古代园林可以称得上是诗、景、画的统一，故中国园林有“诗园”之称。园林是主人的精神家园，在这里，他们回归自然，远离尘嚣，远离人世间的各种悲欢离合，如同一个世外桃源。园林里的陈设、布局都十分讲究。竹或竹林是传统园林的一大特色，因为竹坚固、有弹性，是正直、豁达的象征。园林里松树也是必不可少的，松象征着长寿、矢志不移与人格尊严。荷花喻指清廉、纯洁。梅花喻指意志坚强。桃花代表春天的颜色。菊花象征着华丽、荣耀和敢于自我牺牲的勇气。牡丹象征着财富。而芭蕉树迎风作响为整个庭院带来一丝活力。
1)私家园林
过去，只有官僚、地主、富有商贾、学者、绅士才有私家园林。明、清时期，私家园林遍及全国。北方集中在北京，南方集中在苏、杭。在南方园林中，海宁的安澜园、南京的瞻园、苏州的狮子林和无锡的寄畅园等都享有盛名。大多数私家园林都在城市，面积一般不大，但都很幽雅、美丽。它们既是主人的居所，又是他们学习、聚会、娱乐和玩赏的好地方。私家园林面积虽然有限，但这里的假山假水形象逼真，花草树木五彩缤纷、郁郁葱葱，人与自然浑然一体。有雅兴的人，还可以吟诗作画，意趣横生。
南方园林的典范——上海的豫园
豫园坐落在上海老城的东南部。豫园的原主人是潘允端，明代曾任四川布政使。为了使双亲生活得愉悦，于1559年在上海建造起一座园林。它是上海唯一的一座古代私家园林，系全国重点文物保护单位。它历经兴衰，几易其主，几度扩建，见证了上海的变迁。从文化层面上讲，它是中国古代园林文化的具体表现。今天的豫园融入了多种建筑风格，山石池水，相互映衬，出奇制胜。整个建筑都掩映在茂密的花草树林之中。难怪古人称它是“东南园林一绝”。
豫园有名的景点处处皆是，2万平方米的面积内居室、大厅、亭台、楼阁、长廊、城墙、假山、池塘、花草、树木等，应有尽有。假山生动逼真，城墙形状似龙，把整个园林分成六个风格各异的景区。豫园所有景点中，假山最为夺目耀眼，由几千吨黄石砌成，是明代以后建成的最大假山，最高处达12米。这些石头都是从浙江武康采集而来的，它们纹理清晰、棱角分明。园中小路曲径通幽，悬崖拔地而起，小溪环绕山谷，一个亭子坐落山顶，在这里可以俯瞰豫园全景。
2)皇家园林或皇宫
皇家园林是古代皇帝生活、享乐的地方。除了一般园林的典型特征之外，皇家园林还具备其他5个特征。
皇家园林是封建专制统治的集中体现，表达皇帝是普天下最富有的人这一思想。
皇家园林可以自由选址，园林的建设不受资源的限制。没有自然山水，可以建造假山假水，各类建筑都可以建造。
皇家园林富丽堂皇，既是皇帝生活、施政的地方，又是皇帝宴请宾客、接受贡品、看戏、习武、狩猎、钓鱼、祭祀等的场所。
皇家园林汇集各方优秀的工匠和各种建筑材料，工匠们技艺超群、身手不凡，因此，他们造就的园林建筑千姿百态，栩栩如生。
绝大多数皇家园林都在北方，它们依照北方的建筑传统、气候和植被特征而建，尽管力求模仿长江中下游地区的园林，但还是北方园林的典型代表。
北京皇家园林是中国古典园林文化的代表，也是世界珍贵文化遗产的一部分。在这些皇家园林中，北海公园、景山公园、颐和园、圆明园和香山公园最为有名。位于北京东北面250千米远的承德避暑山庄可以看成北京皇家园林的延伸。
典型的皇家园林——北京颐和园
颐和园位于北京市西北部海淀区，距市中心约15千米。它是中国最大的保存完好的皇家花园，1960年被指定为国家级重点文物保护单位。这里不仅保存着重要文物，而且风景优美，各种建筑富丽堂皇。颐和园是最典型的中国皇家园林，是世界上最负盛名、最经典的花园之一。1998年，颐和园被联合国教科文组织正式列入《世界遗产名录》。
颐和园建于金朝，经历几个朝代的变迁，不断扩大，到清朝已经成为一个豪华奢侈的皇家花园，供皇室成员休闲娱乐。颐和园的前身为“清漪园”，是清代北京著名的“三山五园”中最后落成的一处皇家园林。“三山”是指万寿山、玉泉山和香山。“五园”则是指万寿山的清漪园、畅春园、圆明园和玉泉山的静明园以及香山的静宜园。像北京大多数园林那样，颐和园也遭受了英法联军的烧杀掠夺。1886年，慈禧太后挪用海军军费重新修缮、改造清漪园，并更名为颐和园。慈禧太后基本上就是在这里处理朝政、安度晚年。1900年，八国联军进攻北京，颐和园再遭劫难。
万寿山和昆明湖构成颐和园的主体，它占地294公顷(726．5英亩)，其中大部分是水面。这里优美的自然景观和能工巧匠的杰作，交相辉映，浑然天成，令来往游客赞不绝口、惊叹不已！
颐和园以佛香阁为中心，共有3 000多幢建筑，包括亭、阁、塔、桥、廊。全园分勤政殿、万寿前山区、前湖(昆明湖)区、后山和后湖区四部分。
前山是颐和园中最富丽堂皇的区域，大部分建筑都集中在这里。其布局、结构都很分明。从昆明湖至万寿山顶，构成中轴，沿着中轴线是排云门、排云殿、德辉殿、佛香阁，直至山顶的智慧海。
后山、后湖区建筑物较少，但却风景别致。碧水潆回，曲径通幽、古松参天、郁郁葱葱。这里的景点有被称为“园中之园”的谐趣园和苏州街。
