Contributed by Jurong Secondary School

Subject: Jurong Drive-In Cinema

Date Established: 1971

Address: 11 Japanese Garden Road,
Singapore (619229)

Division: Taman Jurong

Description: The Tang Dynasty is located off Yuan Ching Road, just meters from the former Drive-in Cinema.
Costing at S$100million, it was opened in 1992. The theme park was built to replicate the 7th century Chinese village of Chang’an. The theme park was developed mainly to bring the Tang culture to Singaporeans & serve as an addition to the Singapore film industry.
The Tang Dynasty fitted in well with the Chinese heritage in Taman Jurong.

Over the years, appeal dwindled rapidly due to the steep pricing, visitors not returning to the theme park and the advent of the financial crisis. It was evident that overlays of the Tang Dynasty may not have been sustainable.
By 1999, Tang Dynasty, along with its Artist Village, closed its doors. Efforts to revive the site in 2001 had failed. Attempts have been made to revive the place this year.

Today, the Tang Dynasty today is in ruins and said to have bats residing in its many buildings.
It has also become a popular “ghosting hunting” ground for urban adventurers.
A private company now runs a heavy vehicle park just outside the Tang Dynasty.