
Did you know there’s a copycat of the Merlion Statue from Singapore in another location in Asia? The statue that resembles Merlion is in the city of Da Nang in Vietnam. Dubbed the Dragon Carp Statue, it is situated east of the Han River in DHC Marina, beside the famous Love Lock Bridge and Dragon Bridge, in Da Nang city centre.
The Dragon Carp Statue, is inspired by a tale in Vietnamese mythology, and it was built to attract tourism in Vietnam in 2016. Today, the statue of a mythical carp turning into a dragon along Tran Hung Dao street is a top attraction in Vietnam. Although the Dragon Carp is not a Merlion, it’s architecture, grey and white colour, mythology, and location along the scenic waterfront makes it bear a resemblance to Merlion in Singapore.
History of Dragon Carp Statue – Merlion copycat
Here’s a little history lesson for you now that you know about the Dragon Carp Statue in Da Nang in Vietnam.
The Dragon Carp Statue begun construction in 2015 with designs by famous stoneworker Nongnuo. It was built using five blocks of white marble, over a three month period, by skilled Vietnamese craftsmen before finishing in 2016. The statue is 7.5 metres high, weighs around 200 tons, shoots water just like Merlion, and symbolises the believe to overcome difficulties in life.
What are the differences between Merlion and Dragon Carp?
Both are prominent landmarks in their respective cities. However, the Dragon Carp in Vietnam is not a Merlion despite it’s resemblance.
The Dragon Carp Statue exhibits a mythical carp creature turning into a dragon. According to local legend, a carp swam up the river and jumped over the Dragon Gate (Longmen) Waterfall before transforming into a dragon.
On the other hand, the statue of Merlion is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and a body of a fish. It is 8.6 metres tall, weighs 70 tons, and shoots water from its mouth. The statue symbolises Singapore as a fishing village with a part-fish and part-lion form. The lion head is symbolic of the original name: Singapura. Allegedly, it came from Prince Sang Nila Utama, who believed he spotted a lion at sea after a storm on Singapore River, in the 11th century.
Interestingly, the myth of Carp Dragon is the oldest tale despite Merlion Statue being older than Da Nang’s Carp Dragon Statue.
History of Merlion Statue – Singapore
The Merlion Statue was designed by Kwan Sai Kheong and built by local craftsman Lim Nang Seng along Singapore River in 1972. However, it was relocated to its current location in Merlion Park in 1997 after the opening of Esplanade Bridge. In fact, there are five Merlion statues in Singapore with two Merlions located in Merlion Park. But everyone forgets about the others!
Overall, Da Nang is a beautiful holiday destination just two hours and 40 minutes flight from Singapore. From gorgeous white sand beaches to hidden gems such as the Santorini of Asia, top hotels, attractions, and more…you’ll be treated to the ultimate vacation.
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