Culture
22:49, 20-Sep-2017
20th anniversary of Suzhou classical gardens getting World Heritage listing
["china"]
Share
Copied
A seminar on protecting and developing world heritage was held on Tuesday in Suzhou, marking the 20th anniversary of the Suzhou Classical Gardens' listing as a UNESCO's World Heritage Site.
The representative of UN's cultural agency praised the glamorous classical gardens. Marielza Oliveira, Director of Beijing's UNESCO office said, "This is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. I feel peaceful after being here. It's wonderful. I'm in love with it."
Classical Gardens of Suzhou/ UNESCO Photo
Classical Gardens of Suzhou/ UNESCO Photo
Francesco Bandarin, the UNESCO Assistant Director General for Culture, congratulated the Suzhou Gardens on its protection of the site, which is a tough job for the city. “Especially with the garden as it changes every season. It's not something steady. Suzhou Gardens are a combination of physical and intangible heritage, the two are equally important." he added.
Chen Dalin, Head of Suzhou Landscape and Greening Bureau noted, "we will protect and manage the gardens, and be creative in our management of the cultural heritage. We will continue to release the 'Suzhou Garden List' and build a more comprehensive and scientific mode of management.”
Classical Gardens of Suzhou/ UNESCO Photo
Classical Gardens of Suzhou/ UNESCO Photo
Suzhou has a list of 90 gardens that are protected currently. It is expected that over 100 gardens will be on the list next year.
Located in east China's Jiangsu Province, the Suzhou Classical Gardens were originally built some 2500 years ago, and became prosperous during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
In 1997, the Humble Administrator’s Garden, Lingering Garden and other two were listed on UNESCO's World Heritage. Another five gardens were added to the list three years later.
Classical Gardens of Suzhou/ UNESCO Photo
Classical Gardens of Suzhou/ UNESCO Photo
When they became a World Heritage Site, UNESCO described the gardens by saying “Classical Chinese garden design, which seeks to recreate natural landscapes in miniature, is illustrated nowhere better than in the nine gardens in the historic city of Suzhou. They are generally acknowledged to be masterpieces of the genre.”
These meticulous design of these classical gardens reflect the profound, metaphysical importance of natural beauty in Chinese culture.
1031km