After five years of careful renovation, Singapore’s beloved Chinese and Japanese Gardens have finally reopened to the public on 8 September, marking a milestone in the transformation of Jurong Lake Gardens into a vibrant national park in the heartlands.
The restoration has been a community-driven effort. More than 14,000 public suggestions were considered by the National Parks Board (NParks), shaping the design and features of these historic gardens that first opened in the mid-1970s. Together with the modern Lakeside Garden, completed in 2019, they form the 90-hectare Jurong Lake Gardens, Singapore’s first national garden outside the city centre. Since 2019, Lakeside Garden alone has already welcomed 25 million visitors.
At the reopening ceremony, Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong unveiled a commemorative plaque and planted a Syzygium aqueum tree. Reflecting on Jurong’s early days as swamp and jungle, he described the gardens as a “people’s garden - for the people, by the people,” where everyone has a stake and a welcome place.
Restoring Icons and Creating New Experiences
Visitors entering through the White Rainbow Bridge are greeted by the familiar Grand Arch, which has been opened up to frame sweeping views of the gardens. Behind it, a new gallery shares the story of Jurong Lake Gardens’ evolution, while a restaurant offers a refreshing pit stop.
The Chinese Garden retains its heritage icons, including the towering Cloud Pagoda, the serene Twin Pagodas, and the Suzhou-style Bonsai Garden. New features such as the Pagoda Plaza, Cascading Creek, and Water Wall Court breathe new life into the space.
At the same time, the Edible Garden demonstrates how everyday plants, such as pumpkins, luffas, and eggplants, can thrive in community plots.
Across the Moonrise Bridge, the Japanese Garden has also undergone a sensitive renewal. A teahouse and Guest Pavilion beside a tranquil pond evoke traditional Japanese parks, while the new Guesthouse - built with mass-engineered timber for natural cooling accommodates large gatherings.
The Water Lily Garden, home to Singapore’s largest collection of water lilies, and the Sunken Garden, a green-walled valley that glows with light and mist effects at night, invite visitors into a lush, immersive landscape.
Blending Heritage with Sustainability
The rejuvenation project balanced innovation with conservation. Lead architect Madam Wo Mei Lan of Liu & Wo Architects explained that preserving memories was essential. Instead of tearing everything down, the design integrates modern, eco-friendly practices with long-standing landmarks. NParks has also introduced greater biodiversity, supported by volunteers who helped plant flowering species and nurture horticultural practices within the gardens.
Ms Kartini Omar, group director of Jurong Lake Gardens at NParks, noted that the renewed spaces reflect a vision for the future - parks that are ecologically, socially, and climate-resilient.
Visitor Information
The Chinese and Japanese Gardens are open daily from 6am to 10pm, with free entry. While cycling is not permitted inside the two gardens, bicycles are welcome along the surrounding park connectors. Dogs are also allowed, provided they are leashed.
Getting there is convenient. The Chinese Garden MRT station on the East-West Line brings you to the east entrance of the gardens within minutes, while buses to the Singapore Science Centre stop are closer to the Japanese Garden entrance. The nearby Lakeside MRT station is another option if you wish to start your visit at the Lakeside Garden.
Upcoming Celebrations
To mark the reopening, Jurong Lake Gardens will host its largest-ever Lights by the Lake Festival from 8 to 22 September. Visitors can look forward to over 300 handcrafted lanterns, live music, cultural performances, film screenings, and the popular NParks Concert Series in the Park: Rockestra®. It’s a timely celebration of heritage, culture, and community spirit against the backdrop of Singapore’s newest national garden.
Whether you’re seeking a peaceful stroll through historic pagodas, a family outing to discover edible plants, or a chance to admire Japan-inspired landscapes, the revitalised Chinese and Japanese Gardens promise a fresh yet familiar experience that honours the past while looking ahead to the future.
