Have you ever wondered what happens after death in Chinese mythology? Or how the Monkey King defeated the Dragon King? Or who are the Four Great Beauties of China? If you are curious about these and many other stories from the rich and diverse heritage of Chinese civilization, then you should visit Haw Par Villa, a unique cultural park in Singapore that showcases over 1,000 statues and dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese folklore, legends, and history.
Haw Par Villa is not your typical theme park. It is a place where you can learn, explore, and experience the culture and values of China in a fun and interactive way. In this article, we will take you on a journey into the fascinating world of Haw Par Villa, and give you some practical tips on how to visit and enjoy this one-of-a-kind attraction in Singapore.
The History and Origin of Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa was founded in 1937 by the brothers Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par, who were the creators of the famous Tiger Balm ointment. They built the park as a gift to the public and a way to promote traditional Chinese values and morality. The park was originally named Tiger Balm Garden, after their product, and was also known as the Tiger Balm Pagoda.
The park was designed by a team of artisans from China, who sculpted and painted the statues and dioramas based on the brothers’ vision and instructions. The park was a popular attraction in the past, attracting thousands of visitors every day. It also influenced the local culture and art, inspiring many Singaporean artists and writers.
The park underwent several changes over the years, such as the Japanese occupation during World War II, the renovation in 1985, and the management by the Singapore Tourism Board since 2001. The park was also renamed Haw Par Villa, after the brothers’ names, in 1988. Today, the park is a national monument and a cultural treasure of Singapore, preserving the legacy and spirit of the brothers and their vision.
The Attractions and Stories of Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa is a sprawling park that covers an area of about 3.2 hectares. It features more than 1,000 statues and 150 dioramas, depicting scenes from various aspects of Chinese culture, such as folklore, legends, history, literature, philosophy, and religion. The park is divided into several sections, each with its own theme and style.
The most famous and popular attraction in the park is the Ten Courts of Hell, which depicts the gruesome punishments and judgments that await sinners in the afterlife according to Chinese beliefs. The Ten Courts of Hell is housed in a 60-meter long tunnel, which resembles the shape of a dragon. As you enter the tunnel, you will see a sign that warns you: “Welcome to Hell”.
The Ten Courts of Hell is based on the concept of karma and reincarnation, which are central to the teachings of Buddhism and Taoism. The idea is that every action has a consequence, and that the souls of the dead will be judged and punished according to their deeds in life. The souls will then be reborn into different realms of existence, depending on their karma.
The Ten Courts of Hell shows the different stages of the judgment and punishment process, with each court presided by a different king or judge. The scenes are vivid and graphic, showing the various types of sins and their corresponding punishments, such as lying, cheating, stealing, murder, adultery, and so on. Some of the punishments include being boiled in oil, sawn in half, thrown into a pit of snakes, or crushed by a stone.
The Ten Courts of Hell also reflects the Confucian values of filial piety, loyalty, honesty, and justice, which are important in Chinese culture. For example, one of the worst sins is being unfilial to one’s parents, which can result in being thrown into a pool of blood or being frozen in ice. Another example is being loyal to one’s country and emperor, which can earn one a pardon or a reward in the afterlife.
The Ten Courts of Hell is not meant to scare or shock the visitors, but rather to educate and enlighten them about the consequences of their actions and the importance of morality. It is also a reminder of the impermanence of life and the cycle of birth and death, which can inspire one to seek liberation and enlightenment.
If you are planning to visit the Ten Courts of Hell, here are some tips and warnings for you:
The Ten Courts of Hell is not suitable for young children or the faint-hearted, as the images are very disturbing and graphic. The recommended age limit is 16 years and above.
The tunnel is dark and narrow, and can be claustrophobic for some people. There is also a strong smell of incense and paint, which can be unpleasant for some people.
The tunnel can be crowded and noisy, especially during peak hours or weekends. You may have to wait in line or move along with the crowd.
The tunnel can be hot and humid, especially during the summer months. You may want to bring a water bottle and a fan with you.
