In the long history of Chinese civilization, many scholars have left beautiful poems describing exquisite classical Chinese gardens, including those of the emperor's temporary residences, rich families' flower gardens, or lofty imperial palaces. Today, when we pay visits to these gardens to appreciate the elegant halls, towers, pavilions and corridors, we can still feel the luxury and poeticism of the owners of these gardens, and cannot help feeling: "Though man-made, these gardens are so natural."
With their long history and consummate art, classical Chinese gardens occupy an important position in the world history of gardens. Hence, China enjoys the reputation of being the mother of garden construction. As both a material and spiritual expression of the most direct and closest connection between man and nature, classical Chinese gardens are an artistic combination of ancient architecture and horticultural design, as well as a component of traditional Chinese culture. Now, many classical gardens have been named as key historical monuments under state protection, of which many are included on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
