Just how far away - one views the rocks & pavilion in the distance, from;

Will, determine, your conception of rocks, hills, mountains - that is the size & scale, reality of the conceptualised landscape.

In a similar manner - if the designer desires a " lofty," conception, to say;

a Taihu rock in the foreground of a pavilion - viewing it from much closer, will greatly assist the illusory perspective.

Another important aspect, is the reflective size of Chinese garden elements;

in relation to their proximity - transitional elements and pond width, also from viewing position.

Let's not get into the specifics of design formulae here;

rather, just concentrate our eyes on the resultant effect.......