Situated along Pasir Panjang Road is Haw Par Villa. Managed by the Aw family who is known for producing Tiger Balm, the park was popular amongst locals in the 1960s - 1980s for its statues which educated people on good moral values.
Through learning about the park, I realise that it has hidden architectural gems such as the Haw Par Mansion. Beyond this, I believe there were other unique structures in the park. I headed to the park, eager to find it. Strolling past the entrance gate, I greeted the Bearded Old Man and Tiger statues.
Above me stood a Traditional Chinese Archway. Several more were seen down the path, each bearing a unique design. Some have traditional Chinese design styles while others appear to incorporate influences from other countries. “This must be it!” I thought, as I pondered over the differences in design and meaning behind the archways.
These archways, known in Chinese as the “Pai Fang”, are used to mark a place. In Haw Par Villa, these archways mark the beginning of a park’s section. By looking at the designs and motifs on the archways, we can get hints about the statues lying behind them. Let’s look at 3 archways in the park!
Archway 1: Emerald green archway that leads to former Haw Par Mansion
Image above: Archway near Signature Pond, Courtesy of George
Located before the signature pond and the site of the former Haw Par Mansion, this archway combines Art Deco and Traditional Chinese Architecture design styles. The signboard on the main entrance gate literally translates as “ladling out Emerald Green”. In Feng Shui, the colour green helps families and is associated with strength and growth. The emerald colour helps to activate these benefits.
Image above: Close up of the top of the archway
Semicircles on the centre of the archway and circles with stars line the top of this archway. The repetitive use of geometric shapes is evidence of the Art Deco style. On the other hand, mythical creatures and motifs resembling clouds are evidence of Chinese Architecture.
Image above: Close-up of the centre of the archway
Looking at the animals, the tiger below the circles is the emblem of the Aw family while the lions below the signboard guard the area. On each side of the sign are Qi Lins which are Chinese unicorns believed to be a symbol of good luck and prosperity. On the top corners of the central entrance way are dragons, which symbolise strength.
The inner and outer columns of the archways have couplets written by prominent Chinese Poet Yu Dafu in 1940. Yu Dafu was the editor of the Sin Chew Jit Poh, a newspaper founded by Aw Boon Haw. The inner couplet describes the cooling atmosphere and scenery of the park, along with the direction China faces, while the outer couplets describe the sky view of the park, along with the sea breeze at night.”
The mesmerising scenes and views of rich symbolism makes me believe the park was a relaxing place in the 1930s. Yet the writer seems to remind the family not to forget their roots and relatives as their ancestors worked hard to allow them to lead comfortable lives.
Stepping back, I feel that this archway was a talisman for residents of the Haw Par Mansion. It hopes for the family to grow and lead a prosperous life free from any evil spirits or disturbances. The tiger on the gate also identifies who lives in the home. The Art Deco styled archway could hint to visitors about the appearance of the house. I smile, feeling grateful for the memory of the mansion and unwind in the park’s relaxing ambience.
Archway 2: Traditional Chinese Archway that leads to the Aw Boon Haw memorial
Image above: Archway near Aw Boon Haw memorial, Courtesy of George
Walking down is a more traditional-looking archway just before the Aw Boon Haw memorial, Confucius and the Pot-Bellied Monk statue. Decorated with Chinese architectural features, the roof is decorated with “flying eaves”, flowers and cloud-like motifs. The signboard reads “Qi Xia”, meaning perching on rosy clouds.
Image above: Close up of the top of the archway
In the centre of the archway, peaches symbolise longevity, what looks like garlic represents intelligence, pineapples symbolise prosperity and wealth and the Buddha’s hand possibly wishing for wealth and longevity. The camellia flowers represent spring while the curly grass represents vitality.
Image above: Close up of the central entranceway and signboard
Below the signboard are lions guarding the section. The top corners of the central entryway are bats, symbolising good fortune.
Melon, lettuce and what looks to be longans and grapes are seen on the lower archways. All of these fruits are associated with wishes for newlyweds to bear children.
This archway also has two couplets written by Kwan Chu Poh, the editor-in-chief of the Sin Chew Jit Poh. The outer couplet depicts different weather conditions and the varying experiences of Pasir Panjang. The inner couplet enhances the view by telling us about the sea, white clouds and the atmosphere of the park in the 1930s.
Reading this couplet makes me wonder what Pasir Panjang was like in the 1930s. The couplet describes the park to be an ideal place for relaxation in nice views and cool weather. While the beach is not visible now, I could feel the winds and trees easing my nerves as I walked around the park.
Placing everything together, I feel that this archway pays tribute to Aw Boon Haw. The fruits on the central archway represent his different characteristics, such as his intelligence, wealth and him outliving his brothers. Fruits in the lower archways express hopes for the family to grow continuously. The traditional motifs hint to visitors about popular statues such as Confucius and the Pot-Bellied Monk that lie beyond the archway.
