Journey to The West — The Singapore Chinese Garden
If you are tired of jostling with the crowd in downtown areas like Orchard or Bugis and had enough of shopping, it is time to head to the west for another piece of Singapore.
Nested in the lush of greenery, albeit man-made, is a mini sanctuary away from the human slams — The Chinese Garden. Enjoy some beautiful sunset and serenity and while you are at it, play a game of identifying the iconic statutes of heroes in Chinese histories and busk in the manicured bonsai collections.
Here are 5 fun things you can do to spend your time there.
Here are 5 fun things you can do to spend your time there.
1. Take Chinese-inspired Oriental OOTD Shots
Think pagodas, pavilions, bridges and tea houses over the calming lakes and take a leisure stroll around the 13.5 hectares garden.
Stand on 'Bai Hong Qiao' bridge, adapted from Beijing's Summer Palace overlooking the "palace" come sunset.
2. Find Those Instagrammable Spots
Isn't this our favourite activity? Search for those swirling staircases within pagodas. Your best bets are the iconic twin pagodas overlooking the lake.
Climb up those pagodas and dictate your own shots.
Spot me?
3. Visit the Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum Before It Is Gone
The locals would know. In March this year, the museum created a buzz when the Singapore Land Authority announced that the museum will have to be relocated with the lapse of its lease. That created a petition over the retaining of the museum at its original site and a gush of the crowd wanting to see the museum for the last time before its closure.
2 months down the road, the latest update at the point of writing is that the museum is still in operation at its present location and the relocation will be pushed back until further notice.
So if you still have not made your way down to this Guinness World Record books known for its largest collection of tortoise and turtle items, then now is the time.
It was our first time there and even as adults, I vouch that you will definitely enjoy your time at the museum and relive your kidult moments.
Look out for the free-roaming ancient tortoise in the gardens and take an up close and personal photo with it.
Admission Fees: $5 adults and $3 for children and senior citizens
Observe the sunbathing turtles.
4. Admire the Sunset
The Chinese Garden is a gathering of sunset chasers enthusiasts. We spotted photography lovers setting up their gears waiting for those critical sunbursts and orangy-glow moments.
Without a doubt, the best location will be along the lake, overlooking the twin pagodas and front-the setting sun.
Have fun snapping the colours at different timings within a short span.
Tip: We googled for sunset timings in Singapore and it shows 7:07pm for example, but by this time the sun would have set and the sky darkened. Be sure to be there 30 to 45 minutes in advance to witness the beautiful glow.
Behind those shots were actually hordes of people. Saw behind us?
Another location to be for the colours will be to stand on the "Bai Hong Qiao" bridge from which you will also be able to spot the twin pagodas over the horizon from another angle.
On the bridge, you can also play pretend as the sun sets. 😂
5. Cycle and Picnic
With the prevalence of bikes sharing in Singapore, you can easily download any one of the apps —Obike, Mobike or Ofo — and cycle anywhere. The Chinese Garden makes an excellent spot for safe cycling and picnics too, well at least in the mornings or evenings when the sun's not blasting. Best of all, it's free! Just grab a mat and sit on any spots in the garden.
Running out of places to head to? Plan Chinese Garden into your weekend plans now~
1 Chinese Garden Road, Singapore 619795
Daily, 6am – 11pm
Entrance is Free.
Nearest Train Station: Lakeside MRT ( 10 minutes walk)
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