Abstract:Jichang Garden in Wuxi emerges as a pivotal subject of inquiry within the annals of landscape architecture, distinguished by its well-defined historical evolution and impeccable preservation. Rich visual documentation and materials chronicling Jichang Garden, especially for those during the Qin Yao and Qianlong’s southern tour eras, furnish ample prerequisites for comprehensive restoration research. Initiating the restoration inquiry from the 1930s plan of Jichang Garden meticulously crafted by Tong Jun, this paper systematically examines extant information and employs image comparison techniques to undertake a restoration design of Jichang Garden during Qianlong’s southern inspection. Furthermore, it endeavors to digitally reconstruct Jichang Garden during the Qin Yao period while delving into the transformations wrought by Zhang Shi’s garden reform. Beyond restoration efforts, this paper conducts a comparative analysis of Jichang Garden before and after Zhang Shi’s alterations, unraveling the nuanced intricacies of the “landscape picture” interpretation. It explores the portrayal of Jiangnan’s landscape morphology through earth mounds and stone rockeries, thereby encapsulating the natural artistic essence of “picturesque”. Additionally, this research scrutinizes garden structural adjustments, momentum rhythm control, and the resultant picturesque style. By juxtaposing these two distinct periods, the investigation paves a robust foundation for various research trajectories concerning Jichang Garden.