The Difference Between Royal Gardens and Private Gardens

Royal gardens and private gardens are two major types of traditional Chinese gardens, and there are obvious differences between them. Next we will compare and analyze them in four aspects: scale, layout, style and use.

First of all, in terms of scale, royal gardens usually cover a large area and are grand in scale, such as the Summer Palace and the Yuanmingyuan in Beijing. Private gardens, on the other hand, are relatively small and pay more attention to details and exquisite design.

Secondly, in the layout, the royal garden is usually symmetrical using the axis of the way, the layout is rigorous, magnificent. While private gardens are more flexible and changeable, the pursuit of natural harmony, through the combination of natural elements such as rocks, water and trees, flowers, plants, wood and stone, to create a poetic atmosphere.

Once again, in style, the royal garden is usually opulent, majestic as the main feature, luxurious materials, beautifully decorated. While private gardens pay more attention to the cultural connotation and artistry, to the elegant and refined, quiet and elegant as the main features, the use of a variety of cultural elements and artistic means to express the personality and taste of the garden owner.

Finally, in the use, the royal garden is mainly to meet the needs of members of the royal family for recreation and political activities, such as the emperor to deal with political affairs, receive foreign envoys and so on. While private gardens are mainly to meet the needs of the garden owner's personal recreation, enjoyment of scenery and socializing, and become a place for the garden owner to cultivate their sensibilities and enjoy life.

In summary, the royal gardens and private gardens in terms of scale, layout, style and use have greater differences. Each of these two types of gardens has its own merits and is an important part of traditional Chinese gardens, with high historical and cultural value.