Abstract
Ji Cheng's great work on garden design theory, the 'Yuanye', written in 1631 and originally published in 1634 is the first surviving treatise and most famous and comprehensive work on the suvject in the Chinese tradition. He constructed Dongdiyuan in Changzhou about 1623, Wuyuan in Yizheng in 1631, and Yingyuan in Yangzhou about 1634. But no poems and paintings written by him still exist, and none of his known gardens has survived. Therefore his design philosophy is able to be interpreted only by his work, Yuanye. This study aims at investigating the garden design theory in Yuanye. The results were summarized as follows. 1) Yuanye reflected the garden tastes of literati, and Ji Cheng endeavored to express the deas of literati painting into gardens. 2) The essence of the garden design theory is Xingzao, and Yindi, following the existing lie of the land, and Jiejing, to borrow from the scenery, are two major activities of Xingzao. 3) Ji Cheng's design theory build up on the basis of recognizing the existence of masters. 4) Yindi is the environmental and ecological planning and design method. This is the activity to reach the state of artistry through suitability. 5) Jiejing is not merely borrowing the landscape but the making use of scenery around the garden. And only the master has the skill in fitting in with the form of the land. 6) Ji Cheng pursuits the garden which will look like something naturally created though manmade. It is the goal of the Chinese traditional gardens and ideal situation. 7) Ji Cheng aims to unify the environment and landscape design dialectically into Xingzao.