The tunnel can be slippery and uneven, so you should wear comfortable shoes and be careful of your steps.
You should respect the culture and beliefs of the park, and refrain from making loud noises, taking photos, or touching the statues or dioramas.
Other attractions and stories
Besides the Ten Courts of Hell, there are many other attractions and stories that you can find in Haw Par Villa, such as:
The Legend of the White Snake:
This is a famous love story between a white snake spirit and a human scholar, who face many trials and tribulations due to their forbidden romance. The story is depicted in a series of dioramas, showing the different scenes and characters, such as the White Snake and Xu Xian, the Green Snake and Fa Hai, and the Leifeng Pagoda.
The Journey to the West:
This is a classic novel that tells the story of the Monkey King and his companions, who embark on a perilous journey to India to obtain the Buddhist scriptures. The story is depicted in a series of statues, showing the different scenes and characters, such as Sun Wukong and the Dragon King, Tang Sanzang and the White Bone Demon, and Zhu Bajie and the Spider Demon.
The Romance of the Three Kingdoms:
This is a historical novel that depicts the turbulent era of the Three Kingdoms, which were the states of Wei, Shu, and Wu, that fought for supremacy in China. The story is depicted in a series of dioramas, showing the different scenes and characters, such as Liu Bei and Zhuge Liang, Cao Cao and Guan Yu, and Sun Quan and Zhou Yu.
The Eight Immortals:
These are eight legendary figures who attained immortality and supernatural powers through their practice of Taoism. They are often depicted as a group of eccentric and colorful characters, who use their abilities to help or prank the people. The story is depicted in a series of statues, showing the different scenes and characters, such as He Xiangu and Lu Dongbin, Cao Guojiu and Han Xiangzi, and Zhang Guolao and Lan Caihe.
The Four Great Beauties of China:
These are four women who were renowned for their beauty and charm, and who influenced the history and culture of China. They are often regarded as the epitome of feminine beauty and grace, and their stories are often tragic and romantic. The story is depicted in a series of statues, showing the different scenes and characters, such as Yang Guifei and Emperor Xuanzong, Xi Shi and King Fuchai, Wang Zhaojun and Emperor Yuan, and Diaochan and Lü Bu.
These are just some of the attractions and stories that you can see and learn in Haw Par Villa. There are many more that you can discover and enjoy, such as the Confucius Hall, the Laughing Buddha, the Statue of Liberty, and the Feng Shui Dragon. Each attraction and story has its own meaning and message, and you can spend hours exploring and admiring them.
How to Visit and Enjoy Haw Par Villa
If you are interested in visiting and enjoying Haw Par Villa, here are some practical information and tips for you:
Haw Par Villa is open daily from 9 am to 10 pm, except on Chinese New Year’s Eve and Day. The admission is free for all visitors.
Haw Par Villa is located at 262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118628. You can reach the park by MRT, bus, or car. The nearest MRT station is Haw Par Villa Station on the Circle Line, which is just a few minutes walk from the park. The bus services that stop near the park are 10, 30, 51, 143, 175, 176, 188, and 200. There is also a car park and a coach bay at the park, but the parking fee is $0.60 per half hour.
The best time and season to visit Haw Par Villa is during the morning or evening, when the weather is cooler and the crowd is smaller. You can also visit the park during the festive seasons, such as the Chinese New Year, the Mid-Autumn Festival, or the Hungry Ghost Festival, when the park is decorated and illuminated with lanterns and lights. However, you should also be prepared for the heat, humidity, and rain, which are common in Singapore. You should wear light and comfortable clothing, apply sunscreen and insect repellent, and bring an umbrella or a raincoat with you.
To enhance your experience and appreciation of Haw Par Villa, you can take a guided tour, which will explain the history, stories, and meanings behind the attractions. The guided tours are available in English, Mandarin, and Malay, and they cost $10 per person. You can book the tours online or at the park entrance. The tours last for about an hour and a half, and they start at 9:30 am, 11:30 am, 2 pm, and 4 pm.
