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Singapore's beloved Merlion has been spotted outside of Singapore -- this time all the way in a park in China.
This was after Merlion statues have been spotted in other regions, such as Hokkaido, Japan, as well as Medan, Indonesia.
Images of the statue in China have been posted on Chinese social media Xiaohongshu by user, Xiaoxionglaoshishuoliuxue, who revealed that the iconic hybrid creature is at the Merlion Park in Chuzhou, a city in China's Anhui province.
Screenshot via Xiaohongshu
According to photos and videos of the park posted online, the only difference between the Chinese version of the Merlion and its Singaporean counterpart appear to be that the former does not have its eyeballs painted, and its base isn't covered in porcelain.
Images via Xiaohongshu & Facebook
Besides the statue, the park is also equipped with boardwalks to accommodate strollers, joggers, and cyclists, according to its developer, China-Singapore Suzhou Industrial Park Development Group (CSSD).
Residents who adopt an active lifestyle can also make use of the park's basketball and badminton courts.
Screenshot via Weibo
Screenshot via Weibo
Merlion statue represents hospitality & cultural integration
According to CSSD, the company launched the park officially in July 2020, which prides itself in "integrating the styles of Singapore, Suzhou, and Chuchou" in its design.
Specifically, the Merlion statue was erected because it symbolises hospitality in Singapore, and its co-existence with other Chinese designs in the park demonstrates the harmonious integration of Chinese and Singaporean cultures, said the developer.
In total, the company had invested around 70 million yuan (S$13.3 million) in the park, which spans 310,000 sqm.
Not the only Merlion statue in China
While some Xiaohongshu social media users expressed surprise that a Merlion statue exists in China, one user commented that it is not as rare or shocking as people might think given that another Merlion statue was erected in Chengdu, a city in Southwest China.
Image via Xiaohongshu
The statue, located in the Sino-Singapore (Chengdu) Innovation Park (SSCIP), is a slightly smaller copy of the Merlion at Singapore's Marina Bay, according to SSCIP's official website.
This other Chinese version was unveiled jointly by government officials and business figures from Singapore in September 2018, one of whom was then-Minister in the Prime Minister's Office and Secretary-General of the National Trades Union Congress, Ng Chee Meng.
Statement from STB
In response to Mothership's queries, Hazel Teh, the director of compliance and corporate services of the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), said STB is aware of the Merlion statues overseas.
She also added that STB exercises discretion over the use of the Merlion symbol outside of Singapore, especially where such depictions are done in the right representation and spirit.
Business entities can reach out to STB for the use of the Merlion symbol.
STB, which was previously known as Singapore Tourist Promotion Board, was granted exclusive rights to use the Merlion symbol in 1966, according to the National Library Board.
As such, members of the public are not allowed to produce artefacts featuring the Merlion or anything that resembles it without first seeking permission from STB.
Top images via Xiaohongshu & Weibo