Most of us are probably done with our rounds of Chinese New Year reunion dinners, but the celebrations are still in full swing at the Chinese Garden – part of the sprawling Jurong Lake Gardens alongside the Japanese Garden and Lakeside Garden. Visitors to this recently revamped oriental-inspired park don’t just get to enjoy new features like a bamboo grove and courtyard with waterfalls; There are also plenty of CNY decorations adorning its pagodas and pavilions, as well as stunning illuminations and nightly light shows specially for this festive season.
To catch the light shows starting from 7.30pm daily (happening at 30-minute intervals until 10pm), head straight to the towering Cloud Pagoda – a familiar landmark that has since been given a refresh. Watch as the majestic structure becomes even more beautiful as coloured lights and instrumental music transform it into a dreamscape that looks straight out of a C-drama.
If scenic backdrops for your family photos are what you’re seeking, don’t miss out on the festive lanterns and special decorative landscaping at the Tea Pavilion, Twin Pagodas and Stoneboat. Curious as to what the year of the snake holds in store? Check out your zodiac predictions at the Grand Arch, where each of the 12 zodiac animals gets its own dedicated board detailing how lucky you can expect to be in various aspects of your life this year.
Another spot you should make a beeline to after sundown is the Entrance Arch at the Chinese Garden Gate. Flanked by glowing lantern formations, it almost looks like one of the iconic scenes from Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away – the one where main protagonist Chihiro stands before the breathtaking Aburaya bathhouse.
You might as well make plans for an early dinner at Canopy at Jurong Lake Gardens, a new pet-friendly café with al fresco seating and charming Chinese-inspired interiors.
The Chinese Garden is open daily from 5.30am to 10pm, while its Chinese New Year light-up runs from 7pm to 10pm until February 12, 2025 (with the exception of the Cloud Pagoda light show, which runs from 7.30pm to 10.30pm). Find out more about the Chinese New Year festivities at Singapore’s Chinese Garden here.
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