Literati Gardens: Poetic Sentiment & Picturesque Allure (Chinese-English Bilingual Edition) — The Definitive Collection by Chen Congzhou, the Father of Modern Chinese Garden Design

One Book to Understand the Soul of Chinese Gardens

Chinese gardens are more than pavilions and ponds. They embody a whole literati tradition — poetry, painting, calligraphy, opera — all woven into a single courtyard. Chen Congzhou, known as the “Father of Modern Chinese Garden Design,” is the definitive voice on this subject. This collection brings together his most important writings, including the five essays of On Gardens that established his reputation-.

What’s inside:

• Detailed descriptions of over 500 gardens and scenic spots across China, from private Jiangnan gardens to northern imperial estates-1

• More than 140 literary references, drawing on 197 writers, painters, and garden makers — a deeply researched work-1

• Bilingual layout: Chinese on one page, English on the facing page. Ideal for reading, studying, or gifting-2

Who is this book for?

• Readers worldwide interested in classical Chinese gardens, architecture, and culture

• Chinese language learners who want authentic reading material with English support

• Architects, landscape designers, and art historians seeking an Eastern perspective

• Anyone looking for a high-quality cultural gift — hardcover, beautifully designed

Why you can trust this edition:

Chen Congzhou was a professor at Tongji University and is widely regarded as the leading authority on Chinese gardens-. The translator, Ling Yuan, is a visiting professor at Beijing Foreign Studies University-. Published by Foreign Language Teaching and Research Press (2017), this hardcover edition runs 583 pages with color illustrations, built to last and made to be read-2.

One book, two ways to read. Chinese for the mood, English for the meaning. A collector‘s piece and a perfect gift.