Archway 3: Main Entrance Archway
Image above: Main Entrance Archway, Courtesy of George
Before I knew it, it was time to head home. But before leaving, I decided to take a look at the Tiger Balm Archway.
Image above: Close up of the topmost roof
Following a traditional Chinese design style, this archway is filled with mythical creatures and plants. It also has a “dougong” below the centre roof. This unique structure is used to support roofs without glue or nails. Experts have found it to be durable and extremely earthquake resistant.
Image above: Close up of the centre panel
On the centre of the archway is a tiger standing. It looks tired but feels thoughtful after visiting the park. Peony flowers beside it symbolise wealth. Beside it are lotus flowers which represent enlightenment.
Image above: Close up of the left lower archway
On the left lower archway is a leopard which represents Aw Boon Par, whose name means “gentle leopard”. Beside it appears to be plum blossoms and lychees. The former symbolises resilience while the latter represents abundant offspring.
Image above: Close up of the right lower archway
On the right lower archway shows a seated tiger which represents Aw Boon Haw, whose name means “gentle tiger”. Next to it is what looks to be the Buddha’s hand and chrysanthemum flowers, the former means wealth and longevity while the latter represents resilience.
Image above: Close up of the panel on the topmost roof
In the early days, the park was surrounded by the sea. This resulted in the couplet describing the mesmerising views of the sea from the hill. The archway could be a marketing device. Besides the tigers on the archway, the panels once read in Chinese “Ten Thousand Golden Oil Gardens”, the old name for Tiger Balm. This helped visitors to associate the park with the famous ointment, increasing brand recognition.
Taking one last look, I bid farewell to the tiger, promising to use the values learnt to help others. A wave of gratitude sweeps over me as I accept the blessings of abundance strength given by the flowers to overcome challenges ahead. With a great sense of satisfaction after discovering these architectural gems, I wish for Haw Par Villa to stand for more generations to come, as it has for the last 87 years.
The Haw Par Villa Personality Test
The Haw Par Villa Personality test is a quiz where you will be placed through a series of scenarios to see which character in Haw Par Villa you best resemble. After finishing this quiz, share the results with your friends and visit the park to find the statue you best resemble! Find out more at:
https://personality-quiz-shf.vercel.app/
Do note that the quiz can only be taken on your mobile phone.
1 Steinhardt, N. S. (2019). Chinese Architecture: A History. Princeton University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvc77f7s
2 Brandel, J., & Turbeville, T. (1998). Tiger Balm Gardens: A Chinese Billionaire's Fantasy Environments. Aw Boon Haw Foundation.
3 Brandel, J., & Turbeville, T. (1998). Tiger Balm Gardens: A Chinese Billionaire's Fantasy Environments. Aw Boon Haw Foundation.
4 Navratan. (2023, August 14). Emerald Green: A Stone of Balance and Harmony in Feng Shui. Navratan. Retrieved May 21, 2024, from https://www.navratan.com/blog/emerald-green-a-stone-of-balance-and-harmony-in-feng-shui
5 Haw Par Viva. (n.d.). F1: Archway. Haw Par Viva App. Retrieved May 17, 2024, from https://app.hawparviva.com/entry/f1
6 Kang, G.-W. (2013). Decoration & Symbolism in Chinese Architecture: Understanding Singapore's Historic Chinese Buildings (H. S. Wong, Ed.). Preservation of Sites and Monuments.
7 Kua, B. L. (2013, July 13). 虎豹别墅应有的定位. 柯木林(Kua Bak Lim) 博客. Retrieved May 17, 2024, from https://kuabaklim.blogspot.com/2013/07/blog-post_6400.html
8 郭, 文. (1996). 千秋饮恨 : 郁达夫年谱长编. 四川人民出版社: 新华书店经销.
9 Haw Par Viva. (n.d.). F1: Archway. Haw Par Viva App. Retrieved May 17, 2024, from https://app.hawparviva.com/entry/f1
10 LaChiusa, C. (2013). Classical Chinese Roofs. Buffalo Architecture and History. Retrieved May 21, 2024, from https://buffaloah.com/a/DCTNRY/c/chinaroof.html
11 Kang, G.-W. (2013). Decoration & Symbolism in Chinese Architecture: Understanding Singapore's Historic Chinese Buildings (H. S. Wong, Ed.). Preservation of Sites and Monuments.
12 Welch, P. B. (2012). Chinese Art: A Guide to Motifs and Visual Imagery. Tuttle Publishing.
13 Tea Chapter. (2021, January 11). Chinese New Year Myths And Traditions - Singapore. Tea Chapter. Retrieved May 17, 2024, from https://teachapter.com/2021/01/11/chinese-new-year-myths-and-traditions/
14 Kang, G.-W. (2013). Decoration & Symbolism in Chinese Architecture: Understanding Singapore's Historic Chinese Buildings (H. S. Wong, Ed.). Preservation of Sites and Monuments.
