Saturday 16 November 2013

CHINESE GARDEN, SYDNEY

The Chinese Garden of Friendship was built as a symbol of the friendship between Sydney and Guangzhuo in China, to mark Australia’s bicentenary in 1988. The garden was designed and built by Chinese landscape architects and gardeners following the Taoist principles of 'Yin-Yang' and the five opposite elements—earth, fire, water, metal and wood. These principles also stress the importance of Qi, the central force of life and energy.

Yin-Yang plays such a vital role that just one missing element would disrupt the garden's harmony and balance. However when combined perfectly, the five elements form a fluid and nurturing environment. Everything you encounter in the garden has been hand-picked and meticulously placed to capture the five elements and the energy of Qi.

Unlike western-style gardens, there are no planted flowerbeds or manicured lawns. Instead, wild aspects of nature are recreated in landscapes that feature waterfalls, mountains, lakes and forests.The art of Chinese Garden design began in imperial parks during the Shang dynasty 3,000 years ago. Later they flourished on a smaller scale in the private gardens of China's rich and powerful. Darling Harbour’s Chinese Garden of Friendship is a small-scale version of a typical private garden from this era.

This post is part of the Weekend Reflections meme,
and also part o the Weekly TopShot meme,
and also part of the Scenic Weekends meme.

5 comments:

  1. This asian architecture is so unexpected... Nice catch !

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  2. Exquisite ~ the light is amazing and such a beautiful garden ~ thanks, carol, xxx

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  3. Exquisite ~ the light is amazing and such a beautiful garden ~ thanks, carol, xxx

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  4. Gorgeous! Looks so much like our Kubota Gardens in Seattle, so much lovely symmetry and green... Love your shot Nick...Thank you for coming by sharing your creative photography on the Weekly Top Shot, #109!

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