A Decade of Garden Making · Mountains, Waters and Bamboos
A Contemporary Art Space & Garden
On the banks of the Qingyi River, facing Huaixian Pavilion across Taohua Pond, tradition and contemporary art blend poetically here. Nestled in the southern Anhui landscapes once wandered by the poet immortal Li Bai, Mountains, Waters and Bamboos Art Space lies hidden in seclusion.
For ten years, contemporary artist Mr. Li has taken the landscapes of southern Anhui as his canvas, and traditional and modern art as his brushes, crafting this private garden and artistic creation sanctuary. Every inch of this space tells a cross-temporal cultural dialogue between past and present.
Tracing Origins: A Homecoming Promise Six Centuries Later
Though not a native of southern Anhui, my ancestors migrated north from this land six hundred years ago. Yet the innate bond with southern Anhui’s mountains and rivers has never faded through generations. A decade ago, I came here to sketch and chanced upon a hidden paradise on the east bank of the Qingyi River by Taohua Pond: a hundred steps from the ancient street, overlooking the river, serene amid bustle, as if echoing the ancient folk songs sung to bid Li Bai farewell a thousand years ago.
Following the stream, I lost track of distance. Suddenly I came upon a peach blossom forest, hundreds of paces along the bank, with no other trees among fragrant fresh grass and scattered blooming petals.
The idyllic Peach Blossom Land depicted by Tao Yuanming materialized right here. Guided by an unseen destiny, I resolved to preserve this landscape and fulfill my long-cherished yearning for the Jiangnan region.
Artistic Integration: A Poetic Dialogue Between Tradition and Modernity
The garden dream began on paper. I wandered through ancient villages across southern Anhui to study the essence of Hui-style architecture, traveled afar to experience the wabi-sabi beauty of Japanese dry landscape gardens, and immersed myself in the artistic conception of landscape paintings from the Song and Yuan dynasties.
Eventually, I merged the white-walled black-tiled aesthetics and winding scenic layouts of Hui-style gardens with Japanese teahouse culture and dry landscape philosophy. It retains the poetic charm of southern Anhui’s natural scenery while endowing the space with avant-garde contemporary artistic expression.
Adhering to the gardening philosophy — "Made by human hands, yet appearing crafted by nature" — the compound meets daily living, reception, leisure and creative needs, and bridges tradition and modernity through artistic design. Two century-old ancient buildings form the soul of the garden. On the basis of protective restoration, contemporary artistic elements are infused: the traditional one-hall two-wing structure is renovated into loft exhibition halls, studies, studios, and a whisky & cigar lounge. Delicate patterned windows, wood carvings and stone carvings preserve ancient charm, paired with minimalist lines and understated wabi-sabi aesthetics.
Ten Years of Perseverance: Rebuilding a Spiritual Retreat Amid Mountains and Waters
Garden construction was fraught with hardships. Upholding three non-negotiable principles — front river views, secluded tranquility, and pedestrian-only access — construction costs multiplied and construction difficulty exceeded all expectations. All building materials, furniture, appliances and artworks had to be carried manually by porters. Even a single large tree or stone sculpture required the combined strength of seven to ten workers. I joined the construction in person, hauling stones and timber alongside laborers. Such perseverance stems from my deep love for southern Anhui’s landscapes, sustained by a robust physique honed through years of football.
The rooftop infinity pool posed the greatest construction challenge. Constrained by the narrow terrain, we erected a 30-meter-high platform along the river, combining mechanical lifting and manual transportation to complete one-piece concrete pouring through nonstop overtime work. Over ten years, I traveled across southern Anhui to collect ancient architectural components, brick, wood and stone carvings, transforming the garden into a landscape museum integrating nature, humanities, folk customs and contemporary art.
Open Sharing: Let Art Merge With Daily Life
More than a private retreat, Mountains, Waters and Bamboos is an open art space. I aspire for visitors to perceive, experience and create art here. To this end, we regularly host painting exhibitions, calligraphy salons, international academic exchanges and other events, sharing the garden’s design philosophy and creative journey with guests.
Renowned French photographer Alain commented:
"This place reveals the boundless potential of southern Anhui’s landscape culture and the allure of contemporary art. Here, tradition and modernity, nature and humanity, art and life merge seamlessly into a unique artistic realm."
Emotions Rooted in Landscapes: Gardening as Self-Cultivation
Ten years of garden making is a tribute to southern Anhui’s cultural heritage, and a journey of inner exploration. As Ji Cheng, the renowned Ming-dynasty garden designer, wrote in The Craft of Gardens: "To build a garden is to cultivate one’s heart."
Mountains, Waters and Bamboos embodies my obsession with southern Anhui’s scenery, admiration for Hui-style architecture, and reverence for nature. It offers me a spiritual sanctuary — free from noisy distractions and tedious official duties.
At dusk, sitting alone in the garden with fine wine, a pipe and a book, I watch rosy clouds dance with wild ducks, and distant waters merge into the boundless sky. Fishing boats sing at sunset, bringing ultimate peace and contentment.
The toils and perseverance of ten years bloom into fruitful beauty. The green mountains and clear waters before my eyes become an endless source of creative inspiration, inspiring profound reflections on life:
Life itself is a bittersweet spiritual journey. Only through persistence and dedication can we create works with warmth and soul.
I conclude this writing with an original ci poem:
Butterfly Love Flowers · Ode to Taohua Pond
Qingyi River winds, Jade Screen Mountain stands;
Misty drizzle, thick fog, crimson railings in grace.
White egrets glide, cobblestones line the land;
Jade hairpins and spiral hills adorn Taohua Pond.
Clouds drift toward the horizon with lingering will;
Leading me to this peaceful dwelling hill.
I read elegant verses, scrolls unconfined,
Roam a thousand miles of rivers and hills,
Caring not for imperial power or grand thrills.
Leaning on a small boat, I wander free;
Sitting with wine, I toast in glee.
Through miles of wind and moon I stride,
All landscapes dwell within my garden’s view, purified.