Merlion, as a symbol of Tourism Singapore (STB), first appeared in 1964. This lion-headed fish standing on the top of the waves soon became a symbol of Singapore. Merlion Panorama Merlion was designed by Mr. Fraser Brunner, then curator of Van Kleef Aquarium. The lion's head of the Merlion represents a magical beast recorded in the Chronicle of Malays, which was seen on this island by Prince San Niro Udama of Sanfo Qi Kingdom in the 11th century in the park. Later, he learned that it was a lion. In this regard, the prince named the island "Singapura". In Sanskrit, "Singapura" means "Singa" and "pura".
Fishtail symbolizes the ancient city of Temasek before the prince discovered the island, and represents the development of Singapore from a small fishing village.
Merlion and Little Merlion were originally built in Merlion Park near the seaside park bridge, 12 meters away from the present site. Merlion Park has thus gained a place among the famous landmarks of world cities and become a popular tourist attraction. On September 15th, 1972, the former Prime Minister of Singapore, Mr. Lee Kuan Yew, presided over the official opening ceremony of Merlion Park. In order to commemorate this great event, a bronze plaque was made with a dedication: "Merlion is a symbol of Singapore's hospitality".
Merlion has been guarding the estuary of Singapore for 3 years, and now it has moved to its new home-a reclamation area of 2,5 square meters adjacent to Fulton No.1..
Merlion's new residence takes water as the theme, with lighting effects, creating a vivid and spectacular visual effect of Merlion floating on the blue waves. The surrounding open space can be used for various outdoor performances. There is also a floating stage not far away, which can rise and fall with the tide. The staircase connecting the Merlion and the grandstand not only allows visitors to get close to the water, but also allows them to sit on the ground with the staircase.
The baby Merlion sits in a unique pool 28 meters behind its mother. It will also echo the Merlion and spray water columns from its mouth. Originally, the Merlion family had only three children: father, mother and baby. Later, in response to the government's call to "be a good person" (because the population is too small, it encourages childbearing), the Merlion family has such a little baby. In addition, Merlion's father is in Santa Taosha Island, facing his mother across the sea, which is the tallest one. There is also the Merlion Baby, which is on the highest mountain in Singapore, a little bigger than the baby in the city.