Qianyuan (the 'Hidden Garden') is a classic southern Chinese scholar's garden that was gifted to Ruhr University (Germany) by its sister school, Tongji University of Shanghai, in 1990. Beginning with the original concept, this book illustrates the history and design of the garden through 29 themes, with abundant pictures and accompanying text. The garden draws on the Legend of Peach Blossom Spring, in which a fisherman who is drawn to a blossoming peach orchard accidentally discovers a hidden outcrop of paradise, which once discovered can never be found again (a plaque in the garden recounts the tale). Qianyuan has borrowed theory and techniques from the ancient Chinese gardening masterpiece The Garden Treatise, whose artistic language was influential in the creation of this Chinese 'paradise' in Germany. The garden is considered an important example of Sino-German cultural exchange. Text in English and Chinese. AUTHOR: Zhang Zhenshan is a former Professor in the Department of Architecture, Tongji University; a former Chief Architect of Shanghai Tongji Urban Planning and Design Institute; and a National Registered Architect. SELLING POINTS: . Documents a hidden treasure: a beautiful Chinese scholar's garden located within the botanical garden of Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany . The Qianyuan garden represents an important example of Sino-German cultural exchange, which aims to expand thinking, broaden horizons, and reproduce an ideal situation according to local conditions 180 colour illustrations
