If you’re choosing one among the many parks and playgrounds in Singapore, you must plan a visit to the Yunnan Garden Park. It’s located at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) campus and even though it is a bit far out, it is worth the time and effort.
The garden was recently renovated and is now a 9-hectare heritage precinct. This means, there are more than 1,000 new trees with 80 or more different species. Plus, you’ll also find that Yunnan Garden has been integrated with the Chinese Heritage Centre–making it a true heritage site by itself.
If you are planning a day’s trip to Yunnan Garden, here’s everything you need to know.
How To Reach Yunnan Garden?
Image courtesy: NTU Video screengrab
- Location: Yunnan Garden @ NTU, 12 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 637721
- Car: It’s a 30-minute drive from the NTU. Park at the parking lot in front of Hall of Residence 4 on Nanyang Circle Road when you are taking your car.
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Bus: You can take Bus 179 from Boon Lay MRT or Pioneer MRT station. It will stop in front of Yunnan Garden.
For those who live in Jurong West, you can cross a bridge from Block 910 for a stroll to Yunnan Garden across the PIE.
What You Can Do At Yunnan Garden?
Image courtesy: NTU Video screengrab
The parks and the paths located at Yunnan Garden are strollers and wheel-chair friendly. For easy access, there are different ramps from the different corners of the garden.
If you’re keen to get more physical, here are four activities to try out during your visit:
Explore the Majestic Waterfall
You will be greeted by the sounds of the gushing waterfall, a little away from the parking lot. It’s a beautiful 5.6-metre tall man-made waterfall and it flows down the Nanyang Lake.
The mesmerising beauty will take your breath away as you look down from this high vantage point. You can also enjoy a bird’s-eye view of a sprawling Chinese Garden.
The plants used in the water filtration system help remove pollutants. There are some boardwalks as well, and you must make sure to spot the fish on the lake.
View the Plants
It features a diversity of flora and fauna with different species of crops planted here. From potato, sweet potato, and tomato to Chinese celery, have fun exploring the plants here.
Other than observing the greenery, give your children a chance to sniff the different scents of the plants.
There is a variety of medicinal plants spread across the area. See if your kids can spot the Elephant’s foot plant. While you appreciate nature, make sure to not disturb it, and encourage children to not pluck leaves or flowers.
Let Your Kids Enjoy Yunnan Garden’s Playground
Image courtesy: NTU Video screengrab
Yunnan Garden offers an inclusive space for all to enjoy. While the health freaks can enjoy an outdoor workout at the fitness stations, children can have fun at the playground. It has large climbing nets and slides.
There’s also the water play fountain area located close to the Chinese Heritage Centre. Make sure your little ones aren’t running too fast, the mossy tiles can be slippery here.
Take A Stroll Along the Boardwalks
At the Nanyang lake, the boardwalks span almost a kilometre and they will take you right above the water. The best part is that these are also stroller and wheelchair-friendly.
There is a water feature made with stones and artificial wetlands full of Koi fish and lily pads. This feature not only uplifts the aesthetics of the place but is also designed to create a stormwater management system.
Additionally, it purifies the rainwater before releasing it into the ponds.
Dine With Your Family at Yunnan Garden Park
After spending the entire day at Yunnan Garden, your hunger pangs may get intense, especially when you have children alone.
There’s a small food court located at the upper end of the Nanyang Lake called Food Paradise. It offers a wide variety of local and international cuisines. While you are here, you can also use the washrooms.
Location: Food Paradise, 41 Students Walk, Singapore 637719
Tips To Keep In Mind Before Planning A Trip To Yunnan Garden
- The place can be quite hot during the day as the garden doesn’t have many trees around to provide shade. Wear your sunglasses and sun hats and do not forget the sunscreen before leaving home.
- There are a few water coolers, so don’t forget to carry bottled water with you.
- Before you explore the parks, do visit the washrooms. The nearest washroom is at the Chinese Heritage Centre. (Do check once because they are closed for renovation till the second quarter of 2021)
- Yunnan Garden also has free Wi-Fi connectivity. The service was originally for students from NTU to take a break from classrooms and enjoy the outdoors. But now general people who visit the park can also enjoy it.
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