Singapore’s first national gardens in the heartlands opened its gates to the public on September 8. NParks finally reopened the rejuvenated Chinese and Japanese Gardens at Jurong Lake Gardens to the delight of nature lovers. In 2019, the park closed for five years of construction works. The Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden offer a host of new attractions alongside some old favourites that have been revamped.
The gardens were originally built in the 1970s. NParks wanted to modernize the gardens while preserving their historical and cultural significance in recent years. Today, both gardens offer a variety of attractions and eco-friendly experiences for locals and travellers. Here’s what we know about the redevelopment:
Chinese Garden
The Chinese Garden, is located near the Chinese Garden MRT Station, and features several new attractions. This includes an Edible Garden which showcases more than 10 varieties of edible plants including flowers, fruits, herbs, and spices, as well as an outdoor kitchen and indoor plant factory. Meanwhile, you will be transported into a world of tranquility at the Cascading Creek and Bamboo Grove which leads to a wonderful waterfall.
Familiar landmarks inspired by Chinese architecture remain such as the Cloud Pagoda, Twin Pagoda, Bonsai Garden, Tea Pavilion, and Stoneboat which allows visitors to experience the feeling of gently floating on water. Although, these sites have been enhanced with new features such as a gallery and a pet-friendly restaurant at the Grand Arch.
Definitely, you’ll feel as if you’ve been transported to China with stunning views across the lake and gardens.
Japanese Garden
The Japanese Garden is just a 20-minute walk from Jurong East MRT Station. It’s adjacent to the Chinese Garden and reflects a strong public desire for aquatic elements. For instance, the gorgeous garden offers a Water Lily Garden which is home to the largest collection of water lilies of more than 150 varieties in Singapore.
Meanwhile, the Sunken Garden with a cenote-style water feature is perfect for solo reflection, and the teahouse and shaded Guest Pavilion next to the pond will make you feel as if you’re in Japan. Additionally, visitors can’t miss the indoor Breathing Gallery where plants and animals are kept under conditions that simulate their ecosystem.
Other attractions
Additionally, there are new community spaces such as the Pagoda Plaza and Ficus Lawn which can accommodate up to 3,000 people.
Excitingly, the Lights by the Lake festivities which is part of the Mid-Autumn Festival 2024 will extend to the Chinese and Japanese Gardens for the first time this year. Visitors can look forward to more than 300 dazzling lantern displays and other thrilling programmes like light shows, music performances, carnival games, and a food market from September 8 to 22 from 6.30pm to 10pm daily.
Wonderfully, both the Chinese and Japanese Gardens in Singapore open at 5.30am to 12am daily.
šJurong Lake Gardens North Carpark, 50 Yuan Ching Road, Singapore
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