Haw Par Villa sculpture of a shell woman

This shell woman is nearing the end of reincarnation, after which she would gain full human form, a process Chinese believe possible through long-term, disciplined mediation. 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.