Now Shenzhen | October 16, 2023
SINGAPORE was a popular destination for Chinese tourists during the eight-day National Day holiday. With its efficient public transportation system, especially the metro, Singapore provides easy accessibility for travelers to explore all that this vibrant city-state has to offer.
The iconic Merlion statue in downtown Singapore is always the first image that comes to mind. This renowned symbol, featuring the body of a fish and the head of a lion, led to Singapore being known as the “lion city.” The Merlion statue at Merlion Park surrounded by towering skyscrapers best symbolizes the modern image of Singapore. However, its landscapes extend beyond its financial district, offering a plethora of leisure activities for nature lovers and culture enthusiasts.
Singapore Changi Airport
For international tourists arriving in Singapore, the journey usually begins at Singapore Changi Airport. Before embarking on their adventures into the city, many will take some time to explore this world-renowned airport, consistently ranked by Skytrax as one of the best airports in the world.
The airport, comprising of four terminals and a lifestyle hub known as Jewel Changi Airport, offers a wide range of shops, eateries, and facilities such as indoor playgrounds, gardens and cinemas. To facilitate transportation, the airport provides travelersfree shuttle buses and skytrains to navigate between the terminals and Jewel.
One of the main highlights of Jewel is an indoor waterfall, a 40-meter-high spectacle surrounded by lush trees and tropical plants. This stunning display of water, cascading down seven floors from the dome-shaped roof of Jewel, provides nighttime visitors with light shows projected onto the waterfall.
There are also several smaller spaces that exude charm, such as the gardens located in terminals 1, 2, and 3. Of special mention is the Cactus Garden in Terminal 1, which showcases over 100 species of cacti and arid plants.
Gardens by the Bay
Renowned as the “city in a garden,” Singapore lives up to its fame with its abundance of green spaces and captivating gardens. One such attraction is Gardens by the Bay, an oasis of lush greenery housing over 1.5 million plants from every continent except Antarctica. The garden complex comprises three areas: Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay Central Garden.
Bay South Garden is the largest section and features famous attractions such as the Supertree Grove, as well as two impressive conservatories: the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. The conservatories maintain temperatures ranging from 23 to 25 degrees Celsius, providing visitors with a cool escape from the hot summer days.
The Cloud Forest, in particular, boasts a 35-meter-high indoor waterfall enveloped in mist and covered in lush vegetation. The mist-filled landscape, accompanied by the soothing sounds of falling water and recorded birds chirping, creates an immersive experience reminiscent of a real forest. This conservatory, measuring the size of 1.5 regular soccer fields, features unique vegetation native to cloud forest habitats, typically found at some 2,000 meters above sea level.
And the beauty of nature beckons visitors to the Flower Dome. Covering 1.28 hectares, the floral paradise is home to plants and flowers from five continents, including 1,000-year-old olive trees, magnolias and orchids.
Then, there is the awe-inspiring Supertree Grove, where stand 12 of the Gardens’ 18 Supertrees. Reaching a height of up to 50 meters, these structures provide shade during the day and come alive with captivating light and musical shows at night.
The Gardens by the Bay also offer breathtaking views of the Marina Bay area, which boasts pleasant lanes for cycling, walking and jogging along the coast.
Kampong Gelam
Kampong Gelam, a neighborhood with a delightful blend of tradition and trendiness, is definitely worth a visit. This area has a rich history dating back to Singapore’s colonial era in the 19th century. Sultan Mosque, one of Singapore’s prominent religious sites, is the landmark in Kampong Gelam. This structure, featuring a golden dome, was built in 1824. And the Malay Heritage Center, with its six galleries and vibrant cultural activities, enables the tourists to immerse themselves in the area’s history.
Kampong Gelam has now become a popular destination for travelers and culture enthusiasts. Haji Lane in the neighborhood, known for its colorful façades and hip stores, is a good spot for photography.
ARTICLE FROM: Shenzhen Daily