This study focus on the spatial feature in the Old Summer Palace in China from the view of architectural disposition. The architectural dispositions of 40 gardens in the Old Summer Palace were divided into 4 types with the cluster analysis method. In addition, the spatial feature of different kinds of garden were examined according to architectural disposition. As a result, a most important courtyard space was structured in order to emphasize the emperorship in the politics and ritual spaces. The central activity space was highlighted in most of religion spaces, and some of them were also shaped to blend in with the surrounding scenery. Most of living spaces adopt the closed quadrangle dwellings layout was adopted to create sense of privacy and safety, besides, some novel open spaces were created in order to integrate with natural scenery. Most of touring spaces strengthen the connection with surroundings, and some of them also highlight the royal noble status through the regular configuration. In conclusion, the garden spaces in the Old Summer Palace not only have conventional features for complying with traditional ethical codes, but also have some innovative features created by some distinctive architectural dispositions.
