This post is extremely close to my heart because of my association with Nanyang Technological University (or NTU for short).
Recently, in a desperate attempt to create more space on my phone by clearing the deluge of photos in my possession, I discovered close to a hundred photos of Yunnan Garden that I have accumulated over time. Having been to the garden umpteen number of times, I sincerely believe that it is one of the most underrated outdoor spaces in Singapore. With a personal connection to this garden and my newfound love for exploring and subsequently publishing blog posts on the hidden gems in Singapore, I felt that this one should not be left out.
If you didn’t know already, let me tell you that NTU, which is situated in the far west of Singapore (read: so ulu), shrouded by lush tropical nature, home to alluringly landscaped gardens and iconic structures such as The Hive, The Wave, The Arc and ADM building, has been widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most beautiful and eco-friendly campuses.
I couldn’t agree more 💚
Built in the 1950s, Yunnan Garden was a key attraction of the Nanyang University campus, the land on which NTU now sits.
Over the years, Yunnan Garden has served as the ideal venue for me to get some fresh air, for post-lunch walks, a quick catch up with colleagues from other departments and sometimes even as a leisure spot for my family when they happen to drop by the University. If you follow me on Instagram, I'll bet you would have seen pictures of Yunnan Garden quite frequently on my feed and stories 😁
Yunnan Garden rejuvenated
This historical garden was already stunning but received a makeover in 2020 that made it even better!
The Yunnan Garden Rejuvenation project can be likened to a new 'river' that flows through the garden, breathing life into years of heritage. The project presented a unique opportunity to create a series of inter-connected and inter-dependent gardens that showcased the heritage, biodiversity and community unique to NTU.
The new and improved garden resulted in the creation of new recreational spaces that integrates with functional waterbodies and enhance the aesthetics of the surroundings.
Soon after I joined the University, ambitious plans were laid out to revitalize Yunnan Garden and make it a more welcoming and attractive park for the NTU community as well as the public. The beautification plans for Yunnan Garden were swiftly announced and proposed new enhancements for better traffic management, creating a continuous link from Yunnan Garden to the Chinese Heritage Centre and Nanyang Lake, and provide greater safety for pedestrians and motorists.
I watched with anticipation as the 20-month-long project that began in 2018, refreshed the 63-year-old garden.
To preserve the garden’s historical significance, its iconic features and historical monuments, including the Senegal Mahogany trees from the 1960s, all the seven red pavilions, the Nanyang University Memorial and the Nanyang Arch replica were retained.
The grassy slope in front of the Chinese Heritage Centre still bears the Chinese saying: “To thrive in adversity, to strive and improve oneself constantly” – words that will continue to resonate with future generations of students.
More than 1,100 new trees from over 80 species were planted, along with a quarter million shrubs, making the garden even more attractive to insects, birds and other native fauna. The tallest trees were protected from lightning strikes.
It was amazing to witness the manner in which the vegetation and the paths were spruced up and the biodiversity of the garden was enriched. I love how the garden design incorporated both meticulously landscaped areas as well as marshy-looking "wild" areas as well.
Nanyang Lake
The lovely Nanyang Lake was enlarged to facilitate water flow into Yunnan Garden.
The lake has been split into two levels. The northern end of the lake is elevated higher than the southern end and contains a sedimentation basin and wetland areas.
The Nanyang Lake is surrounded by mini gardens that are accessible by boardwalks. The boardwalks which are suitable for wheelchairs and strollers span almost a kilometer and zigzag across the garden.
On the opposite side there is another garden called the pitcher garden due to the carnivorous pitcher plants.
I must admit that for me, the lake is the best part of the garden. It is flanked by lush greenery on all sides and it is just an incredibly scenic sight to behold.
It can get blisteringly hot during the afternoons with limited shade available but I still don't mind the short walk to the area to soak up the sights and enjoy some quiet time. An umbrella and a water bottle would serve you well during the day time.
The garden has all the ingredients for a self-sustaining ecosystem, from fish that eat up the algae to aquatic plants that filter the water.
You can sweat it out at the fitness corner if NTU’s indoor gyms get too crowded. Keep yourself hydrated too with the water coolers that are conveniently located within the garden.
