Pocket of Nature

In China, even while the government's stimulus package promotes heavy construction at every level of life and seemingly every town is growing at an unfathomable rate, even while towering cranes soar into the sky, threatening to be a fixed part of the landscape for the foreseeable future, and even as China joins the international race to construct the tallest and most architecturally unique mega-buildings in the world, the importance of nature has always been at the center of the way of life here.

Still a steadfast focus in the quickly evolving landscape, nature remains central to Chinese life. Its importance is illustrated by the ancient Chinese arts, which are dominated by every aspect of nature, and by looking at the settings of their most important historic temples, shrines and palaces. Throughout Chinese history, the natural setting and feng shui of a location have always been of paramount importance. Even today, while the large cities have encroached on China's natural environs, its most important monuments, as well as almost every one of its everyday structures, are still defined in some way by their proximity to nature and various aspects of feng shui.

During off time, Chinese citizens flock to local parks, national preserves and historic landmarks, climbing mountains, practicing tai chi at dawn, paddling across lakes, hiking around reservoirs, biking along wooded paths and dancing to tinny radios, always outdoors and surrounded by whatever nature they can find, every season and in all types of weather. Until recently, older natives of Hong Kong, looking to connect with nature, would even swim in Hong Kong harbor - until it simply became too dangerous to do so any longer!

This little "oasis" in our backyard in Zhongshan is a perfect example of how modern day architects are finding opportunities to incorporate nature and feng shui into the very heart of China's cities. Feng shui means literally "wind water," both of which are associated with good health and emotional balance. Here in our little garden all of the most important aspects of feng shui are present: cascading water signifying good health, lush healthy trees and plants bringing positive "yin-energy," stacked rocks adding the strength and balance of "yang-energy" and winding paths, considered "vital conduits of chi energy," lined with soft sweeping plants and leading to quiet shaded seating areas.

It's all here, right in our backyard, complete with golden carp swimming happily among the rocks, all providing the perfect balance of yin and yang energies to soothe and balance our souls in the midst of China's hectic everyday pace. My friend Say-Yen's little boy likes to feed the fish every morning after breakfast, and we like to think they count on him to arrive with his little crusts of bread!

After dinner, Chris and I listen to the happy sounds of very small children playing in the coolness of evening, perhaps still waiting for their parents to return from work. And I like to wander through the garden with my camera in the late afternoons, hunting down treasures among the lush greenery, enjoying the coolness of the sparkling waters and listening for birds in the swaying branches, all of it right here in our own backyard, an inviting port in the urban storm and, for us, a welcome pocket of nature.