Merlion
According to local legend, this mysterious creature - half lion, half fish - has long lived in the waters of Singapore and guards the city against all kinds of troubles. It will scorch an enemy squadron with its fiery gaze, and then calm a terrifying hurricane. In gratitude, Singaporeans erected a Merlion statue on the city’s waterfront, and his images have become a kind of calling card and signature emblem of Singapore. The “original” 8-meter Merlion, with a jet of water spurting from its mouth, stands on the Marina Bay waterfront at the mouth of the Singapore River in the eponymous park. And its more modern copy, 37 meters high with an observation deck, has been built on Sentosa Island.
Garden by the Bay Park
The “Gardens by the Bay” Park is one of the largest architectural and landscape projects in the world. Its construction lasted five years, starting in 2007. The park features greenhouses resembling huge shells, as well as lawns and outdoor areas. The main symbols of the Gardens are 18 futuristic trees, 25 to 50 meters tall, connected to each other by tunnels and bridges. At the tops of some of them, there are viewing platforms.
Fountain of Wealth
This fountain, which was entered into the Guinness Book of Records in 1998 as the world’s largest, has been designed according to all the rules of feng shui. The combination of elements is taken into account-metal (bronze) and water in a specific proportion-along with orientation by the cardinal directions, and the shape-a ring on a four-legged pedestal. And, of course, the direction of the water matters: it flows from top to bottom and from the outside in, meaning it does not allow wealth and prosperity to “leak away.” There is a belief that to increase income and achieve success in business, you need to touch the fountain’s water. To ensure that everyone has the opportunity to do this, the main fountain’s jets are turned off three times a day-only the small fountain in the center continues to run. Everyone who wants to may touch the jet and walk around the fountain counterclockwise.
Helix Bridge
Helix, twisted in the form of a DNA spiral, has broken another architectural record in Singapore, becoming the world’s first curved bridge. The bridge was built according to all the tenets of feng shui. The architects who worked on the project were inspired by the yin and yang concept from Asian culture. It is believed that the structure brings wealth, happiness, and prosperity to Marina Bay. The spiral bridge has become an important link in the city’s waterfront and promenade system. From the viewing platforms next to the bridge, you can enjoy a beautiful panorama of Singapore. There are also benches here, so you can sit back and admire the fireworks that are held every day over the bay.