Chen Congzhou (1918-2000), Professor of Architecture at Tongji University, Shanghai, was the leading Chinese garden historian of his generation, and also a practicing landscape architect involved in the restoration of historic gardens. He served as an advisor to I. M. Pei & Associates and was made an honorary member of the Japanese Garden Society. He is widely referenced and quoted by specialists on Chinese gardens, and is considered one of the most preeminent thinkers and scholars in this field.