Bishan

Names
English:	Bishan
Chinese:	碧山
(Pinyin:	bìshān)
Malay:	Bishan
Tamil:	பீஷான்

Bishan is a small neighbourhood of the city-state of Singapore situated in the Central-North, measuring approximately three by three kilometres. Primarily a housing estate, Bishan houses the upper-middle classes and flats there are relatively more expensive than in other estates due to its central location. 7 Sq Km with an estimated 75,000 residents. There are three sub-zones; Upper Thomson, Marymount and Bishan East.

Origin of the name

Bishan is located at what was formerly known as Kampong San Theng, also known as Peck San Theng (碧山亭), which means Green Hill Pavilion. It was established in 1870 as a burial ground by immigrants who largely came from the three prefectures of Kwong Fu (广州府), Wai Chow Fu (惠洲府) and Siew Heng Fu (肇庆府) in Guangdong Province, China. The full name of this burial ground is called Kwong Wai Siew Peck San Theng (广惠肇碧山亭). This is because the burial ground was intended to cater solely to the Cantonese community in the early days.

In 1979, the Singapore government decided to acquire all its land to create a new town. All the existing graves were exhumed and the remains cremated during the 1980s. The new town was named Bishan, which is the same as Peck San except the former is in Hanyu Pinyin and the latter is in Cantonese.

Bishan Park

Bishan Park, one of the largest parks in Singapore, is spread over two halves and dissected by Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1. One entrance is opposite the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery. Much quieter than East Coast Park, the northern section of the park is a beautiful, quiet spot with a series of linked ponds spanned by small wooden Japanese-style bridges, immaculately kept gardens and a delightful ornamental lily pond. This park also has a long bike trail, a skate park, and even an equipped dog run.

Bishan Active

Bishan Active, a S$1.8 million sports hub was constructed in the heart of the Bishan North neighbourhood on a seven-year lease. This 24,000-sq m Bishan Active features a playground and an exercise corner for senior citizens and will be the new home and training ground for the Singapore women’s football team. The sports facility include a basketball court, a football pitch and a roller blade track. There is also a multi-purpose sheltered pavilion. The Town Council will also look into further improvements, such as adding shower facilities there.

External Links

http://www.btptc.org.sg/
http://www.centralsingaporecdc.org.sg/