Searching for the Lost Heritage: A Research Approach for Restoration of Perished Gardens Based on Multiple Evidence

A novel, multi-evidence framework for restoring perished Chinese gardens—those lost entirely or altered beyond recognition—has been developed. This approach integrates seven categories of evidence: on-site physical remains, archaeological data, poetic descriptions, pictorial records, oral histories, related artifacts, and gardening theories. By evaluating the probative strength, interrelationships, and dynamic nature of these sources, researchers can reconstruct historical garden landscapes with greater accuracy. The method addresses challenges posed by contradictory or incomplete evidence, transitioning from reliance on single sources to a robust, multifaceted evidentiary base. This work serves as a reference for historical garden research, offering deeper insights into the evolution of classical Chinese gardens.

LIU, S., & HUANG, X. (2024). Searching for the Lost Heritage: A Research Approach for Restoration of Perished Gardens Based on Multiple Evidence. Landscape Architecture, 31(3), 74–80. https://doi.org/10.3724/j.fjyl.202307290342