Empress Garden - Jiuzhou Pond

Jiuzhou Pond was a royal garden within Luoyang City during the Sui and Tang dynasties. It was first built in 605 AD, the first year of the Daye era under Emperor Yang of Sui. Developed throughout the Sui and Tang dynasties, it became a pinnacle of ancient Chinese garden art. Its ruins are located in the present-day Laocheng District of Luoyang City, Henan Province. It is an important part of the core area of the palace city of Luoyang during the Sui and Tang dynasties and bears witness to the political, cultural, and artistic splendor of the prosperous Sui and Tang eras. History Jiuzhou Pond was originally an artificial lake planned by Emperor Yang of the Sui Dynasty when he built Luoyang, the eastern capital. It was based on the traditional garden layout of "one pond, three mountains" and blended the characteristics of northern and southern gardens. During the Tang Dynasty, in the era of Wu Zetian (late 7th to early 8th century), it underwent large-scale expansion. Nine islands were built in the pond, symbolizing the "nine provinces under heaven," hence the name "Jiuzhou Pond." Pavilions, terraces, and towers were built around the pond, connected by covered bridges, creating an artistic conception of "stars in the sky, nine provinces on earth," reflecting the philosophical idea of "harmony between heaven and humanity." Function and Symbolism As an imperial forbidden garden, Jiuzhou Pond was not only a place for emperors to feast and enjoy the scenery, but also a stage for political activities. Historical records show that Wu Zetian often hosted banquets for officials, held poetry gatherings, and even received foreign envoys here. Yaoguang Hall, built on the largest island in the pond, "Yaoguang Island," was the venue for major ceremonies. The garden's design contained hidden political metaphors: the nine islands symbolized central control over the nine regions (Jiuzhou) of the realm, and the pond water, drawn from the Luo River, signified "benefiting all under heaven." Architectural Art The Jiuzhou Pond garden complex centers around its water system. The pond surface covers approx. 40,000 sq m, and more than ten groups of palace buildings are constructed around it, using the "borrowed scenery" technique to incorporate the views of Longmen Mountain. The scene described by Tang Dynasty poets as "vast green waves reflecting jade pavilions" attests to its magnificent atmosphere. Archaeological findings reveal that the pond banks were constructed with high-grade, lotus-patterned bricks. Unearthed artifacts, including Tang Sancai fragments and gilt bronze ornaments, highlight the imperial grandeur. Annihilation and Rebirth After the An Lushan Rebellion, Jiuzhou Pond gradually fell into disrepair and was completely destroyed during the Northern Song Dynasty. Starting in the 1950s, archaeologists conducted site surveys and largely restored its original layout. In 2019, the Jiuzhou Pond Ruins Park officially opened. Combining heritage site protection and display with replica Tang Dynasty-style architecture, it recreates the splendor of the High Tang Dynasty, becoming an important cultural landmark in Luoyang, the "City of Oriental Museums." Today, Jiuzhou Pond not only embodies the essence of Sui and Tang dynasty garden art, but also, as a component of the Silk Road World Cultural Heritage site, tells the world about the openness and inclusiveness of Chinese civilization. Its historical evolution is precisely a microcosm of the rise and fall of ancient Chinese capital city civilization.