The art of Chinese gardens: nature and philosophy
In early modern China, gardens were more than places of retreat, they functioned as major social, cultural and economic sites. In our time of ecological crisis, gardens play a crucial role in mitigating pollution. This course will examine how the intersections of art, architecture, philosophy and sensory experience of Chinese gardens show continuity and change from the early modern period to the present day.
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Learning modes and locations may be different depending on the course start date. Please check the location of your chosen course and read our guide to learning modes and locations to help you choose the right course for you.
- Start Date: 16 Jul 2025End Date: 16 Jul 2025Wed (Daytime): 13:30 - 15:30OnlineFull fee £19.00 Senior fee £15.00 Concession £12.00
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
In 19th-century China, gardens in southern China were designed to serve as an emblem of their owners’ taste and social status. In our time of climate change, international artists play an active role in tackling China’s environmental pollution by designing gardens in urban centres. For example, American artist Betsy Damon in the late 1990s designed China’s first urban park functioning as a water purification system in the city of Chengdu for visitors to experience how nature cleanses polluted river water. In 2024, Hong Kong-based artist Zheng Bo designed a bamboo garden in the courtyard of Somerset House in central London, which created a space for audiences to contemplate and engage with nature. This short course will discuss the evolution of garden art from early modern to contemporary China.
What will we cover?
An exploration of three key gardens from two different periods, including those designed by Betsy Damon and Zheng Bo.
An introduction to the development of garden art in China in relation to the philosophy of nature.
The socio-cultural and environmental impact on the perceptions of Chinese garden art.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
Describe three gardens in early modern and contemporary China in detail.
Understand the meanings, aesthetic value and functions of Chinese gardens.
Identify key art-historical discourses associated with Chinese gardens.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is suitable for all levels.
You should be able to follow simple written and verbal instructions and demonstrations. You should be able to operate basic elements of Zoom, e.g. microphone, camera and log in.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
You will be taught online with slide presentations and group discussions. This is a live lecture and will not be recorded for reasons related to copyright, data protection and digital infrastructure.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You might wish to purchase a notebook for taking notes. You might wish to buy some of the books on any reading list provided.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Search for 'Friday Lates' or 'lunchtime lectures' for more courses like this one.
Xinrui Zhang completed her PhD in History of Art at the University of York. She specialises in art and landscape architecture in China from a global perspective, with a focus on the contemporary period. She has taught art history at the Courtauld Institute of Art, SOAS and York. She is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She holds an MA in History of Art from the Courtauld and a BA in History of Art (Asia, Africa and Europe) from SOAS. Before starting her PhD, she worked as a curator in London and previously worked at Christie’s.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
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