Recently, a user named Xiaoxionglaoshishuoliuxue shared images of the Merlion statue in China on the social media platform Xiaohongshu. The photos revealed that the statue can be found in Merlion Park, situated in Chuzhou, a city within China’s Anhui province.
Upon observing pictures and videos of the park posted online, it becomes evident that the Chinese version of the Merlion differs slightly from its Singaporean counterpart. The Chinese statue lacks painted eyeballs and does not have a porcelain-covered base.
In addition to the Merlion statue, the park, developed by the China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park Development Group (CSSD), features convenient boardwalks that accommodate strollers, joggers, and cyclists. For those leading an active lifestyle, basketball and badminton courts are available.
CSSD officially launched the park in July 2020, boasting a design that combines elements from Singapore, Suzhou, and Chuchou.
China says it’s symbol of S’pore-Chinese culture
The presence of the Merlion statue symbolizes Singapore’s renowned hospitality, while its integration with other Chinese designs in the park exemplifies the harmonious blending of Chinese and Singaporean cultures, according to CSSD.
The park covers an extensive area of 310,000 square meters, and CSSD invested approximately 70 million yuan (S$13.3 million) in its development.
Although some users on Xiaohongshu expressed surprise at the existence of a Merlion statue in China, it is worth noting that another Merlion statue, slightly smaller in size, was unveiled in Chengdu, a city located in Southwest China.
This particular statue can be found in the Sino-Singapore (Chengdu) Innovation Park (SSCIP), and it replicates the Merlion at Singapore’s Marina Bay. The unveiling ceremony took place in September 2018 and involved government officials and business figures from Singapore, including Ng Chee Meng, who was then-Minister in the Prime Minister’s Office and Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress.
STB aware
Hazel Teh, the Director of Compliance and Corporate Services at the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), acknowledged that STB is aware of the overseas Merlion statues. Teh emphasized that STB exercises discretion regarding the use of the Merlion symbol outside Singapore, ensuring it is portrayed appropriately and in line with its intended spirit.
Business entities interested in utilizing the Merlion symbol are encouraged to seek permission from STB.
In 1966, the Singapore Tourism Board, previously known as the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board, obtained exclusive rights to use the Merlion symbol.
As a result, it is important to note that producing artifacts featuring the Merlion or resembling it without prior permission from STB is prohibited.