Water plays a fundamental role in human survival and well-being. Despite extensive research highlighting the importance of water-human relationships, how to cultivate intimacy between them at the architectural scale remains largely underexplored. This article explores this dynamic through a case study of the Master of the Nets Garden in China. Using spatial, empirical and experiential analyses, it introduces a three-stage framework that integrates both quantitative and qualitative methods and examines various conditions within the garden that foster intimacy between visitors and water. It concludes that spatial conditions within the perceptual sphere of water, enabling diverse experiential modes, are crucial for fostering a sense of intimacy between visitors and water at the architectural level. The article highlights water-human intimacy as a core value of water-centric built heritage. This value remains significant for researchers, spatial practitioners and policymakers, offering important insights for heritage preservation and sustainable development.