Mid-Autumn Festival at Wan Qing Yuan, Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall

‘Glowing Memories of Childhood’ at Wan Qing Yuan – Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall 晚晴园-孙中山南洋纪念馆 – A Survival Guide

Before you go aglow!
There have been a few media features on Wan Qing Yuan – Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall’s ‘Glowing Memories of Childhood’ where iconic playground structures of yesteryear are featured as large lanterns sprawled on the well-manicured lawns of Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall. They are indeed magical to behold and provide for a unique outing for families…or like us, on a rare impromptu couple date. But before you rush off to catch them, do heed some advice here:

Where do I park? Where to eat? How to get there by public transport?

The roads leading to and around the Wan Qing Yuan – Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall is long, narrow and filled with single and double lines. In short, parking is very scarce. So unless you want to risk a parking ticket, here are some nearby parking venues:

Parking and Nearest Eateries:

1. Zhong Shan Mall

Parking: This mall is just diagonally in front of Wan Qing Yuan – Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, it also houses the Ramada Singapore Hotel.

Parking is FREE for the first 2 hours! Yes!

Food: There is a wide range of eateries there ranging from Western to Japanese, Thai to Local Cuisines etc…you’re spoilt for choice. Grab a bite there before basking in the glow of the lantern playground of Wan Qing Yuan – Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall.

Their address:
20 Ah Hood Road
Singapore 329984
Website

2. HomeTeam NS JOM Clubhouse

Parking: This is situated just slightly past the Wan Qing Yuan – Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. There is a large open-air car park there.

Food: Here’s one of our favourite cafes – ‘Fix’ a Halal Western / Fusion hipster eatery that serves some delicious dishes and desserts. Perfect venue for a cosy dinner before you head on to soak in the romantic glow of the playground lanterns at Wan Qing Yuan – Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall. Highly recommended!

Their address:
31 Ah Hood Road
Singapore 329979
Tel: 6256 1484
Opens Mon to Sun, 11am to 10pm
Website

3. HDB Parking:

Slightly before reaching Wan Qing Yuan – Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall from Ah Hood Road are the HDB Carparks for Blocks 101,102 and 103. These would be a bit more of a walk from Wan Qing Yuan – Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall compared to the other 2 alternatives above.

What if I don’t drive?

1. Zhong Shan Mall Shuttle Bus – FREE!

Zhong Shan Mall provides free shuttle bus services from a few prominent bus stops nearby (e.g. Kim Keat near NKF). These buses come quite regularly! Check out their shuttle service schedule here.

2. By Bus:
Buses that ply there are services no. 21, 130, 131,139,145 and 186.

3. By MRT:
The nearest MRT are Toa Payoh and Novena. From there, you can catch a short taxi ride in.

About the ‘Glowing Memories of Childhood’ Playground Lanterns:

Truly not to be missed – 5 iconic HDB playgrounds from the 1970s that were designed by Mr. Khor Ean Ghee, Mdm. Maria Boey, Mrs. Lee Kwee Wah and Ms Chew Chek Peng are featured as large lanterns that not only will set the lawn of Wan Qing Yuan – Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall aglow but also make our hearts fuzzy in nostalgic charm.

Some of these have been demolished while others like the ‘Dragon’ can still be found in their original estates. Here, you get to see representations of the 5 of them basking in glorious mid-autumn lighting and in a perfect setting of the Wan Qing Yuan – Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall lawn.

Featured playgrounds are: The Dragon, The Pelican, The Elephant, the Keyhole and the Watermelon. The Dragon and The Elephant lantern have steps that kids can climb to the top too!

Along with these light installations are fringe activities ranging from cultural performances, food tasting and craft-making to give visitors an immersive cultural experience this Mid-Autumn Festival. These programmes are happening only on this weekend of 10th and 11th of September 2016 while the light up is on every night from now till 18th September 2016 (7pm to 10pm).

Programme Highlights:

Garden Light-up: 9 -18 September 2016, 7pm – 10pm, except Mondays.
Lantern Making Workshop: 10 September, Sat, 11am – 12pm
Shadow Puppetry: 10 and 11 September, Sat-Sun, 3pm – 5pm
Art and Craft Activities: 10 and 11 September, Sat-Sun, 3pm – 7:30pm
Mid-Autumn Food Tasting: 10 and 11 September, Sat-Sun, 7pm – 9pm
Cultural Performances: 10 and 11 September, Sat-Sun, 7:30pm – 8:30pm

A word of caution: We expect it this year’s exhibits to draw huge crowds due to its nostalgic appeal so if you can, do go early. Also, candle lit lanterns are not allowed on the compound.

Here’s another wonderful venue to truly capture the spirit of Mid-Autumn and create some unique memorable experience with your family!