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Your Guide to Yunnan Garden for a Day of Wonderland Delights

My inner Alice in Wonderland was delighted to find, tucked into a far corner of Jurong, this hidden park that until recently went largely unnoticed by busy passersby. I didn’t follow a white rabbit but a Nanyang Tech student who told me about it. 

Once renovations were completed in early 2020, the once-overlooked space of Yunnan Garden now looks magically symmetrical and inviting. The park features 1,000 new trees of 80 different species plus exciting new features we’ll explore in this guide.

Things to Know

Address: Nanyang Technological University, 12 Nanyang Drive
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: +65 6791 1744
Fees: Free entry
Facilities: Free Wi-Fi, bike-friendly paths, water coolers
Website

Rules and Restrictions

✖ No fishing 
✖ No littering
✖ No drone flying
✖ No commercial photography without permission
✖ No loud noises
✖ No barbecues
✖ No disturbing of wildlife
✖ No unleashed pets

How to Get to Yunnan Garden

Closest MRT station: Take the East-West Line (Green Line) to Pioneer MRT Station (EW28). Exit the station and head towards Pioneer Road North, then walk for about 10 to 15 minutes to reach Yunnan Garden, located near the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) campus. 

Closest bus stop: Take Bus 179 or 199 and alight at the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Bus Stop. From there, it’s a short walk to Yunnan Garden.

By car or taxi: There are designated parking areas near the garden where you can park your vehicle. If you’re taking a taxi, simply inform the driver to take you to Yunnan Garden at NTU, and they will be able to drop you off close to the entrance.

What to See and Do in Yunnan Garden

Marvel at the Yunnan Garden Waterfall

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The Yunnan Garden waterfall isn’t just for looks; it’s all about creating a relaxing, serene vibe for visitors. It helps cool down the area and creates a moist habitat that attracts various plants and animals, especially birds and insects. 

This helps to create a more vibrant and diverse ecosystem within the garden, making it a favourite relaxing spot for nature lovers like me. Plus, it helps filter pollutants while carrying rainwater to the lower banks.

Explore the themed gardens

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As a nature lover, I have a blast exploring the mini gardens and trails, checking out orchids, including our national flower, as well as pitcher plants and herbs. It’s a real treat for anyone who loves plants and a bit of history.

Take note of the traditional Chinese gardens, which feature these amazing loops and geometric patterns that make every walk feel enchanting. The walkways have these low kerbs, which is a nice nod to heritage. 

Visit the historical monuments

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Yunnan Garden is huge—bigger than 12 football fields! It’s beautifully landscaped and does a great job of preserving old heritage monuments like the charming red-roofed pavilions, the impressive Grand Nantah Arch, and the Nanyang University memorial. 

The iconic Chinese Heritage Centre is also a must-visit because it’s housed in a beautifully restored historic building that blends traditional Chinese and colonial architecture. Lots of Instagram-worthy photo-ops there!

Have a picnic

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Having a picnic at Yunnan Garden is such a treat. I love spreading out a blanket near the scenic waterfall or the tranquil pond. Both spots offer a fantastic view and a peaceful vibe.

Eating is allowed in designated picnic areas, so make sure to stick to those spots to keep the garden clean and enjoyable for everyone. Remember to pack your trash and be mindful of the no-barbecue rule. 

Join a yoga or Tai Chi session

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The sense of calm and serenity in Yunnan Garden makes it an ideal spot for some Tai Chi and yoga sessions. You can easily spot some fitness enthusiasts doing stretches at the pavilion or arch, or holding complex poses in front of the waterfall for the ‘gram.

The open spaces make it a popular spot for individuals and groups to practise their preferred disciplines. If you’re looking to join a yoga class, you might find organised meetups at the NTU community boards; otherwise, bring your mat and do asanas on your own.

Unwind at the water play fountains

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Water plays a big part in the overall theme of Yunnan Garden, so aside from the waterfalls and lake, you’ll find it in the play fountains fronting the Chinese Heritage Centre. I love going there to cool off after all the walking I’ve done.

The area is well-designed with interactive jets that change hues when dusk falls. Just be sure to bring a towel and a change of clothes, and avoid running on slippery surfaces to prevent any accidents. 

Bring your kids to the playground 

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When I have the patience for it, I bring my nephews and nieces to Yunnan Garden. There’s this great children’s playground nestled between two sets of outdoor gym equipment, with large climbing nets and slides that they absolutely love. 

The kids get to climb and clamber around while I pretend to keep fit at the outdoor gym. Plus, there are water coolers nearby, which is super convenient. 

Stroll on the boardwalk

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Don’t give strolling the boardwalk at Yunnan Garden a pass because it’s quite the experience. It spans almost a kilometre right above the water and is perfect for strollers and wheelchairs. 

The boardwalk weaves through the garden so you’ll see lots of flora and fauna, providing a great bird’s eye view of the lily pads and koi fish weaving in the lake below. Remember not to disturb any wildlife with noise or objects to preserve the serenity.

Where to Eat and Drink in Yunnan Garden

Food Paradise 

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Location: 50 Nanyang Ave, Block N3.1
Hours: Daily, 10 AM – 9.30 PM
Price: $
Good to know: You can get fancy coffee drinks here!

Yunnan Garden itself doesn’t have dedicated food or drink spots, but if you’re feeling peckish, I suggest visiting Food Paradise nearby. Because it’s NTU’s canteen, the food here is student budget-friendly. 

On the menu, you’ll find a variety of cuisines, including Malay, Indian, Chinese, and Western dishes. It’s a brisk walk from Nanyang Lake’s end so you won’t have to fret about tummy grumbles for too long.