Final answer:
The design of Chinese scholar's gardens was particularly influenced by Taoism, which emphasized the importance of harmony with nature, nonaction, and mysticism reflected in the naturalistic designs of these gardens.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tradition that particularly influenced the design of Chinese scholar's gardens was Taoism, also known as Daoism. This Chinese tradition emphasized the principle of 'nonaction' or naturalism and fostered a deep veneration for nature and mysticism. Daoism originated during the Zhou era and became more prevalent in the later Han dynasty, advocating for harmony with the Dao ("the way"), which is an underlying natural order connecting humans, nature, and the cosmos. The scholar's gardens were a physical manifestation of these principles, as they were designed to reflect natural landscapes, enabling contemplation and spiritual connection with nature, often featuring rockeries, water features, and various plantings to symbolize different aspects of nature and the cosmos. Thus, the gardens were a blend of natural beauty and philosophical ideals, making them a serene environment for scholarly thought and poetic inspiration.