Chinese Garden: An Islet Of China In Singapore

Singapore is known for its gardens. Lively or tranquil, full of history or with a modern touch, perfect for a romantic date or an exciting weekend with kids – The Little Red Dot has an option for every occasion, and each garden undoubtedly deserves particular attention. However, today, we would like to talk about a unique park where beautiful architecture, centuries-old culture, pristine nature, and a heart-warming atmosphere come together in one place to provide an exceptional experience for every visitor. It is a welcoming islet of China right in the heart of Singapore. Yes, as you might have guessed, it will all be about the Chinese Garden in Singapore, and we invite you to explore it together with BusyKidd.

Related Reading: Check out our guides to Best Free Outdoor Playgrounds, Free Indoor Playgrounds in Singapore.

Of course, the first question that comes to mind is: ‘Is the Chinese Garden open today?’ Since this place is beloved by many Singaporeans and visitors to the city, most of you probably know that the Chinese Garden closed for renovation in May 2019. So, when will the Chinese Garden in Singapore reopen? Well, we have great news for you! The Chinese Garden in Singapore has already opened its doors (or rather gates) after a grand refurbishment. We will discuss this in today’s article, as well as many other questions. If you are wondering, ‘Is the Chinese Garden free?’, ‘What is special about the Chinese Garden?’, or even ‘Who owns the Chinese Garden?’ – get comfortable, and we will begin our story.

The Story of the Chinese Garden in Singapore

Chinese Garden is a park in Jurong East, in the West Region of Singapore. The garden was planned as part of a comprehensive development plan for the Jurong Industrial Estate. It was built in 1975 by the Jurong Town Corporation (JTC), which continues to operate the park to this day.

The original Chinese Garden was designed by Prof. Yuen-Chen Yu, an architect from Taiwan who drew on the concept of Chinese gardening art. Construction works began in 1971. In April 1975, the Chinese Garden in Singapore was completed at the cost of S$5 million.

You can cross the bridge from the Chinese Garden to get to the adjacent Japanese Garden in Singapore. The Chinese and Japanese Gardens are known in Singapore as the Jurong Gardens.

The main distinctive feature of the Chinese Garden in Singapore is its incredible combination of traditional architecture and nature. Add the spirit of culture and a cozy atmosphere – and you get a one-of-a-kind place great for leisurely strolls, historic tours, family picnics, and even more. Besides, it is a perfect location to admire breathtaking sunsets.

The 13.5-hectare Chinese Garden in Singapore is a cradle of the northern Chinese imperial style, both in architecture and landscaping. The marble stone lions, the 13-arch White Rainbow Bridge, the Arch and Main Gate complex, and the Stone Boat and Tea House are all architectural marvels that cannot but impress. The highlight of this architectural complex is undoubtedly a magnificent 7-storey pagoda.

Over the years, the Chinese Garden underwent several renovations, and several new exciting features were added. This made the Chinese Garden even more atmospheric and increased its popularity among Singapore citizens and guests looking for a unique place to explore. That only is the Bonsai Garden, which opened on June 22, 1992!

Due to its special charm, the Chinese Garden has always been among the most popular places to celebrate the Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival. It attracts visitors with its incredible installations, exciting family-friendly activities, mind-blowing Chinese Garden lantern displays, and more.

Chinese Garden’s Renovation

As we have already mentioned, the Chinese Garden (as well as the Japanese Garden) closed for renovation in May 2019 as part of the Jurong Lake District transformation. Is the Chinese Garden going to open in 2024? Yes, Singapore’s beloved Chinese Garden has already reopened. The much-anticipated momentous event took place on September 8, 2024, and has become a real present for the city.

After five years of massive rejuvenation, the park can’t wait to greet its friends again. It is ready to amaze you with new amenities, shades, and feelings. Of course, all of your favourite landmarks and features are still there for you, retained and enhanced. After all, they keep so many particular emotions and memories, don’t they?

Let’s check the list of Chinese Garden’s well-known and well-loved features and new additions.

Chinese Garden Features

Jurong East’s Chinese Garden is a lovely large public park inspired by Chinese heritage. This beautiful place attracts visitors with its serenity and relaxing environment. It is such a haven of tranquility right in the middle of hustling and bustling Singapore. Come here to refresh and recharge yourself with positive energy, take a deep breath of fresh air, enjoy beautiful views, and take many bright Chinese Garden Singapore photos. Besides, it is a place to learn more about the history and culture of China and spend interesting and meaningful time with your nearest and dearest.

In addition to incredible nature and scenery all around, the Chinese Garden has many features you should not miss during your visit.

Bamboo Grove and Waterfall

The charming Bamboo Grove is a perfect place to hide from the heat and merge with nature. It is a cozy tunnel leading to a beautiful waterfall. The waterfall generates wind that is channeled through a bamboo tunnel, turning it into a cool corridor. Combine this with sweet scents from fragrant blooms all around. That sounds so inviting!