15 Kang, G.-W. (2013). Decoration & Symbolism in Chinese Architecture: Understanding Singapore's Historic Chinese Buildings (H. S. Wong, Ed.). Preservation of Sites and Monuments.
16 Kang, G.-W. (2013). Decoration & Symbolism in Chinese Architecture: Understanding Singapore's Historic Chinese Buildings (H. S. Wong, Ed.). Preservation of Sites and Monuments.
17 Kua, B. L. (2013, July 13). 虎豹别墅应有的定位. 柯木林(Kua Bak Lim) 博客. Retrieved May 17, 2024, from https://kuabaklim.blogspot.com/2013/07/blog-post_6400.html
18 Haw Par Viva. (n.d.). D1: Archway. Haw Par Viva App. Retrieved May 17, 2024, from https://app.hawparviva.com/entry/d1
19 Hernandez, M. (2018, June 11). The Dougong: A nailless Chinese construction method. SCMP Infographics. Retrieved May 17, 2024, from https://multimedia.scmp.com/culture/article/forbidden-city/architecture/chapter_02.html
20 Haw Par Viva. (n.d.). A5: Tiger Balm Garden Arch. Haw Par Viva App. Retrieved May 17, 2024, from https://app.hawparviva.com/entry/a5
21 Kang, G.-W. (2013). Decoration & Symbolism in Chinese Architecture: Understanding Singapore's Historic Chinese Buildings (H. S. Wong, Ed.). Preservation of Sites and Monuments.
22 Kang, G.-W. (2013). Decoration & Symbolism in Chinese Architecture: Understanding Singapore's Historic Chinese Buildings (H. S. Wong, Ed.). Preservation of Sites and Monuments.
23 Kang, G.-W. (2013). Decoration & Symbolism in Chinese Architecture: Understanding Singapore's Historic Chinese Buildings (H. S. Wong, Ed.). Preservation of Sites and Monuments.
24 Haw Par Viva. (n.d.). A5: Tiger Balm Garden Arch. Haw Par Viva App. Retrieved May 17, 2024, from https://app.hawparviva.com/entry/a5
1. 郭, 文. (1996). 千秋饮恨 : 郁达夫年谱长编. 四川人民出版社: 新华书店经销.
2. Brandel, J., & Turbeville, T. (1998). Tiger Balm Gardens: A Chinese Billionaire's Fantasy Environments. Aw Boon Haw Foundation.
3. Eberhard, W. (1990). Times Dictionary of Chinese Symbols: An Essential Guide to the Hidden Symbols in Chinese Art, Customs and Beliefs (G. L. Campbell, Trans.). Federal Publications.
4. Haw Par Viva. (n.d.). A5: Tiger Balm Garden Arch. Haw Par Viva App. Retrieved May 17, 2024, from https://app.hawparviva.com/entry/a5
5. Haw Par Viva. (n.d.). D1: Archway. Haw Par Viva App. Retrieved May 17, 2024, from https://app.hawparviva.com/entry/d1
6. Haw Par Viva. (n.d.). F1: Archway. Haw Par Viva App. Retrieved May 17, 2024, from https://app.hawparviva.com/entry/f1
7. Hernandez, M. (2018, June 11). The Dougong: A nailless Chinese construction method. SCMP Infographics. Retrieved May 17, 2024, from https://multimedia.scmp.com/culture/article/forbidden-city/architecture/chapter_02.html
8. Kang, G.-W. (2013). Decoration & Symbolism in Chinese Architecture: Understanding Singapore's Historic Chinese Buildings (H. S. Wong, Ed.). Preservation of Sites and Monuments.
9. Kua, B. L. (2013, July 13). 虎豹别墅应有的定位. 柯木林(Kua Bak Lim) 博客. Retrieved May 17, 2024, from https://kuabaklim.blogspot.com/2013/07/blog-post_6400.html
10. LaChiusa, C. (2013). Classical Chinese Roofs. Buffalo Architecture and History. Retrieved May 21, 2024, from https://buffaloah.com/a/DCTNRY/c/chinaroof.html
11. Navratan. (2023, August 14). Emerald Green: A Stone of Balance and Harmony in Feng Shui. Navratan. Retrieved May 21, 2024, from https://www.navratan.com/blog/emerald-green-a-stone-of-balance-and-harmony-in-feng-shui
12. Steinhardt, N. S. (2019). Chinese Architecture: A History. Princeton University Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvc77f7s
13. Tea Chapter. (2021, January 11). Chinese New Year Myths And Traditions - Singapore. Tea Chapter. Retrieved May 17, 2024, from https://teachapter.com/2021/01/11/chinese-new-year-myths-and-traditions/
14. Welch, P. B. (2012). Chinese Art: A Guide to Motifs and Visual Imagery. Tuttle Publishing.
15. Williams, C. A. S. (2006). Chinese symbolism and art motifs : a comprehensive handbook on symbolism in Chinese art through the ages. Tuttle Publishing.
