Chinese Garden — Attraction in Jurong East

We finally got a chance to visit the beautifully renovated Chinese and Japanese Gardens after their long closure — and I’m so glad we did. It was a hot weekend morning when we went as a family — just the three of us: me, my spouse, and our very energetic toddler. And while the sun was relentless by mid-day, the gardens offered just the right mix of shaded walkways, water views, and open spaces to keep the walk bearable (and even enjoyable).

We started our trail from the Chinese Garden MRT, and the first thing that greeted us was the iconic stone archway bridge and those twin pagodas standing proud by the lake. The area really transports you out of Singapore for a bit — almost like a mini vacation in Southern China. We climbed the pagodas (yes, toddler in tow!) and enjoyed the breezy lake view from the top, which gave us a short but welcome break from the heat.

The Bonsai Garden was one of my personal highlights — it’s calm, shaded, and so thoughtfully laid out. Dozens of intricately pruned trees lined up in perfect little ceramic pots. It made me wish I had the patience to grow one myself. My kid just called them “tiny trees” and darted around excitedly. We also stumbled into a peaceful clearing with a tea pavilion — it’s the perfect photo spot or place to sit and just breathe.

We continued on the connector walk towards the Japanese Garden and wow — the landscaping here is stunning. Think gentle bridges, water lilies everywhere, wooden guesthouses that felt almost like little temples, and quiet stone paths. We took turns walking through a bamboo grove and even managed to spot a few birds and dragonflies near the water.

Our toddler had a lot of walking to do, and yes — he got tired. But the lotus pond and shaded platforms gave us the perfect excuse to stop, hydrate, and cool off. There are water refill stations throughout the route (lifesavers in this heat), and plenty of shaded benches and pavilion areas to take a breather.

The Sunken Garden inside the Japanese Garden was a cool escape — literally and figuratively. Surrounded by 3.5m high walls, it gave us a peaceful retreat from the heat and a small pause from our kid’s running around. And right in the middle is a striking water feature that looks like something straight out of a travel documentary — inspired by a collapsed limestone cave. Super tranquil.

The Jurong Lake Gardens Connector now seamlessly links the two gardens, and while it’s a bit of a walk, it’s stroller-friendly and beautifully landscaped with clear signage. There are flower beds, grassy hills, and soft stone paths throughout. We didn’t rush — the walk itself became the activity.

In short: if you’ve been debating whether to visit the reopened gardens — just go. Bring your stroller, wear a hat, pack water (though you’ll find refill stations), and take your time. It’s peaceful, photogenic, thoughtfully designed, and even with a young kid, it was one of the most refreshing mornings we’ve had in a long while. If not for the occasional toddler meltdown, we would’ve forgotten we were still in Singapore.

Highly recommend for families, nature lovers, and even casual weekend explorers. A real gem...

The Singapore Chinese Garden, also known as Yu Hwa Yuan, is a beautiful park located in Jurong East, Singapore. Built in 1975, it was designed by Taiwanese architect Prof. Yuen-chen Yu and is modeled after the northern Chinese imperial style of architecture from the Song Dynasty (960–1279 CE) and the Summer Palace in Beijing. It was created by the Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) as part of a larger plan to provide green and recreational spaces in the rapidly industrializing area. Key features and attractions of the Chinese Garden include: Architectural Marvels: The garden is known for its stunning architectural features, including traditional pagodas, stone bridges, and pavilions. The most prominent structures are the majestic Twin Pagodas and the seven-story Ru Yun T'a pagoda, which offers panoramic views of the garden and Jurong Lake. The Bai Hong Qiao (White Rainbow Bridge), modeled after a bridge in Beijing's Summer Palace, is another iconic feature. Bonsai Garden: The garden is home to a magnificent Bonsai Garden, featuring a collection of over a hundred bonsais, many of which were imported from China. Stone Lions: At the entrance, two magnificent stone lions, carved from Taiwanese marble, stand guard, symbolizing protection. Stone Boat and Tea House: These structures are traditional features of Chinese architecture, with the Stone Boat modeled on the Peking style. Zodiac & Pomegranate Garden: This section features sculptures of the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals and a collection of pomegranate trees, some of which are a century old. Cultural Hub: The Chinese Garden often serves as a cultural hub, hosting events, especially during major Chinese festivals like the Mid-Autumn Festival, when it is adorned with vibrant lantern displays. Jurong Lake Gardens: The Chinese Garden is part of the larger Jurong Lake Gardens, a popular recreational area that also includes the adjacent Japanese Garden. The two gardens are connected by a bridge. The Chinese Garden offers a tranquil escape from the city, blending traditional Chinese art and architecture with the natural environment. It is a popular destination for both locals and tourists, especially for nature lovers and...

Nestled in the heart of Jurong, Chinese Garden offers a serene escape from the city's hustle, making it a perfect spot for a refreshing morning or evening walk. Designed with traditional Chinese architectural elements, the garden seamlessly blends nature, culture, and tranquility—creating a picturesque setting that appeals to all age groups.

As the first light of dawn casts a golden glow over the garden, the gentle mist lingers over Jurong Lake, creating a dreamy and peaceful ambiance. The Twin Pagodas, standing tall against the morning sky, offer a stunning backdrop as you stroll along the winding paths lined with willow trees, lotus ponds, and stone bridges. The crisp morning air, filled with the delicate scent of blooming flowers, rejuvenates the senses, making every step a moment of quiet reflection. Elderly visitors enjoy their tai chi sessions by the lake, while joggers and early risers relish the calmness before the day begins.

Whether you seek a peaceful retreat, a place to exercise, or a scenic spot to unwind, Chinese Garden provides an enchanting setting for all to appreciate. The fusion of lush landscapes, tranquil water features, and fresh air makes it an ideal haven for both morning energizers and evening wind-downs, offering a timeless experience for everyone. Wait not, let’s take a stroll at this garden to appreciate the nature and recharge over...