Trees and shrubs may be plastic, foam, sponge, cloth, or silk. Lakes can be made out of glass mirrors on which rest a miniature boat floating in transparent glue. The use of clay figurines, mud huts, and wooden bridges is common. The imagination, attention to detail and optical illusion are essentially the same as required for saikei. The landscapes are constructed entirely out of stones, gravel, sand and soil.
Special attention is given to land contours to help achieve an effective statement.
It may contain living trees, or not. It may contain houses, mud figures, and bridges, or not. The important distinguishing characteristic that separates this art form from its Japanese counterparts is found in its spirit or intent. Jing exists in the minds of its creators. It is not a reproduction or photographic image.