Chinese Garden at Jurong Lake Gardens holds a special place in the hearts of many Singaporeans. On 8 September, it reopened with a revamped look that still retains maintains iconic features that has endeared it to many generations in Singapore.
Together with its sister park, Japanese Garden, Chinese Garden was one of the earliest themed nature parks in Singapore. After it opened in the 1975, it became a popular spot for outings. Now that it has reopened in 2024, it is sure to attract many more for years to come.
Chinese Garden: Take The White Rainbow Bridge
There are several ways to get to Chinese Garden at Jurong Lake Gardens. Situated on an island in the middle of Jurong Lake, it can be easily accessed from Chinese Garden MRT station by a footpath that connects to its northern shore. A Visitor Centre East serves as a welcome point for those arriving at Jurong Lake Gardens via this footbridge.
There are also two bridges – the Moonrise Bridge and the Double Beauty Briddge – along the southern edge of the park that connects it to Japanese Garden.
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However, the most iconic way to get to the park is by walking across the White Rainbow Bridge that spans across the waters of Jurong Lake from Lakeside Garden, close to the Passion WaVe Plaza.
Step through the green tiled roof Chinese Garden Gate with three arches at the Lakeside Garden end of the bridge. The arches provide a peek at what lies inside the Garden. Two traditional Chinese lions guard the entrance. Be sure to look out for details such as the brass knockers on the red wooden doors.
Past the entrance building is the 13-arch White Rainbow Bridge. The classical white bridge transports visitors across the waters of Jurong Lake to the island where Chinese Garden is situated.
The Chinese Garden’s iconic 13-arch bridge is built in the style of the 17-arch bridge of the Summer Palace in Beijing.
Grand Arch
On the other side of the White Rainbow Bridge is the Grand Arch. A broad sets of stairs lead upwards to the imposing building.
The building now houses the Jurong Lake Gardens Gallery, a small gallery that captures the six decades of history of the Gardens, tracing its development from the past to present.
It is also home to the pet-friendly restaurant Canopy Jurong Lake Gardens. The restaurant serves mains such as fish and chips and burgers, along with pastas. It has an exclusive brunch menu as well. Read more about our review of Canopy Jurong Lake Gardens.
Plant Factory and Edible Garden
Did you know Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum was once housed behind the Grand Arch building? Now, you will find the indoor Plant Factory which grows vegetables that grow in low light conditions using techniques such as hydroponics and substrate-based methods.
Behind the Main Arch building is the outdoor Edible Garden which features different plants that can be used for cooking.
Stone Boat and Tea Pavilion
Chinese Garden is built in the northern Chinese imperial architectural-style of the Song Dynasty (AD 960-1279). As a result, you will find unique landmarks such as the Stone Boat and Tea Pavilion within its grounds.
The two buildings are set on the edge of a pond, providing it with a unique view to view the lotus pond.
These are iconic spots where you can sit down and linger for a while.
Cloud Pagoda and the Twin Pagoda
The most noteworthy of landmarks in the Garden are its pagodas.
There are three pagodas in total – a pair of twin pagodas abutting the waters of Jurong Lake and a towering one atop a hillock.
The twin pagodas are each three-storeys tall and accessible for the public to make the climb to the top. They are modelled on the Spring and Autumn pagodas in Southern China. They overlook the waters of Jurong Lake towards PAssion WaVe Plaza at Lakeside Garden.
The Twin Pagoda is open from 7 am to 9 pm.
From the Twin Pagoda, you can take a short walk to the Water Wall Court.
The most impressive pagoda at Chinese Garden is the Cloud Pagoda. This is situated on a hillock and is easily visible from all across the Chinese Garden. Formerly, it used to be known as the Cloud Piercing Pagoda. However, with the revamp, it is simply known as the Cloud Pagoda.
The Cloud Pagoda at Chinese Garden is seven-storeys tall. Surrounding its base are zodiac statues.
Inspired by the Linggu Temple Pagoda in Nanjing, China, it rises majestically above the surrounding Gardens. For visitor safety and to prevent long term wear and tear, access to the Cloud Pagoda is only open for controlled guided access.
At the base of the Cloud Pagoda is the Pagoda Plaza with a cafe and visitor counter. The cafe, Eden, is opne from Sunday to Thursday, 8 am to 8 pm and Friday to Saturday and Eve of Public Holidays from 8 am to 9 pm.
Bonsai Garden
The Bonsai Garden was added on to the Chinese Garden in 1992 and built in the Suzhou-style.
Once you get past the entrance, you will feel as if you have wandered into a traditional Chinese home – one filled with plants.
It is fun to explore the many buildings and walkways at the Bonsai Garden. You will feel as if you have been whisked away to a different country while wandering about inside the house and its gardens.
Keep a look out for a pavilion that is set up on a rocky crag. You can climb up to reach the pavilion, or make your way to the “secret” cave underneath.
The Bonsai Gallery is open from 9 am to 7 pm.
Bamboo Tunnel and Waterfall
One of the new features at the new Chinese Garden is the Bamboo Tunnel and Waterfall. This is located at the southern edge of the Garden, close to the Moonrise Bridge that connects to Japanese Garden.
Wind is generated by a waterfall and then channelled through a bamboo tunnel to create a cool corridor.
This place is clearly made for Instagram and we expect that it will be popular with many people.
Cascading Creek
Close to the bridge connecting Chinese Garden to the adjacent Japanese Garden is the Cascading Creek. This is set around ponds with paths that allow you to wander and simply soak in nature. It replicates the environment found along rivers in a typical Southeast Asian forest.
Along the Cascading Creek, children can explore and discover nature and biodiversity. There is even a raised observation tower that they can climb up for a better view of the surrounding area.
Harvest Lantern Terrace
The Harvest Lantern Terrace sits by the water’s edge next to the Cascading Creek. Visit it at night to view lantern lights that provide an enchanting view after dark.
Fiscus Lawn
At the northern side of Chinese Garden is Fiscus Lawn. This large open space that overlooks the water acts as a community event space. It is also great for kids to simple stretch out and move about.
Take a Walk Back in Time at Chinese Garden at Jurong Lake Gardens
Chinese Garden is one of our favourite parks and, with the new revamp, it is an even more inviting place for everyone, including families, to visit.
With its iconic architecture and landscaping, it is an especially wonderful park to visit during the Mid-Autumn Festival in Singapore. After viewing the Jurong Lake Gardens lantern light up at Lakeside Garden, take a lantern and go for a walk along the many open paths at Chinese Garden and take pictures with its many traditional-looking buildings.
Nonetheless, whatever time of the year you are paying a visit to the revamped Chinese Garden, we are sure that you will leave with many wonderful memories of your time there.
While at Chinese Garden, be sure to also pay a visit to its sister park Japanese Garden. This is connected to Chinese Garden by two bridges.
If you enjoyed this story, we are sure that will enjoy our ultimate guide to Jurong Lake Gardens or this story about the Japanese Garden.
