A Study on the Water Arrangement of Zhi Yuan in Changzhou, Ming Dynasty

Zhi Yuan is a famous garden in Changzhou of Ming Dynasty. Based on the study of Zhi Yuan in Garden Painting In Old China, with a focus on the water arrangement of Zhi Yuan, this paper gives a thorough analysis of the related garden records, garden poetry and garden paintings. Also, by referring to other relevant literature and ancient maps, the situation of garden’s site and the change of its surroundings are studied. With a stress on the restoration of the external and internal water system of Zhi Yuan, this paper analyzes the morphological characteristics of the water system, and summarizes the main features of water sceneries. Particularly, relevant situation is inferred about the inner river and water inlet on the north of garden. It is found that Zhi Yuan is famous for water, mainly because of the flexible usage of external water system, the diversification of internal water system, and the creation of the charming waterscape.