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Architecture

Some Wonders of the Middle Kingdom

Architecture

The Statue of Han Wu Di

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Majestically dominating the horizon of Pairi Daiza’s Chinese garden stands the Statue of Han Wu Di, an imposing work dedicated to one of the most illustrious emperors of ancient China.

Erected in homage to Han Wu Di, the emperor of the Han dynasty who ruled with wisdom and vision, the statue captures all the grandeur and nobility of his reign. His impassive face, sculpted with remarkable precision, reflects the serene strength of a revered sovereign.

Surrounded by a lush garden where cherry blossoms dance and bamboo whispers, the Statue of Han Wu Di embodies the timeless spirit of ancient China. It invites visitors to contemplate the millennia-old history and culture of this great civilization, while celebrating the beauty and grandeur of the emperor who left an indelible mark on his era.

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Architecture

The Buddhist temple

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The general layout is classical:
The central building, the largest one, houses the statue of the Buddha, those of the Bodhisattvas, and all worship objects, including annex altars, etc.

On either side of the Temple, there are two annexes serving as warehouses. In the front, there is a courtyard flanked on the left by a pavilion housing a gong, on the right by the large ceremonial bell, and in the center, a large bronze censer.

All these essential elements are authentic, manufactured in China by renowned artisans: thus, the large statue of the Buddha is made of camphor wood, consisting of solid blocks adjusted by dowels, then coated and painted with a certain patina to soften overly bright colors.

To ensure that the place is lively and not just made of stone, wood, and tiles, nest boxes pierce the retaining wall separating the two courtyards. It is hoped that they will shelter numerous bird couples and their nests, paying homage to nature: a kind of nod to Pairi Daiza’s original purpose as a bird park.

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Architecture

The Courtyard at the tea merchant

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Remarkable round steps

The round stepping stones that let you walk across the water are actually old rice milling stones. You will encounter them at various points throughout our Chinese garden.

Close to the water curtain that flows down in front of the cave grows an extremely rare bamboo: Qiongzhuea tumidissinoda. This species was originally prohibited from being exported from China, as the country sought to maintain its exclusivity. The straight stems of this bamboo were used to make the famous walking sticks, like the ones Charlie Chaplin famously carried. It was not until 1984 that the Irishman Peter Eddington managed to bring a shoot with him, from which our current bamboo originates.

Remarkable standing stone

From the waterfall, you can see a special upright stone covered with inscriptions. In its upper part, a four-armed goddess is depicted, flanked by two phoenixes.

Throughout The Middle Kingdom, several similar carved stones can be found, placed along paths or avenues. They originate from Yunnan and bear inscriptions in a variant of the Indian script called siddham, which records a Sanskrit prayer (dhāraṇī) to Buddha. Often, these inscriptions are accompanied by magical syllables (bīja), Chinese characters, or images of humans and animals.

These stones were discovered by a farmer from Yunnan, who had the practical idea of reusing them as cladding for the drainage channel of his stable. Later, an antique dealer from Hong Kong found them and rescued them from being forgotten.”

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Architecture

Authentic Tea House

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In the vast gardens of Pairi Daiza, where the whispers of bamboo meet the dances of flowers, stands an oasis of serenity: the Tea House. Nestled in the heart of this botanical paradise, it offers visitors a refuge where time suspends and senses awaken.

In the shade of lush foliage, visitors enter a sanctuary of calm and contemplation. The enchanting fragrances of tea blend with the gentle scents of the surrounding flowers.

Inside the Tea House, the atmosphere is imbued with elegance and tradition. Refined infusions, revealing the subtle nuances of each leaf, are prepared with care. Visitors are invited to savor this precious brew in delicate bowls, while time seems to stand still.

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Architecture

The path of healing

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A much-vaunted path!

After the begonia flower gate, framed by two decorated windows on the right with a Pen Jing stone and on the left with a Pen Jing tree, you enter a corridor five hundred meters long bordered by a low wall adorned with various window motifs, mosaics, paintings, and calligraphic poems.

The first terracotta window spreads its “wings”: leaning on this butterfly that pays homage to the dream of the sage Chuang Tzu, let your imagination wander from window to window. There are twenty-two of them, all handmade.

So that the place is alive and not just made of stone, wood, and tiles, nesting boxes pierce the retaining wall separating the two courtyards: it is hoped that they will shelter many bird couples and their broods, paying tribute to nature: a kind of nod to Pairi Daiza’s original vocation as a bird park.

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