Enchō-en
The gardens of Enchō-en (燕趙園) are located in Yurihama, Tottori Prefecture, Japan. They are one of the largest Chinese-style gardens in Japan and a symbol of friendship between Tottori Prefecture and Hebei Province.[1][2]
Background[edit]
Tottori and Hebei are each domestic leaders in the cultivation of pears.[2] From this shared bond a friendship agreement between the two was signed in 1986, leading to cooperation in the fields of agriculture and science.[2] To celebrate the tenth anniversary of the "sister-province" relationship, Enchō-en opened in 1996.[1][2]
Gardens[edit]
Enchō-en occupies an area of 10,000 m2 on the southern shore of Lake Tōgō, against the backdrop of the local mountains.[1][3] The gardens were designed by an architect from Hebei in imitation of an imperial Chinese garden, incorporating materials and trees sourced from China.[1][4] The gardens feature twenty-eight celebrated views, including a miniature mountain made of stone from Yanshan, a lotus pond, bridges, gates, and pavilions.[5] The roof tiles are yellow, a colour formerly reserved for the Chinese Emperor, and the walls painted with Chinese dragons and decorative motifs.[3] There is also a hall for performances of Peking Opera and exhibitions of Chinese Art.[5]
Environs[edit]
Adjoining Enchō-en is a miniature Chinatown, with a peony garden and Chinese restaurants.[4] Several times a year cosplay enthusiasts gather and dress competitively in Chinese style.[6]
See also[edit]
References[edit]
- ^ a b c d "Major Attractions - Enchoen Garden". Tottori Prefecture. Archived from the original on 18 February 2013. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ^ a b c d 鳥取県と河北省の交流 [Exchange between Tottori Prefecture and Hebei Province] (in Japanese). Tottori Prefecture. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ^ a b "What kind of place is a Chinese-style garden, Encho-en?". Enchō-en. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ^ a b "Chinese Garden Enchoen". Yurihama Town. Archived from the original on 9 June 2015. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ^ a b "Enchoen: 28 Views". Enchō-en. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
- ^ 中国庭園･燕趙園 [Chinese Gardens of Enchoen] (in Japanese). Tottori Prefecture. Archived from the original on 18 February 2013. Retrieved 18 May 2012.
35°27′57″N 133°53′35″E / 35.46583°N 133.89306°E