Green scenes inspire Chinese artists to add fresh elements

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02:22

As the weather warms up across China, many have been returning to their gardens. What many people around the world might not know is how celebrated and treasured gardens are in China. They're also an indispensable element of Chinese arts, including everything from traditional Chinese paintings and porcelain works to stage performances.

Gardens can be spaces of such pure enjoyment and delight that some Chinese artists gain inspiration from these scenic spots and combine the greenery with their artistic creations.

In many Chinese paintings, garden scenery is the main subject, and landscape paintings originating from China's traditional gardening arts are widely used as decorations on ceramics.

Gardens can also be seen in the performing arts, like in a delicate Kunqu opera work called "Peony Pavilion."

The show was presented in a Ming-style garden stage in Shanghai in 2010. It tells the story of a young sleeping woman who dreams of a love affair with a man, but dies of disappointment after she awakens.

The opera preserves the essence and sublime beauty of traditional Kunqu opera, while showing the elegance and secrecy of the traditional Chinese garden.

Academy Award-winning Chinese composer Tan Dun made this garden version based on a 1598 version of "Peony Pavilion." The composer said the garden elements helped in the stage design, including the sound of the flowing water, the chirping of the birds and the landscape settings.

A view of Beijing's Grand View Garden, April 26, 2019. /VCG Photo

Chinese gardens are also places where people can meet with art, such as at Beijing's Grand View Garden.

The park is a full-size replica of an imperial yard described in the classic Chinese novel "Dream of the Red Chamber," written during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).

Period pavilions, bridges, corridors and courtyards built inside make it a good place for visitors to learn about the design work of China's ancient palaces.

Many such pavilions have been turned into stages where people can enjoy art performances while experiencing the charm of these carefully designed gardens.

(Top image: A Kunqu opera "Peony Pavilion" show is presented in a Ming-style garden stage in Shanghai. /CGTN Photo)