Chinese Heritage Centre
During the revitalization of the garden, the most drastic change happened when the stretch of Nanyang Drive in front of the Chinese Heritage Centre was diverted to run alongside the Pan-Island Expressway. This step did result in a (temporary) inconvenience for commuters and pedestrians but ensured the creation of a safe and seamless connection from Yunnan Garden to the Chinese Heritage Centre. Now the area in front of the Chinese Heritage Centre has the potential to be turned into an open community space suitable for various activities.
The Chinese Heritage Centre features a new lawn and a water playground for kids. The water play feature (located right in front of the building) is not switched on at all times but when operational, children are allowed to play there. I had brought my girls here once when they were younger. Do remember to bring a towel and change of clothes and note that the nearest washrooms are at the Chinese Heritage Centre.
Walkways and pavilions
The garden’s design, a series of loops and geometric patterns, is inspired by elements from traditional Chinese gardens and the formal, symmetrical and highly ordered gardens of the French Renaissance periods. Low kerbs that run along some walkways echo the ones found in traditional Chinese gardens, with new secondary footpaths created for easier access.
Trails and interesting sights
Nature enthusiasts can explore the garden’s rich biodiversity through its mini gardens and trails centered on various themes, such as orchids, herbs, pitcher plants, national flowers and plants.
There is also a butterfly garden.
The herb and culinary trails are of particular interest to me (for obvious reasons). I have spotted sweet basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, mint, curry leaves, lime leaves, lemongrass and mint.
I have also caught sight of some vegetables and spice.
The waterfall
This 5.6m-tall waterfall brings the expanded Nanyang Lake into Yunnan Garden. Water flows through it to the wetlands in the lower garden as part of a storm water management system that collects and purifies rainwater.
Other features
Other than the landscaping and water features, there are special kiosks, pavilions and breakout decks for resting and appreciating the surroundings.
Visitors can also learn about biodiversity and sustainability. Look out for panels with information on the different parts of the garden and their significance.
Park after dark
Like a sky full of stars, this ecological corridor never sleeps with its well-lit paths and lookout points. The garden harnesses energy-efficient lighting that includes solar-powered lamps, and its safety features comprising of 53 CCTVs and several emergency call buttons also make it friendly to all visitors.
Yunnan Garden: A hidden gem in the far west
Today, Yunnan Garden is seamlessly integrated with the Chinese Heritage Centre and an expanded Nanyang Lake following the diversion of a stretch of Nanyang Drive in front of the Chinese Heritage Centre, which now runs alongside the Pan-Island Expressway. The result is a nine-hectare heritage precinct – bigger than 12 soccer fields – that preserves the garden’s legacy while enriching it as an educational and recreation hub, making it a go-to place in NTU not just for the University community, but also residents of the wider Jurong neighborhood.
Aside from preserving heritage, the garden aims to be a vibrant recreation and gathering space that offers something for everyone. The upgrading of this landmark tells a visual story of NTU’s and Singapore’s transformation as an Asian and global hub for advancement and innovation, and also of the progress of the nation.
I consider it a privilege to be working in the proximity of such a serene environment. If you haven't yet visited this green lung of NTU then you really should.
Yunnan Garden
Location: Yunnan Garden @ NTU, 12 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637721
Getting there:
Bus: Take Bus 179 from Boon Lay MRT or Pioneer MRT station and alight at Yunnan Garden.
Car: If you are driving, park at the parking lot in front of Hall of Residence 4 on Nanyang Circle Road.
On foot: Another way to reach Yunnan garden on foot is to cross the overhead bridge next to Blk 910 at Jurong West St 91 over the PIE. The overhead bridge is next to the garden at the other end
Garden rules & regulations:
- Keep the garden clean
- Fishing is not allowed
- Feeding or releasing of animals in the garden is not allowed
- Please do not walk or climb on the boulders or rock features
- Stay in the sheltered areas when the lightening warning system is turned on
I hope you enjoyed this post. Do make the trip to this tranquil garden in the west of Singapore if you haven't already. It will be worth your time. I promise!
Cheers,
Megha
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