From Cemeteries to Hot Properties: The Southern Dragon’s Fengshui Influence on Singapore

Published: 20 May 2025

What do Sembawang, Bishan, Yishun, and Novena have in common? Beyond their connection to the Southern Dragon’s landform, these thriving neighborhoods were once cemeteries!

Is it mere coincidence, or has fengshui and the influence of Singapore’s Southern Dragon played a role in transforming former burial grounds into prime real estate? What does it mean to work, live, and play in a district within the Southern Dragon’s landform? Read on to find out!

For those who are scratching your head in confusion, read this to learn more about the hidden dragons in Singapore first. Alternatively, fast-track your fengshui journey here!

Discovering the Southern Dragon’s Fengshui Influence

Dragon landform: What is it?

Since prehistoric China, the practice of selecting favourable sites for settlement has always involved the observation of natural landscapes amongst other factors. In fengshui, a dragon landform refers to the shape and arrangement of land features such as mountains, rivers, and valleys, and their influence on the flow of “qi” or energy, which can influence various aspects of life.

Key elements of a dragon landform:

Dragon’s Head [龙头]: This is the landform’s most prominent feature, symbolising wisdom, vitality, and authority. It is ideal for significant structures or individuals with strong Bazi. Wondering where the Southern Dragon’s head lies? Let’s look at the answer below!

Dragon’s Body [龙身]: Featuring undulating terrain such as hills or rivers, this segment ensures smooth qi flow, which is key for stability and good fortune.

Dragon’s Tail [龙尾]: Referring to the landform’s tapering end, where qi dissipates. A smooth, unobstructed, and gentle transition into water or plains gathers wealth and stability, while sharp cuts or blockages (e.g. tunnels, skyscrapers) disrupt energy flow.

Note that the dragon’s tail should also be balanced with the dragon’s head. Overdevelopment at either end will cause instability. Residents staying near the dragon’s tail must be resilient and determined as energy here can be unstable.

Curious to learn more about dragon landforms? Don’t miss our upcoming strategic  fengshui  course!

Singapore’s Southern Dragon: Wealth Dragon

The dragon veins of the Southern and Central Dragons in Singapore can be traced back to Kota Tinggi in Malaysia. Sharing an affinity, these two dragons travelled in parallel, encircling Seletar Reservoir, Pierce Reservoir and MacRitchie Reservoir.

Fast-paced and unpredictable, the Southern Dragon favours residential and commercial developments over culture and education. Thriving commerce and redeveloped cemeteries have led to densely populated neighbourhoods such as Sembawang, Bishan, Yishun, and Novena. Do you live in any of these neighbourhoods?

F.Y.I. The Southern Dragon is also known as the Wealth Dragon. Could living within its domain enhance financial success? Let’s explore, starting with the dragon’s head!

Location of Dragon’s Head: Mount Emily

View of service reservoirs at Mount Emily. Credits: National Museum of Singapore

Mention Mount Emily, and you’d likely imagine a quiet, idyllic hilltop park surrounded by landed properties in District 9. Located just a stone’s throw from the Istana, Little India, and Bugis, did you know that Mount Emily was initially occupied by Singapore’s first resident, William Farquhar? In fact, this land was once owned by several prominent individuals!

Mount Emily reservoir, constructed in 1878, was one of the two service reservoirs that supplied water to our town, prior to being converted into Singapore’s first public pool! Previously, we shared that the dragon’s head location is most suitable for significant structures or individuals with strong Bazi.

With Mount Emily being the Southern Dragon’s commanding front, this certainly explains its history and past owners who were visionary and influential. Still unconvinced? Mount Sophia is one of the earliest middle class residential estates in Singapore. Famous businessmen Eu Tong Sen, August Behn, V. Lorenz Meyer and F.A. Schreibe also resided here!

These famous businessmen were leaders in their vocation, with a strong enough Bazi to reside on the dragon’s head landform, and enjoyed the influence of the Southern (Wealth) Dragon.

Are you staying at Mount Emily or know anyone who stays here? For those curious about how to tap into the Dragon’s energy to flourish in your career, don’t miss our upcoming strategic fengshui course!

