CONTEMPORARY TRANSFORMATION OF YANGZHOU GARDENS CULTURE FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF CULTURAL SYMBOLS

Abstract

Yangzhou gardens, as a vital component of classical Chinese gardens, embody profound historical and cultural significance alongside distinctive regional aesthetic characteristics. However, in contemporary cultural dissemination, their cultural value remains under-explored and under-utilized. This study aims to identify the core cultural symbols of Yangzhou gardens and explore pathways for their transformation into the contemporary cultural and creative industries. Employing a mixed-methods research approach, the study combines literature analysis, field research, focus groups, and questionnaire surveys. Findings reveal that Yangzhou gardens form a distinctive cultural identity distinct from other classical garden systems through their fusion of “southern delicacy and northern grandeur” and masterful spatial design. Systematically extracting and innovatively applying these cultural symbols not only enhances public recognition and cultural identification with Yangzhou gardens but also provides theoretical support and practical references for regional creative economic development.

Keywords: Yangzhou Gardens, Cultural Symbols, Classical Gardens, Cultural Heritage