You can also download the Haw Par Villa Park Map, which will show you the layout and location of the attractions. The map is available in English, Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil, and you can download it from the park website or scan the QR code at the park entrance. The map will also give you some brief information and trivia about the attractions.
You should also read the plaques and signs that are placed near the statues and dioramas, which will give you more details and insights about the stories and characters. You can also listen to the audio commentary that is played at some of the attractions, such as the Ten Courts of Hell and the Journey to the West.
You should also bring a camera and a water bottle with you, as you will want to capture and remember the amazing sights and scenes that you will see in Haw Par Villa. You will also need to stay hydrated and refreshed, as the park can be hot and tiring. There are also vending machines and water coolers at the park, where you can buy drinks and snacks.
Nearby attractions and activities
If you want to explore more of the nearby attractions and activities that can be combined with a visit to Haw Par Villa, here are some suggestions for you:
The Singapore Science Centre:
This is a museum and educational centre that showcases the wonders and wonders of science and technology. You can see and interact with various exhibits and displays, such as the Omni-Theatre, the Snow City, the Kinetic Garden, and the KidsSTOP. The Singapore Science Centre is located at 15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081, and it is open from 10 am to 6 pm, except on Mondays. The admission fee is $12 for adults and $8 for children.
The Jurong Bird Park:
This is a wildlife park that houses more than 5,000 birds of over 400 species, many of which are rare and endangered. You can see and feed the birds, watch the shows and demonstrations, and visit the attractions, such as the Waterfall Aviary, the Penguin Coast, the Lory Loft, and the Birdz of Play. The Jurong Bird Park is located at 2 Jurong Hill, Singapore 628925, and it is open from 8:30 am to 6 pm. The admission fee is $30 for adults and $20 for children.
The Chinese Garden:
This is a park that features a beautiful and serene landscape of Chinese-style gardens, pavilions, bridges, and pagodas. You can stroll and relax in the gardens, admire the architecture and sculptures, and visit the attractions, such as the Bonsai Garden, the Garden of Abundance, the Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum, and the Seven-Storey Pagoda. The Chinese Garden is located at 1 Chinese Garden Road, Singapore 619795, and it is open from 5:30 am to 11 pm. The admission is free for the main garden, but there are fees for some of the attractions.
The West Coast Park:
This is a park that offers a variety of recreational and leisure activities for all ages and interests. You can play and have fun in the playgrounds, fields, and courts, enjoy the views and breeze of the sea, and visit the attractions, such as the Adventure Playground, the Marsh Garden, the Dog Run, and the McDonald’s. The West Coast Park is located at West Coast Highway, Singapore 126844, and it is open 24 hours. The admission is free for all.
Haw Par Villa is a unique cultural park in Singapore that offers a glimpse into the rich and diverse heritage of Chinese civilization. It showcases over 1,000 statues and dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese folklore, legends, and history, such as the Ten Courts of Hell, the Journey to the West, and the Four Great Beauties of China. It is a place where you can learn, explore, and experience the culture and values of China in a fun and interactive way.
Haw Par Villa is a must-visit attraction for anyone who is interested in Chinese culture, or who wants to see something different and amazing in Singapore. It is also a great place to visit with your family, friends, or partner, as you can share and enjoy the stories and attractions together.
If you are planning to visit Haw Par Villa, you should follow our tips and suggestions on how to visit and enjoy the park, such as taking a guided tour, downloading the park map, reading the plaques and signs, and bringing a camera and a water bottle. You should also check out some of the nearby attractions and activities that can be combined with a visit to Haw Par Villa, such as the Singapore Science Centre, the Jurong Bird Park, the Chinese Garden, and the West Coast Park.
We hope that you have enjoyed reading this article, and that you have learned something new and interesting about Haw Par Villa. We also hope that you will visit and explore Haw Par Villa for yourself, and discover the fascinating world of Chinese folklore.
If you do, please share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments section or on social media. We would love to hear from you. Thank you for reading, and have a wonderful day.
