Core Viewpoint - The new book "Shanghai Ancient Gardens" showcases six classical Jiangnan gardens in Shanghai, emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of these sites and their connection to the evolution of garden art in the region [1][4][9]. Group 1: Book Overview - "Shanghai Ancient Gardens" is the second volume in the "Cultural Relics Perspective of Jiangnan" series, published by the Shanghai Municipal Institute for Cultural Heritage Protection and Tongji University Press [2]. - The book features a bilingual format (Chinese and English) and includes 202 images, detailed descriptions of cultural relics, distribution maps, visiting guides, and tour routes [8][11]. Group 2: Historical Context - The development of ancient gardens in Shanghai began before the Tang Dynasty, flourished during the Song and Yuan Dynasties, and saw significant growth in the late Ming Dynasty, continuing into the Qing Dynasty before declining in the late Qing and Republican periods [4]. - The history of the Qiuxiapu garden, for example, reflects the socio-economic and cultural changes in Shanghai, with its origins linked to the Ming Dynasty scholar Gong Hong and subsequent transformations under different ownerships [4]. Group 3: Garden Experience and Design - The essence of experiencing gardens lies in extending the visit time and immersing oneself in the intricate details of each section, contrasting modern perspectives with those of ancient visitors [5][6]. - Understanding a garden's design requires a focus on its smaller elements, as they collectively contribute to the overall experience, with key components including stones, water features, architecture, and plants [7][8]. - The concept of "scene switching" is vital in appreciating the garden's spirit, as exemplified by the layout of Yuyuan Garden, where each segment offers a new visual experience [8].