Built in 1975 and designed by Prof. Yuen-chen
Yu, a well-known architect from Taiwan, the Chinese Garden's
concept is based on Chinese gardening art. The main characteristic
is the integration of splendid architectural features with
the natural environment. The Chinese Garden is modelled along
the northern Chinese imperial style of architecture and landscaping.
The Garden's main features include the following:
Bridge - In the art of Chinese gardens,
bridges play an important role; they are one of the most
important structures and may denote the characteristics
of various periods of civilizations. The 'Pai Hung Ch'iao'
Bridge (the white rainbow, 13-Arch Bridge) at the Garden
follows the style of the 17-Arch Bridge at the Summer Palace
in Peking.
Main Arch Building - As you cross the
bridge, upon entering the garden, you are welcomed by this
renowned and typical Chinese arch building. Its magnificent
and grandiose form has made it very popular for picture-taking.
Inside the main arch building, expect to find two courtyards,
namely the "Early Spring Courtyard" and "Garden
Courtyard". Also, there is a fishpond in the centre
which is named the "Fishes Paradise".
Stone Boat and Tea House - A famous traditional
feature of Chinese architecture is the Stone Boat structure.
Its unique design and splendid architectural beauty is a
fine art which has long been praised by people throughout
the world. The style of 'Yao-Yueh Fang' (the Stone Boat)
in the Chinese Garden is based on an adaptation of the Peking
style design. The 'Ming Hsiang Hsieh' (Tea House) is a miniature
structure following the style of the elaborate, winding
gallery at the Summer Palace. This meandering design is
a characteristic and graceful Chinese architectural feature.
Pagoda - In ancient times, the pagoda,
originally a simple tower located beside a temple, was used
for the keeping of human bones by Buddhists. Later, with
improvements in architectural skills, incorporated with
the traditional art of building, the pagoda was developed
into a structure of striking architectural beauty. The 'Ru
Yun Ta' (7-storey pagoda) is situated on a small hill in
the Chinese Garden. Its typical pagoda design follows the
style of Ling Ku Temple Pagoda at Nanking.
Pavilion Plateau, Tower - The Chinese
Pavilion, Plateau and Tower represent the soul of the Chinese
gardening art. The artistic features, typical of Chinese
architecture have long been appreciated by man. The arrangement
of these structures is very important and one of the essential
rules of the structural arrangement is that the position
of each structure must be balanced by its height and size.
Further, the building must be linked with plants, rocks,
a winding stream and footpaths so as to create a poetical
scene. The design of the four (4) pavilions at the Chinese
Garden is based on the style of Northern Chinese Pavilions,
and decorated to blend harmoniously with the Garden.
Bonsai Garden - Opened in June 1992, the
Suzhou-style Bonsai Garden cost an estimated SGD 3.8 million
to build. This 5,800 sq metres garden with Suzhou-style
buildings (incorporating a main hall of 50 sq metres) and
landscape houses a collection of some 1,000 bonsais imported
mostly from China. This world-class Bonsai Garden has since
taken on a new look. Newly revitalised, after spending an
estimate of another SGD 500,000 - the Bonsai Garden is a
wonder that must be seen to be believed. A Bonsai Training
Centre will also be launched where resident Bonsai experts
from Shanghai and Suzhou (China)will teach on how to prune
and care for Bonsais and how to appreciate the beauty of
this unique artistry.
Garden of Abundance - You will find 100-year-old
pomegranate trees from Shantung, China, planted alongside
sculptures of the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals. This creative
concept of planting materials, with meanings of longevity,
abundance and fulfilment, is designed according to Chinese
tradition and folk culture.
Open: Main Garden 6am - 7pm (daily)
Bonsai Garden & Garden of Abundance: 9am - 7pm (daily)
Admission: Free. Admission charges to Bonsai Garden SGD
5 adults, SGD 3 children (3 - 12 years), SGD 3 senior citizens
(55 years and above)
Approximate Touring Time: 1 hour
Location: 1 Chinese Garden Singapore 619795
Getting There: The gardens are a 5-minute walk from the
Chinese Garden MRT Station (EW25).
