They were enlivened with colored tilework, fountains and pools, and the interplay of light and shade. Before the 15th century, the Moors in Spain built such gardens at C rdoba, Toledo, and especially at the Alhambra in Granada. The most notable examples are the Taj Mahal gardens in Agra and the Shalimar Gardens in Lahore. In China, palaces, temples, and houses were built around a series of courtyards, which might include trees and plants often in pots that could be changed with the seasons, and pools. The Imperial City in Beijing contained elaborate pleasure gardens with trees, artificial lakes and hillocks, bridges, and pavilions.
Japan has a long tradition of gardens inspired by Chinese and Korean models.
In former times, palaces, temples, teahouses, and private houses all had garden settings that were closely integrated with the buildings. Kyoto was especially famous for its gardens. They might also contain stone lanterns and sculptures and wooden bridges, gates, and pavilions. Every element of a garden was carefully planned, sometimes by Zen monks and painters, to create an effect of restraint, harmony, and peace, which is exemplified by the extant Katsura Detached Palace gardens in Kyoto. Such traditions continue to some extent in modern Japan and have influenced Western landscape architects.