勤政殿(后更名为仁寿殿)在颐和园大门东宫门内，是慈禧、光绪坐朝听政的大殿。游客从东宫门进入，便可看到几幢主要的建筑。仁寿殿是皇帝朝政的地方;玉澜堂是光绪皇帝的寝宫;乐寿堂是慈禧居住的地方。德和园是慈禧看戏娱乐的地方。
前湖区占地面积最大。湖面宽阔，微风徐来，波光粼粼，泛起阵阵涟漪。这里有东堤和西堤、17拱桥、南湖岛等景观。其中，用汉白玉雕砌的玉带桥桥拱高耸，远望如一条玉带，造型优美。
3.中国园林对世界的影响
早在6世纪，日本就通过欧洲人马可·波罗了解了中国的园林(马可·波罗于元朝时来到中国，参观过南方的很多园林)。17世纪，中国的园林被介绍到英国，又从英国传到法国乃至整个欧洲大陆。对18世纪的欧洲浪漫主义运动产生了巨大影响，欧洲园林风格从追求贵族气演变成中国式的自然恬静。
由于哲学观和审美观的不同，中、西园林也有不同的形式和风格。从形式上讲，西方的园林注重人工之美、对称之美、工整之美和结构之美。中国的园林不讲究对称、工整，没有固定的格式，花草、树木、建筑遵循自然规律。西方的园林是弥补自然的不足，中国的园林强调人与自然的和谐，假山、流水、亭台、楼阁如诗如画。要欣赏中国的园林的美，必须熟悉理解隐藏在其中的中国传统哲学。
Exercises
Section A Thought-provoking questions
1．What are the two main garden traditions in China？
2．Why does the author think that the unique character of Chinese gardens has its roots in Chinese philosophy？
3．Why were Chinese gardens called a spiritual utopia？
4．What are the four best-known gardens in the Lingnan region according the passage？
5．What is the“imperial garden”？
6．In 1998，why was the Summer Palace listed as one of the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO？
Section B Decide whether the following statements are true or false
1．Chinese gardens are a spiritual shelter for people because it is a place they could be far away from the sound and fury of social life．
2．Typically，ancient Chinese gardens can be divided into private gardens and national gardens．
3．An imperial garden could be built in any place if the emperor thought it necessary．
4．In old days private gardens in China were owned by bureaucrats，landlords，rich merchants，and the scholar-gentry．
5．The Yuyuan Garden has not undergone ups and downs since it was built．
6．Of all the beauty spots in the Yuyuan Garden，the walls are definitely the best．
7．The Summer Palace is a place where royal families live，rest and entertain themselves．
8．The Summer Palace can be divided into four parts:the court area，front-hill area，front-lake area，and rear-hill and back-lake area．
9．Court Area is where Empress Dowager Cixi and Emperor Guangxu met officials．
10．In the Summer Palace，lake covers more area than hills．