Exploring Classical Vietnamese Gardens Under the Nguyen Dynasty: A Comparative Study With Chinese Counterparts

Abstract

This paper explores the typologies and characteristics of classical Vietnamese gardens built in the Nguyen Dynasty (1802–1945) by examining historical records, paintings, and existing gardens. The findings highlight the presence of two distinct types of classical gardens in Vietnam: imperial gardens and imperial mausoleum gardens. Numerous examples from Chinese gardens constructed during the Ming and Qing Dynasties are employed for comparison with Vietnamese gardens. Influenced by Chinese culture, Vietnamese gardens exhibit numerous shared characteristics and elements with their Chinese counterparts. Layouts, architectural styles of pavilions, garden elements such as rockeries, ponds, and bridges, as well as plant materials were inspired by Chinese gardens, yet they were adapted to align with local conditions, such as climate and garden owners' preferences. For example, the arrangement and design of some elements, like waterscapes and bridges, species of plants and stone materials were different. Understanding the cultural significance and uniqueness of Vietnamese classical gardens contributes to their preservation and restoration. By recognizing and comparing the philosophical approaches to garden design in China and Vietnam, this research sheds light on the diverse expressions and adaptations of garden design in East Asia.

● Classical Vietnamese gardens were influenced by Chinese culture and philosophies

● Classical Vietnamese garden’s layouts, architecture, rockeries, and plants are the aspects showing the influences of Chinese culture, but have distinctive characteristics that set them apart

● Gaining insights into classical Vietnamese gardens could contribute to the development of modern landscape design in Vietnam

Graphical abstract

Keywords

Classical Vietnamese Gardens / Imperial Gardens / Imperial Mausoleum Gardens / Nguyen Dynasty / Classical Chinese Gardens / Taoism / Confucianism / Nature

References

[1] Zhang, Q. (2015). An Introduction to Chinese History and Culture. Springer.

[2] Jellicoe, G., Jellicoe, S., Goode, P., & Lancaster, M. (1986). The Oxford Companion to Gardens (p. 111). Oxford University Press.

[3] Hu, J. (2012). Splendid Chinese Garden: Origins, Aesthetics and Architecture Shanghai Press.

[4] Zhao, C., Matsumoto, N., Liu, T., Yuan, Y., & Katsuhiro, K. (2003). A Study on the image of landscape of Japanese and Chinese Gardens. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, 2(2), b69– b76J.

[5] Chen, D., & Burley, J. B. (2018). SJapanese authenticity: Gardens of simplicity and meaning. The Michigan Landscape^TM, 52– 56.

[6] Sim, W. (2007). Background of Korean Traditional Landscape Architecture. Korean Traditional Landscape Architecture. Hollym.

[7] Kim, Y., & Choi, J. (2007). Landscape Architecture of the Royal Palace. Korean Traditional Landscape Architecture (pp. 57–85). Hollym.

[8] Ahn, G. (2007). Landscape Architecture of Nu, Jeong and Dae. Korean Traditional Landscape Architecture. Hollym.

[9] Lien, V. H., & Sharrock, P. D. (2014). Descending Dragon, Rising Tiger: A History of Vietnam. Reaktion Books.

[10] Do, T. T. M. (2016). The art of garden landscape architecture in the royal architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty[Nghệ Thuật Kiến Trúc Cảnh Vườn Trong Kiến Trúc Cung Đình Thời Nguyễn]. Tạp Chí Kiến Trúc Số, (7), 84– 90.

[11] Cushman, C. L. (2017). Architectural layers of a Southeast Asian region: Vietnam and Cambodia field seminar. Society of Architectural Historians.

[12] Phan, T. A. (2017). The Architecture of Hue Imperial Citadel [Kiến Trúc Cố Đô Huế]. Thuan Hoa.

[13] Nguyen, T. H. T. (2010). The Hue Citadel area in the transition of urban composition during the rise and fall of the Nguyen Dynasty in the 19th century. Journal of East Asian Cultural Interaction Studies, (3), 529– 544.

[14] Lou, Q. (2003). Chinese Gardens (L. Zhang, & H. Yu, Trans.). China Intercontinental Press.

[15] Cooper, D. E. (2014). Daoism, nature and humanity. Royal Institute of Philosophy Supplement, (74), 95– 108.

[16] Lin, P. J. (1977). A Translation of Lao Tzu's Tao Te Ching and Wang Pi's Commentary. Kenneth G. Lieberhal and Richard H. Rogel Center for Chinese Studies.

[17] Le, T. C. (1999). Vietnam: Traditional cultural concepts of human relations with the natural environment. Asian Geographer, 18(1–2), 67– 74.

[18] Nguyen, X. P., & Vu, H. V. (2020). Taoism in Vietnam during the northern colonial period and some notes when studying Taoism in Vietnam. Journal of Natural Remedies, 21(8(1)), 342– 351.

