Opening Hours
Fri, 28 Nov 2025 - Thu, 1 Jan 2026
9.00am - 9.00pm
Follow the journey of the model trains through an enchanting landscape filled with Christmas trees and poinsettias.
Fri, 28 Nov 2025 - Thu, 1 Jan 2026
9.00am - 9.00pm
Admission charge to Flower Dome applies
Flower Dome
The Bearer of Infinite Blessings
Gardens by the Bay welcomes the year of the Wood Dragon with a 5.5-metre-tall driftwood sculpture by artist James Doran-Webb. Entitled "The Bearer of Infinite Blessings", this five-toed dragon holding the jewel of life in its arms, celebrates growth, progress and abundance. Witness the magnificent sculpture created through 9,000 hours of dedicated craftsmanship using over a ton of recycled stainless steel and hardwood from the Vitex parviflora tree at Flower Dome!
The Chinese Five Elements and the Year of the Wood Dragon
In the Chinese philosophy, the Five Elements - Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water are fundamental forces that influence various aspects of life. 2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon – individuals born this year are believed to embody traits of ambition, charisma, flexibility and adaptability. Dahlia Dreams floral display highlights a Wood Dragon as the centrepiece, adorned with flowers by Dementia Singapore and volunteers, surrounded by lanterns representing the other elements, each uniquely coloured and symbolic.
The Dragon in Chinese Culture
In Chinese culture, the dragon is a revered mythical creature symbolising imperial power, authority, and divine qualities. Historically linked to emperors as a symbol of their heavenly mandate, it's also seen as a guardian, with dragon motifs in architecture believed to ward off negative energies. In the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Dragon is especially auspicious, with those born under this sign believed to embody the dragon's positive qualities.
Carp Jumping over the Dragon Gate
According to Chinese Mythology, there is a mythical waterfall called the Dragon Gate in the Yellow River. Against the strong river currents, carps swimming upstream which successfully leaped over the Dragon Gate were transformed into powerful dragons. The Chinese dragon is an auspicious symbol of great power, historically an exclusive symbol of the emperor. The saying "Carp jumping over the Dragon's Gate" implies that hard work and perseverance can lead to overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness.
Native to Mexico and Central America, dahlias belong to one of the largest flowering plant families, Asteraceae, or the sunflower family. They are related to chrysanthemums, gerberas, daisies, and marigolds to name a few.
Cymbidium, commonly known as boat orchid, is a festive favourite due to its large and fragrant blooms that signify fertility and abundance.
The genus name, Celosia, comes from the Greek word keleos, meaning ''burning'', a reference to its colourful flowers which come in shades of red, yellow, orange, purple or pink deemed auspicious by the Chinese.
The Mandarin orange (Citrus reticulata) is a tropical and sub-tropical tree belonging to the family Rutaceae. Associated with good fortune by the Chinese, it features prominently in local Chinese New Year celebrations.
Camellia, known for being the source of tea from Camellia sinensis, includes species like Camellia japonica with showy flowers in various sizes and colors like white, cream, yellow, pink, and red.
The widely recognised Anthurium features a red, leaf-like bract called a "spathe" surrounding its inflorescence, or "spadix", with numerous tiny flowers. This structure, known as "Flamingo Flower" or "Flamingo Lily", symbolises prosperity with its auspicious red color.
Native to East Asia, chrysanthemums, or "mums", are part of the Asteraceae or sunflower family, with over 200 species in various colors, sizes, and forms. Their bright gold or amber hues make them an auspicious choice, symbolising longevity, wealth, and prosperity.
Hydrangeas, popular garden shrubs, feature delicate flower heads with a mix of large, showy and small flowers. Intriguingly, some varieties change color based on soil pH: acidic soils produce blue flowers, while alkaline soils yield pink ones.
The peony, known for its large, showy, and often fragrant blooms, is a popular garden plant. In Chinese mythology, they symbolise richness and peace, growing in clusters, with red peonies considered more auspicious than pink ones.