We suppose Bamboo Grove and Waterfall will become one of your favourite places for pleasant walks.

Bridges

Chinese Garden is located on an island on Jurong Lake. The Bridge of Double Beauty connects it with the Japanese Garden, while the 13-arch White Rainbow Bridge connects the main entrance with the rest of the garden. The bridges are true works of art in their own right – and great spots for beautiful shots!

Bonsai Garden

Image Credit: Holidify.com

This 5,800-square-metre Bonsai Garden houses more than 2,000 bonsais from Singapore, China, Taiwan, Japan, and Southeast Asia. It is designed as the most extensive Suzhou-style Bonsai garden of its kind outside of China. It greeted its first visitors on June 22, 1992, and has become one of the most popular places in the city to admire incredible nature and architecture since that time. You will also find some interesting information about the history of bonsai cultivation in this park, so your visit will be both relaxing and educational.

There is a new addition, the Bonsai Garden Gallery, where you can find interesting information about the art form of bonsai.

• Bonsai Gallery Operating Hours:
  • Tuesday to Saturday: 9 AM to 7 PM
  • Monday: Closed (except for Public Holidays)
  • Tuesday: Closed (If the preceding Monday is a Public Holiday)

Cascading Creek

Grab your family and take an exciting adventure through Cascading Creek. Explore a riverine habitat, stroll along the boardwalk, discover our beautiful nature, and get acquainted with biodiversity. Kids will love watching cute native fish in their natural habitat. A perfect option for meaningful family walks.

• Operating Hours: 7 AM to 7 PM

Cloud Pagoda

Image Credit: Nparks via Facebook

The Cloud Pagoda greets everyone entering the Chinese Garden from the Chinese Garden MRT station. The Ru Yun T’a (or a 7-storey pagoda) is a magnificent Cloud-Piercing Pagoda in Singapore. It is situated on a small hill overlooking the Chinese Garden. The view of the surroundings is mind-blowing.

Please note that Cloud Pagoda is closed for public access. However, the building is amazing and harmonizes with the environment perfectly.

Edible Garden

It is a lovely garden where everything is, yes, edible! Explore an incredible variety of herbs, micro greens, flowers, and vegetables. There’s even a miniature fruit forest! Learn more about sustainable farming and have a great time with your family.

Ficus Lawn

The garden’s new Ficus Lawn is definitely one of the community’s favourite places for gatherings, bright celebrations, colourful festivals, and other exciting events. Just imagine watching the best movies under the stars or dancing while the sun sets on the horizon with such beauty all around! Be sure to take your picnic gear!

Ficus Lawn occupies an area of over 8,000 m2. It can accommodate over 3,000 people.

Grand Arch

As soon as you cross the White Rainbow Bridge, the magnificent Grand Arch, the Chinese Garden’s iconic landmark, greets you. It is a typical Chinese arch building built in imperial style. The arch is adorned with beautiful carvings and ornaments and is an impressive combination of mythology and architecture.

A new building has been added to the Grand Arch during the garden’s renovation. It houses a new Jurong Lake Gardens Gallery and a restaurant.

Harvest Moon Terrace

The Harvest Moon Terrace is undoubtedly the most romantic spot at night, not only in the Chinese Garden but throughout Singapore. After sunset, the terrace is lit with lantern lights that reflect the different phases of the moon. The lights, the moon reflecting on the water, a warm atmosphere – that sounds ideal, doesn’t it?

Pagoda Plaza

Pagoda Plaza is a new community space. It greets all visitors entering the Chinese Garden from the Chinese Garden MRT station. The place is great for family picnics, gatherings with friends, watching people, admiring beautiful nature, and just enjoying the moment.

Stone Boat

The Stone Boat (or Yao-Yueh Fang) style is based on the Beijing style of garden landscaping. It is a scenic rest spot where you can sit and relax under the shade during your tour of the Chinese Park. Leave all your cares and worries on the shore – and enjoy the serenity and beautiful view of the Lotus Lake. The most patient ones can even see lizards and turtles in the water.

Tea Pavilion

Tea Pavilion (or Ming Hsiang Hsieh) is an authentic miniature structure that resembles the more elaborate, winding gallery of the Beijing Summer Palace. Enjoy the scenery and take cool photos.

Twin Pagodas

Image Credit: Nparks via Facebook

When strolling through the Chinese Garden, you just can’t miss a pair of beautiful pagodas overlooking Jurong Lake. These are three-story twin pagodas, replicas of China’s Spring-Autumn Towers, with spiral stairs inside. Be sure to climb them – and you’ll get a fantastic view of the surroundings.