[19] Unger, A. H., & Unger, W. (1997). Pagodas, Gods and Spirits of Vietnam. Thames and Hudson.

[20] Truong, H. Q., Phan, D. D., & Nguyen, C. H. (2010). Complete Collection of an Outline of Vietnamese History [Đại Cương Lịch Sử Việt Nam]. Nhà Xuất Bản Giáo Dục.

[21] Van, V. H., Phong, N. X., & Hoang, P. D. (2020). The influence of Confucianism in the law code of the Nguyen Dynasty of Vietnam. Journal of Advances in Education and Philosophy, 4(5), 201– 207.

[22] Yun, J. (2014). A comparative study of bamboo culture and its applications in China, Japan and South Korea Proceedings of SOCIOINT14—International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities. International Organization Center of Academic Research.

[23] Tho, N. N. (2016). Confucianism and humane education in contemporary Vietnam. International Communication of Chinese Culture, (3), 645– 671.

[24] Bruun, O. (2011). Fengshui in China: Geomantic Divination between State Orthodoxy and Popular Religion. Nias Press.

[25] Mak, M. Y., & So, A. T. (2015). Scientific Feng Shui for the Built Environment: Theories and Applications. City University of Hong Kong Press.

[26] Bruun, O. (1996). The Fengshui resurgence in China: Conflicting cosmologies between state and peasantry. The China Journal, (36), 47– 65.

[27] Dieu, H. (2016, December 29). Feng Shui and the traditional architecture of northern Vietnam. The Voice of Vietnam.

[28] Magli, G. (2019). Astronomy and Feng Shui in the projects of the Tang, Ming and Qing royal mausoleums: A satellite imagery approach. Archaeological Research in Asia, (17), 98– 108.

[29] Han, Y. (2022). Contrastive Study between Chinese and Japanese Gardens Taking Zhanyuan Garden in Nanjing and Abbot's Garden of Long'an Temple in Kyoto as Examples. Proceedings of the 2022 8th International Conference on Humanities and Social Science Research, (664), 1495– 1500.

[30] Tschumi, C. A. (2006). Between tradition and modernity: The Karesansui gardens of Mirei Shigemori. Landscape Journal, 25(1), 108– 125.

[31] Jellicoe, G., Jellicoe, S., Goode, P., & Lancaster, M. (1986). The Oxford Companion to Gardens. Oxford University Press.

[32] Paolillo, M. (2003). Forging the garden: The "Yuanye" and the significance of the Chinese Garden in the 17th century. East and West, 53(1/4), 209– 239.

[33] Peng, Y. (1986). Analysis of the Traditional Chinese Garden. China Architecture & Building Press.

[34] Luo, B., Grydehøj, A. (2017). Sacred islands and island symbolism in ancient and imperial China: An exercise in decolonial island studies. Island Studies Journal, 12(2), 25– 44.

[35] Doling, T. (2018). Exploring Hue: Heritage of the Nguyen Dynasty Heartland. The Gioi Publishers.

[36] Phan, T. H. (2008, July 11). Artificial mountains in the royal place. [Non Bộ ở Chốn Hoàng Cung]. Song Huong.

[37] Ke-Tsung, H., & Sinha, A. (1996). An empirical study of Feng-Shui in landscape. Environments, 23(3), 36– 49.

[38] Zhang, D. (2018). Classical Chinese gardens: Landscapes for self-cultivation. Journal of Contemporary Urban Affairs, 2(1), 33– 44.

[39] Sun, P. (2023). The Chinese classical-style pavilions beside West Lake. Art and Design Review, (11), 301– 307.

[40] Lu, L., & Liu, M. Exploring a spatial-experiential structure within the Chinese literati garden: The Master of the Nets Garden as a case study. Frontiers of Architectural Research, (12), 923– 946.

[41] Goode, D. (2016, March 17). What can we learn from Chinese classical gardens?. The Nature of Cities.

[42] Phan, T. H. (2021, November 23). The corridors in the royal architecture of Hue. ["Lang" Trong Kiến Trúc Hoàng Cung Huế]. Kham Pha Hue.

[43] Le, H. T. (2012). Thuong Kinh Chronicle [Thượng Kinh Ký sự] (Original work published 1885). NXB Trẻ.

[44] Cooper, J. (1977). The symbolism of the Taoist Garden. Studies in Comparative Religion, 11(4), 1– 9.

[45] Gu, K. (2023). Topographical understanding of artificial mountain making in traditional Chinese gardens. Landscape Architecture Frontiers, 11(4), 28– 45.

[46] Parkes, G. (2005). Thinking rocks, living stones: Reflections on Chinese lithophilia. Diogenes, 52(3), 75– 87.

[47] Lip, E. (2008). Traditional Chinese Architecture. Feng Shui: In Chinese Architecture (pp. 21–48). Marshall Cavendish Corp/ Ccb.

RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS

2023 Higher Education Press 2023