Chinese gardens, with their unique esthetic and natural style, have produced a precious pearl among World Heritage sites: the Classical Gardens of Suzhou. Beginning with the first traces of gardens in the first millennium BC, we are shown the formation of garden art in the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) dynasties and ultimately the full blossoming of different types of gardens in the Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911) dynasties. Against the backdrop of societal changes through successive dynasties, this book enlightens the reader about the influence on Chinese garden art of such factors as social and economic development, political changes, fashion, and class structure. The variety of garden features, historic events which took place in gardens, or even new trends of thought among garden owners, all may reflect different aspects of China's unique culture, religious beliefs, or esthetic and philosophical concepts. In this clear, comprehensive but condensed overview of the social history of Chinese gardens, you will find images of Chinese gardens in different styles which still exist today, and appreciate the beauty of garden landscape and architecture. Garden depictions on other exquisite works such as porcelain, wood-carving, murals, sculpture, paintings, and bronzes will take you on a visual journey through the age-old art history of China. Book jacket.