Chinese and Japanese Gardens
Photograph: Joycelyn Yeow for Time Out Singapore
Photograph: Joycelyn Yeow for Time Out Singapore

The ultimate guide to the revamped Chinese and Japanese Gardens in Singapore

Uncover these beautiful gardens located in Jurong Lake Gardens

Joycelyn Yeow
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Jurong Lake Gardens went through a major facelift in September 2024 after five years of reconstruction. The results? Two gorgeous new gardens – the Chinese Garden and the Japanese Garden. With lily-filled ponds, structures inspired by ancient Chinese architecture, and serene water features, these new spots make the journey to the West worth it. If you need more convincing, we’ve rounded up the best things to see at the gardens, so read on to find out more: 


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Getting to the Chinese and Japanese Gardens

For those unfamiliar with the West turf, Jurong Lake Gardens consists of three gardens: Lakeside Garden, Chinese Garden, and Japanese Garden. All share the same carparks, but since the two carparks are near Lakeside Garden, visitors driving will need to walk 15 minutes to reach the Chinese and Japanese Gardens.

We recommend taking the train and starting at the Chinese Garden. Alight at Chinese Garden MRT Station and take Exit B. Take a short walk along the sheltered walkway and you’ll reach the park in five minutes. 

You can get around the park by walking, cycling or hopping on the free shuttle bus service which operates every 30 minutes between Lakeside and Japanese Garden. Do note that this is a six-month trial service, and National Parks Board (NParks) has not released the end date to this trial – but we did see the shuttle bus when we visited on February 28, 2025.

Highlights at Singapore’s Chinese Garden

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The Cloud Pagoda will be the first attraction you see upon entering the Chinese Garden. Head up the steps and admire the towering landmark, inspired by the ancient pagodas in China. There are statues of the 12 zodiac animals surrounding the pagoda, so go ahead and snap a picture with your respective animal. 

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As the name suggests, the Bonsai Garden is where you’ll find bonsai trees planted around the garden. The pathways are decorated with vintage Chinese lanterns, and the pavilions are modelled after traditional Chinese pavilions with smooth wood finishings. Mosey on to the back and you’ll see a pavilion perched on top of a small hill – you can take the rocky steps up to the pavilion or explore the tiny man-made cave below the structure.   

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3. Bamboo Grove and Waterfall

Just around the corner is the Bamboo Grove, our scaled-down version of the famed attraction in Arashiyama. Take a deep breath as you stroll down the path – you’ll smell hints of the fragrant bamboo trees. 

A wee waterfall awaits you at the end of the path. Let the sounds of the trickling water bring you some peace, but do be careful as there are no barricades here to prevent you from falling into the pond. 

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The Stoneboat and Tea Pavilion are among the garden's most picturesque features, with lotus pads filling the pond, creating the illusion that the pavilion is floating. Atop the white stoneboat sits a two-story teahouse-inspired pavilion, where you can rest and enjoy the view.

Another must-visit spot is the 3-storey tall Twin Pagoda, inspired by China's Spring-Autumn Towers. Visitors can climb up the spiral steps to unlock idyllic sights of the gardens, and even the nearby residential estates.

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Test your floral knowledge at the Edible Garden and walk through rows of edible plants and flowers. You’ll spot pansies, marigolds, pumpkins, eggplants, lady’s fingers and more – but remember that these are just for viewing, and not for harvesting. 

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A prominent feature even before the revamp, the Grand Arch is a must-see with its jade-coloured roof and intricate Chinese mythology motifs. The Grand Arch currently houses a new gallery, showcasing the history of Jurong Lake Gardens through images, artifacts, and displays. 

What to eat at the Chinese Gardens

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Located in the Pagoda Plaza at Chinese Gardens, Eden is a tranquil dining spot away from the raucous highway noise. The café’s minimalistic earth-toned interior and cosy atmosphere fit right in with their philosophy – to use simple ingredients that bring out the natural flavours of each dish. Get the refreshing garden salad if you aren’t too hungry, or go for the fragrant curry chicken with rice for a hearty meal. The menu also includes snacks to share with the gang, including truffle-infused fries, crispy fried fish skin, tiger prawn rolls, and more. 

  • Eating

Chances are, you might’ve visited Canopy before – they have a couple of outlets around Singapore, including a seafront one at Changi Village. The Jurong Lake Gardens branch is also worth checking out. This pet-friendly restaurant serves brunch daily till 2pm (great if you’re not a morning person), with dishes such as the poached tempura sourdough, chicken waffle benedict, and grilled cheesewich. Mains are served after 11.30am, and you can try items like the beer-battered fish and chips, seared sea bass, or oven-baked barbeque ribs.

Highlights at the Japanese Gardens

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The Breathing Gallery houses terrariums, aquariums and paludariums. Tiny fishes and critters like vampire crabs can be seen skittering across the 2.4-metre-long terrarium set against a lush moss wall. There’s also a small resting area with wooden tables and chairs used for terrarium-making workshops.

TIME OUT TIP Since the gallery is air-conditioned, plan your route so that it’s in the middle of your trip, and you can rest here before continuing your journey.

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There’s no doubt that this is the most photogenic spot in the gardens. A unique feature of the Japanese Gardens, the cenote-inspired Sunken Garden mimics a limestone cave, with soft sunlight streaming down the centrepiece. Creepers hang from the ceiling, and the surrounding walls are covered in over 200 types of plants. 

Food options at the Japanese Gardens

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