Unlike landscapes of the Western tradition that often utilized a fixed viewpoint, Chinese paintings were composed as journeys. Pathways, bridges and waterways carry the viewer’s eye through the scene.

Bridges suggested “entry” into the symbolic or spiritual realm of the painting.

Pathways symbolize life’s journey as a process of discovery and ascension to higher realms of understanding.

Companions usually populate the scene, indicating that the traveler is never alone.

Pavilions represent rest and temples offer places for meditation.

Chinese artists also included sounds and smells in their landscape paintings to enhance the experience. Viewer’s used their imagination to hear rushing streams, waves upon a shore, or the fisherman’s flute. The imaginary audible world added a poetic layer to the painting.