In The Humble Administrator's Garden

I know, it's a funny name! This garden was actually more of an estate, with many different buildings, some for bedrooms, some for entertaining, etc. We had an English speaking guide take us through the garden, so we were able to hear some little interesting tidbits about the garden and buildings. It seems that the Chinese are very deliberate in the planning of the buildings and courtyards... they will face the builidng a certain way so that the fragrance of the lotus blossoms will come in a specific window, for instance.

We learned from our guide that Chinese bridges are constructed with all these turns in them because the Chinese believe that ghosts can only walk in a straight line... so the curving bridges prevent the ghosts from crosssing!

Many of the building were furninshed with period furniture, from the Ming and Qing dynasties.

This covered walkway can be seen from another building, where I stood to take the picture. The intent was for the men to stand in the building adjacent to the walkway in order to watch the women cross through the walkway... the women's reflection could be seen in the water below, thus the men would have double the enjoyment!

Our guide pointed out the tiny, almost nonexistent armrests on these chairs, which were intended for ladies. The women were never to have their elbows out on an armrest, but rather to keep their arms tucked in close to their bodies, hands in their laps. So the armrests were sort of a reminder about the correct posture for a woman.