The S. Gardon greenhouse garden complex, developed through a partnership between the Jinan Start-up Area in east China's Shandong Province and Singapore's Keppel Group, represents a milestone in bilateral eco-cultural development. Since its opening, the complex has emerged as a major tourist attraction, drawing more than 1.17 million visitors. This initiative highlights the growing cooperation between China and Singapore, blending ecological conservation with smart urban planning.

Ecological and Cultural Integration at Queshan

Located in the Queshan eco-cultural zone of the Jinan Start-up Area, S. Gardon is built on a foundation of ecological conservation. The Jinan Start-up Area has prioritized green, smart, and livable urban development, making the greenhouse garden complex a central piece of its regional strategy. By integrating Singapore's advanced planning philosophy and management practices with Chinese and Singaporean cultural resources, the project showcases how modern cities can balance environmental sustainability with cultural heritage.

The Merlion and the Yellow River: Symbolic Fusion

A key highlight within the garden is Shandong's first Merlion statue built with official authorization from Singapore. This installation makes Jinan the eighth city outside Singapore to officially use the iconic Merlion image. Standing alongside the statue is a 14-meter-high indoor waterfall. Together, these elements symbolize the integration of Yellow River culture and Nanyang culture, creating a unique visual and cultural landmark that bridges the two regions.

Global Outreach and Cultural Exchange

Over the past year, S. Gardon has served as a platform for international exchange. The complex has hosted several high-profile events, including:

  • A Sino-Singapore food market showcasing regional culinary traditions.
  • A youth exchange campaign inviting Singaporean youth to visit and explore the Jinan Start-up Area.

Expanding the Sino-Singapore Partnership

The collaboration between the Jinan Start-up Area and Singapore extends far beyond cultural tourism, spanning critical sectors such as technology, healthcare, and business services.

Green Technology and Academic Collaboration

In the field of science and technology, the partnership achieved a major milestone with the inauguration of the Sino-Singapore green technology research institute in July 2024. Jointly established by Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, Shandong University, and the administrative committee of the Jinan Start-up Area, this facility represents China's second Sino-Singapore cooperative research institution. The institute focuses on developing sustainable technologies and fostering academic exchange to support the region's green transition.

Smart Elderly Care Initiatives

Addressing demographic shifts, the partnership has also ventured into healthcare and senior living. In 2025, an inclusive project integrating medical and elderly care services was put into use in the Jinan Start-up Area. Operated by Keppel Group's team, this facility serves to pilot innovative smart senior care models, combining Singapore's management expertise in healthcare with local community needs.

Facilitating Bilateral Business Services

To support economic integration, the Shandong (Singapore) enterprise service center has been established. This center provides comprehensive, end-to-end support for Singaporean companies looking to invest in Shandong Province. The services offered include:

  • Business registration assistance.
  • Investment consultation services.
  • Detailed policy interpretation.

By streamlining these administrative and strategic processes, the center lowers barriers to entry and fosters a more dynamic business environment for international investors.