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Suntec City, which opened in the 1990’s, is a massive complex of
buildings that are linked by architectural style and design as well as
underground walkways – it is like a city in itself.
According to
Feng Shui, Suntec City is located in the region of Singapore’s left
hand. The right hand is located at the financial district of Raffles
Place, and together the hands cradle City Hall. Perhaps this is why
Suntec City has also been developed as the country’s largest shopping,
business and entertainment center, with its success greatly attributed
to feng shui.
The place is comprised of four office towers and the structure housing
Southeast Asia’s largest exhibition and convention center. This comes
complete with exposed structural elements, rather reminiscent of the
style of Paris’ Pompidou Centre.
Suntec City is also the location of largest shopping mall in Singapore
that is made up of over 270 retail outlets with wares ranging from
fashion to home supplies, a multiplex cinema, Singapore’s biggest
megamarket, the Carrefour, and the world’s largest fountain, the
“Fountain of Wealth.” Food and beverage outlets from hawker carts to
fine dining restaurants with culinary offerings to suit every taste and
craving surround all these fantastic structures.
The majestic Fountain of Wealth which may be found springing up in the
middle of the plaza was built in accordance with feng shui principles –
symbolically it sits in the palm of a left hand radiating wealth.
Four 13.8-metre high bronze legs support a huge bronze ring measuring 21
meters in diameter as the water of the fountain flows inwards from the
ring. To translate the design symbolism: the four legs symbolize the
four races and religions of Singapore, and the ring is based on a Hindu
“Mandala” representing unity and peace.
The bronze material used also carries great symbolic significance with
the Chinese belief that when metal and water are balanced correctly, a
pathway to success will follow.
Finally, the inward flowing water is significant for two reasons.
Firstly, water is known as the symbol of life and wealth in Chinese
culture, and secondly the inward motion of the water symbolizes the
retention of wealth for Suntec City.
Another very popular attraction in Suntec is the Suntec City Koi Garden
which has been reeling in the crowds, not only during the weekends but
also during the weekdays.
 The
Koi Garden has become a recreational respite for those who go to Suntec
City Mall for a bout of shopping. Shoppers would gather with their
families at the pond for about half-an-hour's playtime and a chance to
feed the pond’s more than 400 colorful kois swimming in the languid
pool.
These kois, though very ornamental in appearance, were specially chosen
not just for their vivid colors but also for the feng shui elements they
carry. They are there to gel with the fengshui elements of Suntec City.
The crescent-shaped pond, which occupies an area of 403 square meters,
has been around since the opening of the shopping center. Initially, it
was just intended to be a 'reflecting pool' for meditation and rest
purposes. It was only later that the management decided to add the kois
as a further boost to the feng shui of the place. It is said that the
kois not only amplify the place’s over-all fengshui but also strengthen
family ties.
Entrance to the Koi Garden is free. The garden opens from 7am to 10pm
daily. There is a kiosk selling aquarium supplies and accessories.
Visitors to the pond may also purchase proper fish feed from the kiosk,
which is open from 11am to 10pm, for the kois in the pond.
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