This paper is a study of mid-Ming paintings of traveling, with a focus on an album related to Wang Shizhen (1526-1590) collected by the National Palace Museum, Taipei.

Since the late 16^th century, Chinese literati, particularly those of the Jiangnan area, had great interest in gardens and travels. This paper will investigate the social background of Wang Shizhen’s time, including its cultural, political, and economical aspects, so as to understand the social environment, philosophical thought, and ideological trend of his time.

By looking into the historical inheritance, garden layout and design elements, and by studying visitor’s paintings, articles and poems of the Yanshan Garden and Wang Shizhen’s traveling activities, it is hoped that Wang’s artistic and social world can be better revealed, and that our understanding of the relationship between gardens, traveling, and the art of painting of the 16^th century can be enriched.