MAIN FEATURES:
1. Stone Lion
It is a Chinese belief that the lion is the animal representing authority and felicity. Thus, the cloudy-grained marble stone lions at the gates of the Chinese Garden – typically Chinese in style – guarding the main gates of the Garden. They are skilfully sculptured from Taiwan-imported marble stone.
2. 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. Although the bridge at the Chinese Garden is shorter than
the famous 17-Arch Bridge, it still maintains the magnificence and brilliance
in architectural design, thus representing a beautiful & typical Chinese
bridge.
3. Main Arch Building
As you cross the bridge upon entering the garden, you are welcomed by the Main Arch Building. It is a renowned and typical Chinese arch building. The 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”.
4. 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 the Peking style, but there are some adaptations in the design and the materials used here – as a result of which – a more beautiful and grandiose form is obtained.
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.
5. 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 T’a) (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.
6. 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.
7. Bonsai Garden
Opened in June 1992, the Suzhou-style Bonsai Garden cost an estimate $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 over 2,,000 bonsais imported from China and other parts of the world.
The Bonsai Garden has since taken on a new look. Newly revitalised, after spending an estimate of another $500,000 - the Bonsai Garden is a beauty that must be seen to be believed. It is designed as a largest Suzhou-style Bonsai garden of its kind outside of China.
A Bonsai Training Centre will also be launched. The public are encouraged to sign up for the course, which will be taught by our resident Bonsai experts from Shanghai and Suzhou (China). They will teach on how to prune and care for Bonsais and how to appreciate the beauty of this unique artistry.
Opening Hours from 0900hrs - 1800hrs daily
Admission Charge to Bonsai Garden: Adult - $2.00Child - $1.00
Snr Citizen - $1.00
8. Garden of Abundance
The newest addition to the Chinese Garden family is the Garden of Abundance. The original name of this garden is the Zodiac & Pomegranate Garden, derived from the elements used for the construction of the garden.
In it consists of pomegranate trees, the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals sculpture, a sundial, stone bridges and planting of materials, which have meanings of longevity, abundance and fulfilment. Hence the name Garden of Abundance was selected.
Fact Sheet - Chinese Garden - page 4
100-year-old Pomegranate trees from Shantung, China have been carefully planted into this new garden. It sits among the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animal sculptures. This creative concept of Chinese Garden is a new scenic spot designed according to Chinese tradition and folk culture. And most importantly, the theme and design of this garden bestows sincere wishes dedicated to the visitor.
Opening Hours from 0900hrs - 1800hrs daily
Admission Charge to the Garden of Abundance is currently being packaged with the admission to the Bonsai Garden.
9. The Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum
Another new welcome to the family is this spectacular exhibit of different turtles & tortoises! You will be amazed at how many different species of turtles & tortoises that there are in the world...and you will personally witness the uniqueness of some! Come and see tortoises with 2 heads & 6 legs - only one in every few million of these rare species will survive.
Promising you an enticing and entertaining journey...the turtle and tortoise museum will give you an insight into the worlds of these shelled ones.
Opening Hours from 1000hrs - 1900hrs daily
Admission Charge to the museum: Adult - $5.00Child - $3.00
Snr Citizen - $3.00
10. You Yuan Buffet & Seafood Restaurant
11. The East Entrance
This entrance was specially constructed in conjunction
with the Chinese Garden MRT station, to ensure easy access for pedestrians
visiting the gardens. Upon approaching the garden, there is a Red Bridge
that will lead you in. This Red Bridge symbolises good luck and is an auspicious
colour for the Chinese. Two (2) stone lions, welcoming the visitors before
entering the garden, also guard the entrance.
ABOUT SINGAPORE JURONG GARDENS:
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
CONTACT
DETAILS:
Jurong Gardens Pte Ltd
No. 1 Chinese Garden Road, Singapore 619795
Ph: (65) 6261 3632; Fax: (65) 6261 1390
Enquiries email: explore@juronggardens.com.sg
