Abstract:Liu Zongyuan, a renowned garden designer during the Middle Tang Dynasty, engaged in early theoretical contemplation and practical investigation of garden design amid the sociocultural shifts of the era. This study meticulously examines Liu Zongyuan's garden-related works, including poems and records, by extracting insights on garden design from the Complete Works of Liu Zongyuan, supplemented by historical accounts and contemporary research. Employing a methodological approach that integrates literature review, textual analysis, and inductive reasoning, the paper presents a detailed exploration of Liu Zongyuan's garden design philosophy across three dimensions: design exploration, design analysis, and design articulation. Findings reveal that his approach was rooted in a natural aesthetic, emphasizing a study of natural elements and an expression of natural concord, embodying the principle of 'harmony with nature.' Liu Zongyuan's insights into the humannature nexus offer valuable lessons for modern urban garden planning and ecological design.
