Haw Par Villa exhibit depicting a scene from the Eight Immortals’ battle beneath the Eastern Sea

The stories of the Eight Immortals have always been close to the hearts of ordinary Chinese as the life conditions they represent, such as age, poverty and wealth, are what the masses at large can relate to. Each immortal owns a magical emblem, as demonstrated in this postcard by Tie Guai Li, who is armed with his iron crutch and magical gourd as he fights the Dragon King’s troops – disguised in various forms of sea life – beneath the Eastern Sea in one of the Eight Immortals’ adventures. Sculptures and statues portraying themes from Chinese folklore and legend such as the Eight Immortals formed the foundation of Haw Par Villa, which Aw Boon Haw built in a bid to educate the public about Chinese culture. Originally called Tiger Balm Gardens, the theme park was built in 1937 along Pasir Panjang Road.

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Haw Par Villa exhibit depicting a scene from the Eight Immortals’ battle beneath the Eastern Sea

Haw Par Villa exhibit depicting a scene from the Eight Immortals’ battle beneath the Eastern Sea

Haw Par Villa statue of He Xian Gu, one of the Eight Immortals

Haw Par Villa exhibit depicting the battle scene between the Eight Immortals and the Dragon King beneath the Eastern Sea