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Guide to Chinese Garden Singapore to Find Your Zen and Lose Your Friends (Temporarily, of Course)
I’ve explored the Chinese Garden in Singapore multiple times, and every visit is an eye-opener—like entering a different world where pagodas reach the sky and dragon statues could be your next bestie.
Now, before we get any further, let me set one thing straight: I’m no garden expert. I can hardly tell a bonsai from a bamboo. But you don’t have to be to fall in love with this place.
As I wandered around, I discovered spots that made me go, “Wow, I gotta share this with everyone.” And that’s exactly what I’m here to do.
Ready to dive into some of the coolest spots I found? Stick around; you might just find your next adventure or, at the very least, a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.
Where is the Chinese Garden?

The Chinese Garden, also known as Yu Hua Yuan, is situated in Singapore’s western region, nestled in the district of Jurong East.
It’s precisely located where Yuan Ching Road and Boon Lay Way meet, surrounded by the greenery of the Jurong Lake District.
How to Get to Chinese Garden
By MRT: Take the MRT heading to the Chinese Garden station itself, which is super straightforward since it’s on the East-West Line (EW25). You literally step out of the station, and voilà, you’re almost at the entrance.
By Bus: You have a few bus options. Buses like 98, 98M, 178, 180, 187, 198, 333, 334, 335, and 502 will drop you off close by. Just look out for stops along Boon Lay Way or Jurong Town Hall Road—you can’t miss it. Then, it’s just a short walk to the gardens.
By Taxi or Ride-Sharing Service: Whether it’s a traditional taxi or a ride-sharing app that’s more your speed (like Grab, which is super popular in Singapore), just tell them you’re heading to the Chinese Garden.
These drivers know their way around and will get you to the gate or the nearest drop-off point without a hitch.
By Private Car: If you’re hitting the road on your own ride, just pop “Chinese Garden, Singapore” into your GPS and follow the directions. There’s parking available around the area, so you won’t have to stress about where to leave your car.
Best Time to Go to Chinese Garden
The best time to go to the Chinese Garden is during the Mid-Autumn Festival. This festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th month of the Chinese lunar calendar, which typically falls in September or October on the Gregorian calendar.
The garden lights up with an incredible array of lanterns, and there’s this magical vibe that just takes over the place.
But if you’re not around for the festival, no worries. The garden is a stunner all year round, especially in the early morning or late afternoon. That’s when the weather is cooler, and the light gives the whole place this serene, almost mystical look.
What to Do in Chinese Garden
Discover the wonders of the Bonsai Garden
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Diving into the Bonsai Garden is as if you’ve hit the big, shiny pause button on city life. Wandering through these mini marvels, all spruced up and looking sharp, you quickly get why bonsai fanatics have been hooked for centuries.
As you meander, each bonsai starts showing off its own personality. It’s a blast to notice how each little tree brings its own flair, making the whole place feel like a chill lounge for these green stars.
But hey, this garden? Not just a pretty face, but an outdoor museum of botanical wonders. Whether you’re a bonsai buff or just dig the green scene, this spot’s visual feast will have you wanting to hang back and soak up the vibe.
Hop on for a leisurely wander along the Stoneboat
The Stoneboat at the Chinese Garden offers more than your typical garden stroll. It’s more like hopping aboard a slice of history that floats.
The craftsmanship you’ll spot on the Stoneboat? Utterly mind-blowing. Every carving, every seamless merge with the calm waters around feels like the universe designed it just for your next Instagram post.
And, don’t just zip through. Give yourself a minute to really dive into those artistic details.
Keep an eye on the surrounding gardens; they’re lush and vibrant and frame this experience with a pop of natural color.
Explore the elegance of Suzhou-Style Buildings
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The Suzhou-style classical buildings are a straight-up showstopper that will bring you back to ancient China. And guess what? You don’t even need a time machine to get there!
The intricate designs and carvings on these buildings are next level. Every beam and every detail tells a story, showcasing the incredible talent of ancient craftsmen.
And get this—these buildings are total multitaskers! Part stunning architecture, part mesmerizing storytellers from ancient times. They weave together history and heritage into one dazzling visual experience that’ll leave you saying, “Wow, just wow!”
Embark on an adventure up the Twin Pagodas
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Got a hunger for some high-rise twin magic? The Twin Pagodas at the Chinese Garden are serving up just that! These towering twins are the ultimate stars for your next photo-worthy adventure.
