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Traditional Chinese style furnitures made from scented rosewood are seen at a room in the garden. GAO ERQIANG/CHINA DAILY |
"The Guyi Garden in Jiading was a haven for fun in my childhood, alluring visitors by its exquisite bridges, pavilions, lawn and rockery to run around and play soccer or hide and seek with family and friends," the 45-year-old said.
Yin's father used to plant flowers in the backyard of his home.
"This is the most impressive memory regarding my father who passed away in 1986 when I was 10, influenced by whom I hope to build my own garden," he added.
Backed up by his experience of improving the greening environment for some factories, Yin built his first garden covering around 200 square meters in 2008. Using the money he and his family saved for years, he renovated a house in Gelong village in the northwest corner of Jiading.
The place was also used for gatherings with friends as well as displaying and storing some antiques he had collected since 2005. However, the garden was torn down due to urban renovation in 2015. It was not until 2018 when Yin found an abandoned factory with footpaths and a river near the structure, an excellent place to build a garden in an urban area.
The name of the garden was "Ming Che", which means "bright and pure", representing the freedom and tranquillity he pursued as well as symbolizing the original intention of his dream.
"Although the garden was created following my mind and interests without any sketches, it was very carefully and thoughtfully designed to be built," he said.