Chinese Garden & Japanese Garden

Chinese Garden & Japanese Garden
1 Chinese Garden Road

http://www.yoursingapore.com/content/traveller/en/browse/see-and-do/nature-and-wildlife/parks-and-gardens/chinese-garden.html

http://www.turtle-tortoise.com/

Opening Hours:
Chinese Garden: Daily 6am - 11pm

Japanese Garden: Daily 6am - 7pm

Bonsai Garden: Daily 9am - 5pm

Twin Pagodas & 7 Storey Pagoda: Daily 8am - 7pm

The Live Turtle And Tortoise Museum: Daily 9am - 6pm

Admission Fees (In SGD $):
Chinese Garden & Japanese Garden: Free

The Live Turtle And Tortoise Museum:
Adult: $5
Children (Below 6 Years Old): $3

Estimated Visiting Duration:
2 - 5 Hours

List Of Star Attractions (Must See):
Twin Pagodas
Confucius Statue
Bonsai Garden
8 Heroes Garden / Ixora Garden
7 Storey Pagoda
Garden Of Abundance & Main Sundial
The Live Turtle And Tortoise Museum
Japanese Guest House & Mini Garden
Stone Lantern Valley

List Of Main Attractions (Good To See):
White Rainbow Bridge
Main Arch
Stone Boat
Tea House Pavilion
Fishes Paradise
Confucius Terrace / Yu Hua
Bridge Of Double Beauty
Pine And Rock Garden
Eternal Moon Bridge / Shou Yue Qiao
Swaying Bridge / Yao Yue Qiao
Abundance Bridge / Bo Xin Qiao

List Of Other Attractions (For A Complete Experience):
East Entrance & Red Bridge
West Entrance Arch
Garden Courtyard
Fragrance Garden
Dragon And Phoenix Court
Bamboo Green
Boardwalk Bridge & Pond
Rest House / Pu Yue Ge
Japanese Pavilion
Chinese Garden Exterior & Surroundings
Japanese Garden Exterior & Surroundings

Quiet, Tranquil And Well-Landscaped Gardens

(Ratings: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 1 = Worst and 10 = Best)
Overall: 7
Visited: Jul-2012

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The Chinese Garden & Japanese Garden is one large Singapore Attraction that also includes other smaller attractions, such as The Live Turtle And Tortoise Museum. Due to its location in the west of Singapore, away from the main tourist areas, the Chinese Garden & Japanese Garden tend to be quieter and less crowded. Which is a shame, because it's really beautiful.

There are actually 2 great time slots to visit the Chinese Garden & Japanese Garden. The first time slot ranges from 6am - 10am, when the cool morning mist still hangs in the air. It almost feels like you're on a mountain top, with the morning dew still wet on the grass. Plus the sun isn't too hot yet. If you visit during this timing, walk around the gardens first, as some of the attractions might not be open yet.

The second time slot ranges from 3pm - 7pm. Just before sunset, when it's cooler, and all the attractions at the Chinese Garden & Japanese Garden are still open. The reason it's best to visit during this 2 time slots is because the majority of the Chinese Garden & Japanese Garden is open air, and the afternoon sun can be harsh. Furthermore, there isn't any proper food for sale here, only tidbits and drinks, so you'll have to lunch elsewhere.

What I liked best about the Chinese Garden is the view from the 7 Storey Pagoda, and the Twin Pagodas. Well worth the effort to climb to the top! Also worth a look is the Bonsai Garden, the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. Do try exploring the different pebbled paths around the Chinese Garden, as I find that they were constructed to give visitors different views of an attraction. For example, walking the many paths of the Garden Of Abundance will give you different views of the 7 Storey Pagoda and Bridge Of Double Beauty from various angles.

The Japanese Garden is more zen like in nature. Don't miss viewing the Japanese Guest House & Mini Garden, with its landscaped lawns and ponds. Or the unique Stone Lantern Valley, with its own little stream.

While The Live Turtle And Tortoise Museum is advertised as a star attraction of the Chinese Garden & Japanese Garden, it didn't really appeal to me. While their collection is really large and varied, it was quite sad seeing how some of their animals were kept.

If you're planning to visit, do note that while general admission is free, tickets for The Live Turtle And Tortoise Museum cost $5. Also, do note the different opening hours for the more specialized attractions. Wear a good pair of walking shoes, and bring drinking water, as drinks here are slightly pricey ($1.70 per can)!

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