Expertise blooms in Singapore

The design team of the floral display says that it embraces the Jiangnan garden principle of "seeing the big in the small", packing diverse landscapes into the greenhouse. Visitors can wander through moon gates, pause at pavilions, and admire seasonal blooms, echoing the literati tradition. Cascading water features called "die shui" and a limestone rock inspired by the Taihu rocks from Taihu Lake in Jiangsu province — renowned for being shaped by nature into abstract twisted forms — are examples of quintessential Jiangnan gardens' elements, according to the team.

Zhang Yongwei, Party secretary and chairman of Shanghai Garden Group Corporation, says that the implementation of these structures also relies on technological innovation.

Since Gardens by the Bay is open to visitors during the day, the team could only work during the nighttime. By using 1:1 3D modeling for modular disassembly and custom solid wood mortise and tenon structures, they completed the construction of the Jiangnan garden architecture within just 10 nights, balancing both precise craftsmanship and schedule requirements, Zhang says.

"We aim to showcase the contemporary development of traditional Chinese culture and Shanghai's urban landscape through our craftsmanship. We hope this gift strengthens ties between China and Singapore, celebrating Chinese New Year with global visitors," he says, adding that the company has implemented dozens of projects involving traditional Chinese gardens overseas, in locations such as Belgium, Canada, France and the United Kingdom.

Gardens by the Bay CEO Felix Loh says: "This floral display is a joyful fusion of nature with some of the best elements of traditional Chinese culture, which we hope brings good tidings during the Chinese New Year for our visitors. The landscape inspired by Jiangnan-style gardens, long regarded as masterpieces in classical Chinese landscapes, evoke beauty, renewal and new beginnings, while the horse lanterns symbolize strength, vitality and perseverance."