Private gardens were first recorded in China in the 4th century A.D.
By the 7th century more than 2000 private gardens were recorded in cities of Chang'an and Luoyang.

A design theme common to most private gardens is that of personal scholarship, whether for spiritual, moral or intellectual development. Wounded pride could also be considered a theme since a frequent reason for the building of a garden was that the owner had fallen from favour within the imperial heirachy, and intended to persue a more private life.

The design of private gardens is touched by the Daoist principles of wanting to be alone, of humbleness, and the eradication of desire. The stunning simplicity of the domestic garden Qing teng shu shi (Green Vine Study), Shaoxing, conveys this ideal. 

Confucianism also had an influence: "the wise take pleasure in water, the kind find happiness in a mountain." Islands of rock surrounded by water are a common allusion in Chinese gardens. This is the Mountain Villa of Secluded Beauty, Suzhou. 

During the Ming dynasty there was an increase in the wealth of China which was accompanied by artistic developments and an increase in population. Garden designs became more complex as they gave modest sites the illusion of being much bigger. There was also an increase in the use of buildings in gardens to the extent that the rooms of the house became separated, spread through the garden, and linked by covered walkways. Some visual techniques used in the manipulation of space are shown in the following photographs.

Windows of various shapes are used to enhance a sense of depth.

No space is too narrow to give a "window-box" view of a small garden.

Reflections add visual interest and enhance the apparent volume of the garden. Not only is water used, but what at first glance seems to be a window is, in this case, a mirror.

The gateway, a surmountable barrier, gives a sense of mystery and anticipation in a garden.

A moongate enhances a sense of distance as well as giving an element of romance in Liu Yuan, Suzhou

The covered walkway or lang may allow the visitor to view the entire garden without getting wet when it is raining. Langs often have windows or doorways which give tempting glimpses through to other areas.