Abstract:During the Ming and Qing dynasties, with the gradual rise of economic level and frequent exchange of overseas cultures, Lingnan gardens were eclectic, open and flexible in terms of techniques, aesthetics, and other aspectsmaking them unique among Chinese classical gardens. During the reign of Emperor Qianlong, Guangzhou served as the only port for foreign trade. The demands of trade and the times led to the rise of the Hong merchants’ garden, which became an important example of the modern transformation of Lingnan Gardens. At the same time, a large number of private gardens have emerged in Guangzhou Fati that serve both ornamental and sales purposes. Using the Zuiguan Garden as an illustration, its sizable water pool, semi-enclosed buildings, and linear paths connected by pavilions, bridges, and corridors are inherited from the landscape construction techniques of the Hong merchants’ garden. The garden's water-shaped winding, profusion of flowers and trees, and clever stone stacking also capture the essence of traditional Lingnan water and stone scenery. As a historical landscape of the city, Zuiguan Garden triggers regional cultural perception between spatial creation and expression of meaning, and the accompanying aesthetic experience of the landscape is also very rich in Cantonese characteristics
