Built in 1975 and designed by Prof. Yuen-chen Yu, a well-known architect from Taiwan, the Chinese Garden is an integration of splendid architectural features with the natural environment, modeled along the magnificent northern Chinese Imperial style of architecture and landscaping. The imposing 7-storeyed Pagoda is a focal point in the Garden, which also comprises ponds, bridges, courtyards, pavilions, the Twin Pagodas, a teahouse and a stoneboat. Within the 13-hectare Garden is a cluster of mini gardens with thematic orientations. These include a Bonsai (Penjing) Garden and Garden of Abundance as well as a bronze statue of Confucius, China’s most famous philosopher.

Amidst the lush greenery lies a hidden paradise. The Bonsai Garden, which is also the largest Suzhou-style bonsai garden outside China, houses an impressive collection of beautifully manicured bonsais and offers the perfect getaway from all the hustle and bustle of city life. The collection of a few hundred bonsais come from various countries such as Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Japan, Philippines, Indonesia, and Thailand. A pair of lion-shaped Podocarpus bonsais from China are strategically placed just outside the entrance, symbolising gate guardians. Upon entry, you will be mesmerised by the the intricate building details of traditional Suzhou architecture, the specially selected Taihu rocks, paving finishes, floor tiles, selected timbers for doors, windows, frameworks and other building details.

The Garden of Abundance holds a myriad of wonders which will leave you enchanted. It is filled with magnificent stone sculptures of the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals, complete with 100-year-old pomegranate trees from Shantung, China. Within the Garden, you will also find the 4 auspicious bridges representing blessings of prosperity, love, fertility and abundance.

The Ixora Garden boasts of a collection of more than 15 varieties of Ixora spp. (仙丹花). The shrubs provide a colourful backdrop for the Eight Chinese Legendary Heroes statues in the Garden.The eight statues of the Chinese Legendary Heroes had been commissioned by the National Parks Board in 1990 and had earlier been installed at Marina City Park's Sculpture Garden. On 15 January 2007, the Eight Chinese Legendary Heroes statues were relocated to the Chinese Garden.

To support the Singapore Science Centre’s initiative to increase public awareness on the subject of Science, 2 sundial structures have been installed in the Gardens.Under this new initiative titled "Our Solar System", 10 sundial structures are placed in different locations in Singapore. The sundial placed at the Japanese Garden represents Venus and the one placed at the Chinese Garden represents Earth. With the sundial placed at the Science Centre representing the Sun, the relative distance of these sculptures from the Science Centre will actually represent the distances of each planet from the Sun. These sundials were installed in April 2007.

The Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum is a place for family fun and excitement, with more than 200 turtles and tortoises from over 60 different species. The petting corner allows you to get up close with some of these turtles and tortoises.The museum also collects and showcases objects inspired by turtles and tortoises. To date, the museum has thousands of toys, ornaments, tableware, and even furniture relating to turtles and tortoises. Special tours can also be conducted upon request.