I was feeling bored at home last Sunday so I decided to change into my jeans and shirt and hopped onto an east-bound train with no destination in mind.
As I travelled, I figured that I had nowhere to go to on the east side so I changed my mind and u-turned at Jurong East, headed for Chinese Garden instead.
Since young, it has always been my dream to visit the garden together with my family but due to some reasons whatsoever, this dream never did materialize.
Even this very day when I visited, I was all alone as everyone were busy with life.
OK, enough stories about me.
Let us visit the garden!
I came across the statues of these historical heroes/great men near the east entrance (which is where I came from the direction of Chinese Garden MRT Station).
History was one of my favorite subjects in school and I had a good time reading up on the stories behind them!
Lin Zexu (1785 - 1850) was a Chinese Scholar and a Courts Official in the Qing Dynasty who was well known for his suppression against the opium trade which later led to the First Opium War between China and Britain.
A Muslim Chinese, Cheng Ho (1371 - 1433) was a Eunuch from the Ming Dynasty famed for his seven naval expeditions across the world.
He set up diplomatic relations in all the countries he visited and received tribute from most of the rulers that he met.
Cheng Ho's seven voyages dwarfed Columbus' four in distance and grandeur.
Wen Tianxiang (1236 - 1283) was an outstanding national hero and patriot of the Southern Song Dynasty.
In 1278, he was captured by the invading armies of Kublai Khan.
He was offered a post, and ordered to convince the remaining Song forces to surrender. He refused both and suffered for 4 years in a military prison before his execution in 1283.
Probably one of the more famous historical figure, Yue Fei (1103 - 1142) is a famous Chinese patriot and military General from the Southern Song Dynasty.
Yue Fei's mother, a patriotic woman, inscribed four Chinese characters - 精忠报国 (serve the country with utmost loyalty) on his back when Yue Fei decided to join the army.
He was later framed and executed under false charges by Chancellor Qin Hui and his wife.
A heroine of her time, Hua Mulan disguised herself as a man and joined the army to fight in place of her aged father.
It is not known whether Mulan was a real or fictional character. Nonetheless, her story sets forth many honored aspects of Chinese culture such as filial piety, bravery and modesty.
One of the best known Chinese historical figures throughout East Asia, Guan Yu (160 - 219) was a military General under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period in ancient China.
Guan Yu is respected as an epitome of loyalty and righteousness and is worshipped by the police in Hong Kong and ironically, the triads as well.
Guan Yu is respected as an epitome of loyalty and righteousness and is worshipped by the police in Hong Kong and ironically, the triads as well.
Confucious, or better known as Kong Zi (551 BC – 479 BC), was a Chinese thinker and social philosopher of the Spring and Autumn Period who sought to educate his fellow citizens on the principles of right conduct and good government.
His philosophy played a huge role in influencing future Chinese society and Chinese philosophy.
His philosophy played a huge role in influencing future Chinese society and Chinese philosophy.
Qu Yuan (340 BCE – 278 BCE) was a Chinese scholar and minister to the King from the southern Chu Kingdom during the Warring States Period.
He had a brilliant career in the Chu court but his success incurred the jealousy of his fellow ministers, who slandered and plotted against him.
Qu Yuan became a victim of court politics and was expelled to live in exile. When he heard about the fall of the Chu Capital, he was devastated and committed suicide by drowning himself in the Miluo River.
The people then made rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves and threw them into the river which, they believed, would stop the fish from eating Qu Yuan's body.
Some even row downstream in a boat, beating drums and shouting out loud in the hope to scare the fish away.
Some even row downstream in a boat, beating drums and shouting out loud in the hope to scare the fish away.
What is a Chinese Garden without Bonsai plants?
The Bonsai is a long-term cultivation, often reflecting the passion and dedication of the grower behind it.
They are like living works of art and such a pleasure to look at!
Unfortunately, the Bonsai Garden was closed for renovation works so I guess I have to return another day to admire their beauty and grace.
I did not walked nearer to find out if that was indeed the Stone Boat Restaurant but if it is, don't you think that is a splendid view for a restaurant?
The Twin Pagodas at only 3 storey high is a miniature compared to the 7 Storey Pagoda.
I thought it would be an easy feat to reach the top of the Pagoda but my feet turned jelly just halfway up there!
I totally enjoyed my afternoon romping around the idyllic landscapes of Chinese Garden. I could not quite finish admiring everything due to the scorching sun but I will definitely return to finish off what I have missed out.
JURONG GARDENS PTE LTD
No. 1 Chinese Garden Road
Singapore 619795
Singapore 619795
Tel: 6261 3632
Email: explore@juronggardens.com.sg
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