Abstract: As one of the most important parts of Chinese traditional culture, Taoism has much influence on traditional arts, so does the Scholar Garden. The thoughts of imitation from nature, seclusion and contradiction have been showed quietly in the Scholar Garden. “Imitation from nature” means selecting and assigning material are consistent to the true nature, and garden is a mininature. Seclusion makes the winding path lead to a secluded quiet place, which looks like a flower in the mirror, moon in the water. Contradiction enriches poetic imagery of garden. From the centre of Taoism thought, the Scholar Garden was studied based on the culture and the influence of Taoism on garden construction was investigated. At last, the references to the construction of modern city garden were proposed and the relationship of culture and construction was explored．

Key words: Taoism, the Scholar Garden of China, imitation from nature, seclusion, contradiction