By analyzing the descriptions of Chinese gardens by Macartney in 1793 and the Amherst Mission in 1816, this study reveals how Britain shaped its cultural identity by discussing Chinese gardens, as well as the changing attitudes of British society towards China. Macartney expressed skepticism towards missionaries praising Chinese gardens in his diary, while the Amherst Mission openly challenged Chinese gardens. This change reflects the overall societal imagination of the UK in the face of changes in the European and international situation, as well as the continuous rise of British identity consciousness.

1、 The 'meaningless argument' is not meaningless

Explored the views and changes of 18th century Britain on Chinese gardens. Chambers criticized British garden design for being simple and lacking in imagination, while Chinese gardens are full of freshness and diversity. He emphasized the artistry of Chinese garden designers and their clever use of natural decoration, as well as the richness of architecture and water management in gardens. Chambers' views were controversial at the time, with critics arguing that the luxury of Chinese gardens was not suitable for Britain, and that Chambers' claims may have been based on personal grievances with Brown. At the same time, this controversy also reflects the complex attitude of British society towards China, from initial admiration to later skepticism and increased self-identity. British literati such as Temple, Cambridge, and Gray began to emphasize the independence and natural beauty of British gardens, forming a sharp contrast with Chambers' views. The concept of British garden art during this period reflects the enhancement of British cultural confidence and the changes in the perception of Chinese image.

2、 Initial appearance: Only discussing differences, regardless of superiority or inferiority

Explored the description of Chinese gardens by the British Macartney delegation during their visit to China in 1793, particularly in comparison to the description by Chambers, the author of "Oriental Landscape Architecture". Although the members of the delegation, Macartney, Staunton, and Barrow, are familiar with "The Theory of Oriental Landscape Architecture," their descriptions differ from Chambers' positive attitude towards Chinese gardens, and even undermine their positive evaluation of Chinese gardens. They emphasize the artificial nature of Chinese gardens, implying a hint of tyranny behind them, while British gardens are more natural and symbolize freedom. For example, Wordsworth compared the natural beauty of the Lake District in England with artificially constructed Chinese gardens in his Overture, implying that the latter lacked natural beauty. However, the description of Chinese gardens in Macartney's diary is not entirely negative. He admires the beautiful scenery of the Yuanmingyuan and the Summer Palace, and compares them with British gardens, pointing out that although the two have similarities, their design concepts are different. Macartney believed that Chinese gardens aimed to conquer nature, while British gardens improved nature. He also mentioned that although Chinese gardens are beautiful, Britain also has equally beautiful scenery. In addition, Macartney questioned Chambers' description, pointing out that the Summer Resort is different from the Lingnan gardens described by Chambers, as it is not only a place of pleasure, but also has military and political functions. Barrow's "Annals of China" may have influenced the later views of Wordsworth and others on Chinese gardens due to its derogatory attitude towards the Qing Dynasty.

3、 Goodbye: Gardens and "Disenchantment"

In 1816, the Amherst delegation visited China, and the travelogues of its members challenged the previously positive image of China, depicting a withered and slowly developing China. When visiting the "Five Gardens" in Guazhou along the Yangtze River, members of the delegation noticed that the gardens were in disrepair and did not match their reputation. Although Ellis believed that Chinese gardens imitated nature, his evaluation of the humanities on both sides of the Yangtze River appeared vague, believing that although the scenery was beautiful, it lacked soul. Ellis and Abel both expressed disappointment with the natural scenery and artificial products of the Qing Dynasty, questioning the Jesuits' previous praise for the beauty of China. Abel specifically pointed out that the Chinese agriculture he saw was not as rich and efficient as previously described. These travelogues reflect the real situation in China at that time, and may also have been influenced by global climate anomalies at that time. The members of the mission challenged the missionaries' writing, believing that the treatment they received had affected their objectivity. These travelogues ultimately shaped a slowly declining image of the Qing Empire, reflecting the process of Britain's "demystification" of China's image, which had complex political and cultural backgrounds.

4、 Behind the Writing of Gardens: The Rise of British Identity Awareness

The portrayal of China in British travelogues to China is complex, with mixed attitudes towards China in early travelogues influenced by various factors such as language barriers, regional differences, and personal identities. The descriptions of Chinese gardens in the travel notes of the members of the British Mission are of special significance, because they are the first British people to enter the royal gardens. In previous travelogues, negative evaluations of China were mostly focused on government officials' corruption, the cunning of the people, and technological backwardness, while gardens, as artificial natural landscapes, are fortresses that have not been breached by negative depictions. The repeated writing and "demystification" of gardens reflect the ideological projection of British society in the face of complex international relations. The texts of British visiting members show ideological tendencies, which are closely related to the UK's understanding of the international political situation and the rise of British identity consciousness. The 18th century was a critical period for the formation of the British national concept and identity, as external factors stimulated internal anxiety, fueled patriotic enthusiasm, and propelled the forging of British identity. The two visits of British envoys to China over the past 20 years were a crucial period for Britain's rise in Europe and even the world, and the internal political atmosphere of Britain deeply influenced the texts of the two missions. The repeated writing of Chinese gardens, even the "demystification," is closer to the ideological description in iconography, which not only undermines the positive praise of Chinese gardens, but also demonstrates the consolidation and evolution of British identity consciousness.