Built in 1975 and designed by Prof. Yuen-chen Yu, a well-known architect from Taiwan, the Chinese Garden's concept is based on Chinese gardening art. The main characteristic is the integration of splendid architectural features with the natural environment. The Chinese Garden is modelled along the northern Chinese imperial style of architecture and landscaping. In close proximity is the Japanese Garden which emphasizes simplicity with stone lanterns, hillocks and a dry garden.

The Garden's main features include the following:

Bridge - In the art of Chinese gardens, bridges play an important role; they are one of the most important structures and may denote the characteristics of various periods of civilizations. The 'Pai Hung Ch'iao' Bridge (the white rainbow, 13-Arch Bridge) at the Garden follows the style of the 17-Arch Bridge at the Summer Palace in Peking.

Main Arch Building - As you cross the bridge, upon entering the garden, you are welcomed by this renowned and typical Chinese arch building. Its magnificent and grandiose form has made it very popular for picture-taking. Inside the main arch building, expect to find two courtyards, namely the "Early Spring Courtyard" and "Garden Courtyard". Also, there is a fishpond in the centre which is named the "Fishes Paradise".

Stone Boat and Tea House - A famous traditional feature of Chinese architecture is the Stone Boat structure. Its unique design and splendid architectural beauty is a fine art which has long been praised by people throughout the world. The style of 'Yao-Yueh Fang' (the Stone Boat) in the Chinese Garden is based on an adaptation of the Peking style design. The 'Ming Hsiang Hsieh' (Tea House) is a miniature structure following the style of the elaborate, winding gallery at the Summer Palace. This meandering design is a characteristic and graceful Chinese architectural feature.

Pagoda - In ancient times, the pagoda, originally a simple tower located beside a temple, was used for the keeping of human bones by Buddhists. Later, with improvements in architectural skills, incorporated with the traditional art of building, the pagoda was developed into a structure of striking architectural beauty. The 'Ru Yun Ta' (7-storey pagoda) is situated on a small hill in the Chinese Garden. Its typical pagoda design follows the style of Ling Ku Temple Pagoda at Nanking.

Pavilion, Plateau, Tower - The Chinese Pavilion, Plateau and Tower represent the soul of the Chinese gardening art. The artistic features, typical of Chinese architecture have long been appreciated by man. The arrangement of these structures is very important and one of the essential rules of the structural arrangement is that the position of each structure must be balanced by its height and size. Further, the building must be linked with plants, rocks, a winding stream and footpaths so as to create a poetical scene. The design of the four (4) pavilions at the Chinese Garden is based on the style of Northern Chinese Pavilions, and decorated to blend harmoniously with the Garden.

Bonsai Garden - Opened in June 1992, the Suzhou-style Bonsai Garden cost an estimated SGD 3.8 million to build. This 5,800 sq metres garden with Suzhou-style buildings (incorporating a main hall of 50 sq metres) and landscape houses a collection of some 1,000 bonsais imported mostly from China. This world-class Bonsai Garden has since taken on a new look. Newly revitalised, after spending an estimate of another SGD 500,000 - the Bonsai Garden is a wonder that must be seen to be believed. A Bonsai Training Centre will also be launched where resident Bonsai experts from Shanghai and Suzhou (China)will teach on how to prune and care for Bonsais and how to appreciate the beauty of this unique artistry.

Garden Weekend Market - The fortnightly Garden Weekend Market presents a great opportunity for you to select from a wide range of new and second- hand products while strolling in the Garden. There is also a Young Entrepreneur's section where children and teenagers try their hand in the business world by selling or trading their belongings in an attempt to earn a "tidy profit"!

Open: 6am - 7pm (daily)

Admission: Free. Admission charges to Bonsai Garden SGD 5 adults, SGD 3 children (3 - 12 years), SGD 3 senior citizens (55 years and above)

Approximate Touring Time: 1 hour

Location: 1 Chinese Garden Singapore 619795

Tel: (65) 6261 3632

Fax: (65) 6261 1390

Getting There: The gardens are a 5-minute walk from the Chinese Garden MRT Station (EW25).