Chinese Legendary Heroes

artist unknown

First placed in Singapore: 1991

Ixora Gardens, Chinese Gardens, Jurong

Originally placed in the Marina City Park, they were relocated in the Chinese Gardens in Jurong on 15 January 2007 (according to the Jurong Town Corporation website, referred Oct 3, 2009). Position on the map may be off slightly. The video produced by Chu Hai Pei in 2022 suggests the sculptures are no longer accessible, as the park undergoes redevelopment.

Patron: Donated by Tee Yih Jia Food Manufacturing Pte Ltd

From the National Parks website (circa 2002), including all the typos:
Unveiled by Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, 1991. Interpretation : showcases the eight legendary Chinese heroes, deicting basic moral values of loyalty to country, filial piety, benevolence, love, courtesy, righteousness, honesty and modesty.

• Lin Zexu (1785 - 1850 AD): A Ching Dynasty Imperial Inspector whose bold action against trading of opium started the Opium War.
• Zheng He (1371 - 1435 AD) : A Ming Dynasty Admiral who was also a great envoy. He was responsible for establishing diplomatic and trading links with South East Asian countries.
• Wen Tianxiang (1236 - 1283 AD) : A Song Dynasty Prime Minister who refused to surrender to his enemy when the nation was falling.
• Yue Fei (1103 - 1142 AD): A Song Dynasty General who is well known for his loyalty to his nation.
• Hua Mulan (386 - 436 AD) : A lady General who is well known as a filial daughter who served the army in place of her old and ailing father.
• Guan Yu (160 - 219 AD) : A Three Kigndoms General who was righteous.
• Qu Yuan (340 - 278 BC) : A Warring States scholar who committed suicide when his nation fell after the emperor failed to take his advice.
• Confucius (551 - 479 BC): A well known Chinese philosopher.

The works attracted a bit of controversy when they were unveiled in 1991, as other ethnic groups wondered if they might be able to have a sculpture garden for their heros. Works are said to be eight feet tall, for good luck. The artists are from China, but were never named in any of the publicity about the works.

Last updated: Jun-18-2022