You need to scoot your way up those steps because, oh boy, the view from the summit is nothing short of spectacular! It’s your very own VIP access to breathtaking garden scenery with city skyscrapers playing peekaboo in the distance.
And don’t rush off too soon. Make sure to chill by the pond snuggled right next to the pagodas. The water performs a mesmerizing dance with ripples, serving as nature’s very own meditation app!
Where to Eat and Drink near Chinese Garden
Kenwa Orenji
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Address: 5 Mohamed Sultan Rd
Phone: +65 8898 5718
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 12:00 PM to 10:30 PM
- Sunday – Closed
Good to Know: Don’t forget to ask for their seasonal specials like the Spring Sakura Ebi Pasta. It’s your ticket to enjoying the freshest flavors they whip up!
At Kenwa Orenji, you’re stepping into a snug spot perfect for kicking back and sampling some top-tier sushi. Trust me, you haven’t lived until you’ve tried their Salmon Toro Sashimi and Dragon Maki roll!
But hey, it’s not all about the sushi—you’re in for a full-blown Japanese feast here. Whether it’s diving into their sumptuous ramen or chomping down on some crunchy tempura, every bite is a treat.
Don’t forget to leave a little space for dessert—their Matcha Ice Cream is basically happiness in a bowl! Wrapping up your meal with this creamy delight is the perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth while still honoring the essence of Japanese cuisine.
Miam Miam French Japanese Cafe Kitchen (Westgate)
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Address: 3 Gateway Dr, #02-27/29 Westgate
Phone: +65 6254 1434
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 09:30 PM
- Friday – 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM
- Saturday – 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Sunday – 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM
Good to Know: It’s best to pop in during the late afternoon to beat the crowd and enjoy the full, attentive service from their awesome team!
Miam Miam French Japanese Cafe is where French kitchens collide with Japanese zest! This hotspot is where your comfort food gets an adventurous makeover—buttery spaghetti carbonara but with a twist of seaweed that’ll make your taste buds dance.
And the party doesn’t stop there! Their iconic Miam Miam French Toast is the fluffiest, most scrumptious thing you’ll ever sink your teeth into.
But Miam Miam goes beyond tantalizing your taste buds. This joint is a vibe, with an ambiance that’s as tasty as the grub! It’s the ultimate chill spot for a laughter-filled evening with your crew or a sweet rendezvous with your main squeeze.
The Carving Board
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Address: 252 Jurong East St 24, #01-107
Phone: +65 8108 1052
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday – Closed
- Tuesday to Friday – 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM & 4:45 PM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday to Sunday – 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM & 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Good to Know: If you fancy a mid-day feast, swing by for their lunch specials—big on taste, friendly on the wallet!
The Carving Board is the place for an epic feast that tickles your taste buds like never before! Far from your run-of-the-mill eatery, it’s a culinary treasure trove right in the heart of Singapore.
From the drool-worthy Wagyu Beef Bowl to the zesty Grilled Chicken Thigh, every dish is a masterpiece of flavor, grilled to perfection.
For fans of the sea, “The Carving Board” hooks you right in with their Seared Tuna Salad, fresh and bursting with color. And when you’re craving a heartwarming fix, the mushroom soup offers a cozy hug in every spoonful!
Where to Stay near Chinese Garden
One Farrer Hotel
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Address: 1 Farrer Park Station Rd
Phone: +65 6363 0101
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
One Farrer Hotel goes way beyond cozy beds and stunning views—it’s an entire experience! From the moment you step in, the crew there treats you like you’re the main character, because, well, you are.
And with their top-notch amenities, including a swoon-worthy pool and a spa that whispers relaxation, your stay is guaranteed to be the highlight of your trip.
Oh, and get this juicy tidbit: strutting right out the door lands you smack in the throbbing heart of it all. Need to zip around? The Farrer Park MRT station is just a hop away, putting the best of the city right at your fingertips.
Capri by Fraser China Square
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Address: 181 South Bridge Rd
Phone: +65 6437 0888
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Capri by Fraser China Square is like a cool, stylish buddy who lives right in the heart of Singapore, blending perfectly into the Chinatown vibe.
This place is all about giving you that luxe, comfy feel with rooms so smart and sharp, you’d wish you lived here. From deluxe to studio executive, each space is packed with charm, modern tech, and yes, those nifty cooking facilities.
Plus, it’s eco-friendly, boasting features like in-room smart controls and a premium filtered water tap. So, get ready to live it up while keeping it green!