A Visit To The Chinese Garden




Even this very day when I visited, I was all alone as everyone were busy with life.

OK, enough stories about me.

Let us visit the garden!

I came across the statues of these historical heroes/great men near the east entrance (which is where I came from the direction of Chinese Garden MRT Station).

History was one of my favorite subjects in school and I had a good time reading up on the stories behind them!

Lin Zexu 林则徐

Lin Zexu (1785 - 1850) was a Chinese Scholar and a Courts Official in the Qing Dynasty who was well known for his suppression against the opium trade which later led to the First Opium War between China and Britain.

Admiral Cheng Ho 郑和

A Muslim Chinese, Cheng Ho (1371 - 1433) was a Eunuch from the Ming Dynasty famed for his seven naval expeditions across the world. 

He set up diplomatic relations in all the countries he visited and received tribute from most of the rulers that he met. 

Cheng Ho's seven voyages dwarfed Columbus' four in distance and grandeur.

Wen Tianxiang 文天祥

Wen Tianxiang (1236 - 1283) was an outstanding national hero and patriot of the Southern Song Dynasty. 

In 1278, he was captured by the invading armies of Kublai Khan. 

He was offered a post, and ordered to convince the remaining Song forces to surrender. He refused both and suffered for 4 years in a military prison before his execution in 1283.

Yue Fei 岳飞

Probably one of the more famous historical figure, Yue Fei (1103 - 1142) is a famous Chinese patriot and military General from the Southern Song Dynasty. 

Yue Fei's mother, a patriotic woman, inscribed four Chinese characters  - 精忠报国 (serve the country with utmost loyalty) on his back when Yue Fei decided to join the army.

He was later framed and executed under false charges by Chancellor Qin Hui and his wife.

Hua Mulan 花木兰

A heroine of her time, Hua Mulan disguised herself as a man and joined the army to fight in place of her aged father.  

It is not known whether Mulan was a real or fictional character. Nonetheless, her story sets forth many honored aspects of Chinese culture such as filial piety, bravery and modesty.

Guan Yu 关羽

One of the best known Chinese historical figures throughout East Asia, Guan Yu (160 - 219) was a military General under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period in ancient China.

Guan Yu is respected as an epitome of loyalty and righteousness and is worshipped by the police in Hong Kong and ironically, the triads as well.

Confucius 孔子

Confucious, or better known as Kong Zi (551 BC – 479 BC), was a Chinese thinker and social philosopher of the Spring and Autumn Period who sought to educate his fellow citizens on the principles of right conduct and good government.

His philosophy played a huge role in influencing future Chinese society and Chinese philosophy.

Qu Yuan 屈原

Qu Yuan (340 BCE – 278 BCE) was a Chinese scholar and minister to the King from the southern Chu Kingdom during the Warring States Period.

He had a brilliant career in the Chu court but his success incurred the jealousy of his fellow ministers, who slandered and plotted against him.

Qu Yuan became a victim of court politics and was expelled to live in exile. When he heard about the fall of the Chu Capital, he was devastated and committed suicide by drowning himself in the Miluo River.

The people then made rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves and threw them into the river which, they believed, would stop the fish from eating Qu Yuan's body.

Some even row downstream in a boat, beating drums and shouting out loud in the hope to scare the fish away.

Bonsai Garden

What is a Chinese Garden without Bonsai plants?

The Bonsai is a long-term cultivation, often reflecting the passion and dedication of the grower behind it. 

They are like living works of art and such a pleasure to look at!

Unfortunately, the Bonsai Garden was closed for renovation works so I guess I have to return another day to admire their beauty and grace.

The 7 Storey Pagoda across the lake

Tortoises sunbathing

A stone tortoise with snake on it's back

Stone Boat Restaurant?

I did not walked nearer to find out if that was indeed the Stone Boat Restaurant but if it is, don't you think that is a splendid view for a restaurant?

There is a courtyard inside leading to the Koi pond

The Koi Pond


Koi Pond

Overlooking Jurong East

Twin Pagoda

The Twin Pagodas at only 3 storey high is a miniature compared to the 7 Storey Pagoda.

Twin Pagoda

The 7 Storey Pagoda

I thought it would be an easy feat to reach the top of the Pagoda but my feet turned jelly just halfway up there!

The birds' eye view atop the Seven Storey Pagoda

This is not the White Rainbow Bridge

I totally enjoyed my afternoon romping around the idyllic landscapes of Chinese Garden. I could not quite finish admiring everything due to the scorching sun but I will definitely return to finish off what I have missed out.

No. 1 Chinese Garden Road
Singapore 619795
Tel: 6261 3632

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