Rendez-vous aux Jardins 2024 at Jardin de Yili, the superb Chinese garden in Yvelines (78)

Le Jardin Yili, the only privately-owned traditional Chinese garden in France, was created in 2004, the Year of China in France, by Shi Kang and her husband Qunwei. This 10,000 m² site is a celebration of the richness of Chinese culture. A visit reveals a space imbued with spirituality and tranquility, conducive to meditation and calming the spirit.

This exceptional garden features cedar-wood gazebos imported directly from China, and granite statues and monuments evoking millennia of Chinese tradition. The aquatic element also features prominently, with a reconstructed waterfall and ponds that reflect the sky, adding to the garden's Zen atmosphere. Shi Kang was inspired by the Suzhou landscape to design this garden in three distinct spaces, each reflecting the principles of feng shui and the philosophy of yin and yang: the garden of letters, the bonsai garden and the peony garden.

Each component of the garden - whether pavilions, corridors, bridges or ponds - contributes to the whole of this living work of art. The materials used, such as stone and water, symbolize Yang and Yin respectively, creating a visual and spiritual harmony that captivates visitors.

Carefully selected vegetation also plays a crucial role in the garden's composition. Bamboo, remaining green all year round, symbolizes uprightness and honesty, while lotus represents purity and peony wealth, reflecting deep-rooted values of Chinese culture.

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As well as being a haven of peace, Yili Garden also serves as a center for education on the Chinese philosophy of the learned through the ages. The peony section, for example, uses the shapes of the eight trigrams to present a diverse and educational floral landscape.

For those seeking an enriching cultural and spiritual experience, the Yili Garden is a must-see destination for the next Rendez-Vous aux Jardins. It's a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the art of Chinese gardens and discover an important part of Asian culture, while enjoying the tranquility and natural beauty offered by this exceptional site.

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How about a trip to China during the Rendez-vous aux Jardins?