• Operating Hours: 7 AM to 10 PM

Water Wall Court

A Water Wall Court is another place in the Chinese Garden to escape from the heat. As the name implies, it is a tranquil courtyard with three-meter-high waterfalls on three sides. That sounds great, and we are excited to watch this miracle. Water Wall Court will definitely become one of the gardens’ favourite spots for visitors of all ages.

By the way, why don’t you make a tiny replica of the Chinese Garden together with the kids? How do you make a small Chinese garden? Well, you need three main elements: water, stones, and plants. Add some inspiration, creativity, and love – and voila! We bet you will enjoy this time spent with your family to the fullest!

Chinese Garden Dining Venues

While exploring the lovely Chinese Garden, take some time to relax and refresh yourself. Here, you’ll find charming dining venues where you can treat yourself to a delicious brunch in a cozy atmosphere.

Canopy

Canopy is an inviting place where history, beautiful architecture, incredible surroundings, and delicious cuisine come together to make your dining experience exceptional. Perfect for mouthwatering brunch with your family and just for enjoying some ‘me time’ in a cozy atmosphere. Fish and chips, prawn mentaiko pasta, roasted chicken thigh with grapes, oven-baked barbecue ribs, burgers, and more – the choice is wide and meets the expectations of visitors of all ages.

By the way, Canopy is pet-friendly, so you are welcome to enjoy this lovely time with your furry best friend.

• Location: 70 Yuan Ching Rd, #01-02 Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore 619675
• Operating Hours:
  • Weekdays: 11 AM to 10 PM
  • Weekends & Public Holidays: 9 AM to 10 PM
• More Details

Eden

A true haven of serenity amidst the lush Chinese Garden, Eden is situated in the very heart of Pagoda Plaza. It is a place to unwind and taste delectable local favourites prepared with some modern touch. Grandma’s Signature Nyonya Curry Chicken With Mantou, Truffle-Infused Fries, Peranakan Laksa Value Meal, and more – it’s going to be an incredible journey through tastes and flavours. Eden also has a kids’ menu for little gourmets, with kid granola, mini fish and chips, chicken tomato pasta with chicken popcorn, and other treats.

Vibrant indoor atmosphere or charming outdoor views – what would you choose for today?

• Location: Jurong Lake Gardens, 70B Yuan Ching Road 01-04, Singapore 619629
• Operating Hours:
  • Sunday to Thursday & Public Holidays: 8 AM to 8 PM
  • Friday to Saturday, Eve of P.H.: 8 AM to 9 PM
• More Details

There is also Fusion Spoon, Ice Cream Man And Friends – The Garden Café, and Starbucks in the nearby parks close to the Chinese Garden.

Rejuvenated Japanese Garden

Near the Chinese Garden, literally on the nearby island, there is another lovely park not to miss. Just like its neighbor, the Japanese Garden has also undergone significant renovation and was reopened on September 8, 2024 – and it will also impress everyone with its new features. Let’s check out some of them:

• Water Lily Garden with the most extensive collection of water lilies in Singapore. The collection features more than 150 day- and night-blooming water lilies from various parts of our planet. There’s also a cozy Water Lily Pavilion that can serve as a viewing platform and event venue.
• Breathing Gallery, an indoor vivarium with terrariums, paludariums, and aquariums. It is a nice, quiet place to admire beautiful aquatic plants and air plants, watch cute fish, and more.
• Floral Garden with amazing displays of colourful tropical plants. The area consists of four thematic gardens – Tranquility, Abundance, Wabi-sabi, and Invigoration.
• Sunken Garden with a gorge-like landscape with green walls all around. There’s even a cenote-inspired water feature perfect for escaping the heat while admiring the mind-blowing view.

This is just a tiny part of all the surprises the revamped Japanese Garden has prepared for its friends.

We believe you will again fall in love with the rejuvenated Chinese Garden. Its unique charm, amazing blend of architecture and nature, and exciting family-friendly things to do make the Chinese Garden an excellent place for enjoyable family time in Singapore. Be sure to share your Chinese Garden reviews and photos with us!

Chinese Garden: FAQ

Where is the Chinese Garden located?

• Chinese Garden Location: Yuan Ching Road, Jurong East, Singapore

What are the Chinese Garden Singapore opening hours?

Chinese Garden Opening Hours:

• Daily: 6 AM to 11 PM

Please note that opening hours for some Chinese Garden attractions may differ.

How can I get to the Chinese Garden in Singapore?

The park is located next to the Chinese Garden MRT Station. It will take you approximately 5 minutes to reach the garden on foot.

Is the entrance to the Chinese Garden in Singapore free?

• Chinese Garden Singapore Tickets Price: Free

Chinese Garden entry fee is free of cost. However, some of the park’s attractions may have paid admission.

• Official Website: Chinese Garden Singapore

Images Credit: NPARKS