Research on the educational function of Jiangnan canal gardens from the perspective of field theory —Taking Suzhou as a case study

The Jiangnan Canal extends through a water town wetland where millions of lakes and mountains form a beautiful natural land base with abundant resources and easy travel access. Such an ecological foundation helps develop gardens throughout Jiangnan. This article classifies gardens with educational functions along the Jiangnan Canal from four aspects: A classification of gardens in Jiangnan divides them into temple gardens, ancestral temple gardens, academic gardens, and commemorative gardens. This work examines how temples utilized education during rituals and gatherings, environmental management activities, and religious worship ceremonies. The discussion explores the psychological effects of garden environments on visitors through Pierre Bourdieu's field theory, which studies how specific forms connect to educational functions. This analysis summarizes why Jiangnan Canal garden educational activities continue flourishing while presenting future directions for sustaining contemporary Jiangnan Canal landscape education.