Although the indiginous beliefs of Confucianism and Taoism have influenced garden design in China, most major remaining manasteries have their basis in Buddhism. Buddhism appears to have spread through China via Central Asia during the first and second centuries A.D., rising to its greatest power during the Tang dynasty of 618 to 907 A.D. There were major persecutions of the monasteries during this time presumably because of their power and wealth, but many monasteries survive. It is facinating to sit in a monastery garden or walk by a lake and imagine some of the scenes when the temples were at their height of influence.

The gardens that are close to temple buildings are formally laid out and guide the visitor from one building to the next. A less formal area where the monks can go for relaxation or meditation may be found to the side or rear of the temple complex.

 The rock pillars are not gravestones, but a record of the names of monks of this Confucian monastery.

the gardens tend to be formal in design close to the buildings.

 Pots are used in the more formal areas to give seasonal variation and colour. Here, young lotus offer the promise of lovely flowers later.

The less formal gardens are for strolling, meditating and reading. 

Where monasteries are sited in areas of natural beauty, the scenery would often be enhanced by the creation or removal of lakes by damming or drainage, or by judicious removal of trees. Temples and pagodas were also dotted through the landscape.