Locations at Dragon’s Body: Bishan

Entrance of Kampong San Teng, 1958. Credits: Kwong Wai Siew Peck San Theng.

Why is Bishan so expensive?  We hear this often. Well, Bishan, a sought-after HDB estate, is prized for its central location, amenities, and strong resale value. Its name, from the Cantonese Peck San Theng (“pavilions on the green”), traces back to its origins as a burial ground founded in 1870 by Cantonese and Hakka immigrants.

Today, Bishan is home to the renowned Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (Bright Hill) in addition to being a popular housing estate with several million dollar HDB flats.

Located at the stable torso of the Southern Dragon, this means that people staying in this region enjoy central support and nurturing strength. Are you a Bishan resident? Lucky you! According to fengshui, Bishan is a “Monkey Land”, consisting of two types of monkeys with distinct personalities.

Two fun-loving white monkeys protect the MacRitchie Reservoir, indicating good potential for commercial and technological developments.

At Peirce Reservoir, there are five monkeys that can each be distinguished by the Five Elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, and Earth). Their influence is similar to that of the “Five Ghosts Transporting Treasure” formation in Ang Mo Kio, which benefits the commercial sector. Residents who are doing businesses here are likely to succeed, but must manage their finances prudently to avoid wealth leakage.

In general, Bishan is excellent for long-term residence, spiritual growth, and educational success. So, don’t miss the chance to learn useful  fengshui  knowledge that can help you and your household members to thrive further in life!

Locations at Dragon’s Tail: Sembawang

Map of the Island of Singapore.  Credits: The National Archives of the UK, ref. MPG1/857 (1).

The Southern Dragon anchors to Kallang River, originating at Lower Peirce Reservoir, which shares resources with Sembawang. Herein lies the Dragon’s Tail, marking the entrance of the Southern Dragon as well as its tail end.

Once home to the British Naval Base in the 1920s and later the Sembawang Shipyard, Sembawang has since maintained its maritime identity. This northernmost town is often perceived as quiet and laidback, as compared to bustling central areas.

Nevertheless, Sembawang region is buzzing with new developments with the arrival of the fengshui Period 9. Coincidence or fengshui? We leave it up to you to decide. From a fengshui perspective, staying within the Dragon’s Tail landform could be unstable but transformative! The tail energy implies output, which is ideal for innovation and reinvention.

The fengshui formation identified in Sembawang is believed to be that of “Thriving Bamboos”. In Chinese culture, bamboos represent auspiciousness, growth, and progress. This formation implies positive influences for residents in Sembawang. Are you a resident of Sembawang or eyeing one of the upcoming BTOs (launching soon!) at Sembawang North?

If you are a resident here, the best way forward is by staying down-to-earth, working hard, and taking all matters in stride.  Curious on what else you can do to unlock prosperity? Embark on your fengshui  journey with Way Academy today!

 

Which areas does the Southern Dragon cover?

Representing the Fire element, the low-key Southern Dragon signifies wealth where housing estates and commerce thrive under its coverage from Mount Emily to Sembawang. The following districts fall under the precinct of the Southern Dragon within their unique fengshui formation.

A home is more than just a shelter. The topography and surrounding environment can influence various aspects of your life, hence it is essential to know if you are staying in the right place that aligns with your values.

For example, not everyone can stay at/near the Dragon’s head where qi is most powerful. It is more suitable for those who seek rapid growth. Proper alignment with the dragon’s energy can also foster greater harmony in relationships and enhance your quality of life.

Are you curious about the fengshui landforms of your residential district? Perhaps you are wondering if you are staying in the right place or how you can tap into favourable energies to thrive in all aspects of life. Well, don’t miss our upcoming strategic fengshui course by Master Goh Guan Leong and learn how to decipher hidden qi flows in your district.

Singapore’s fengshui in Period 9

Last but not least, you may have come across the term, Period 9, which is a new fengshui 20-year period from 2024 to 2043. In fengshui, we believe in the philosophy of Tian Di Ren (天地人), which essentially means being at the right place, with the right person, at the right time.

Located at Earth’s Southern tip and favoured by the Nine Purple Star, our island city is well-positioned for growth. In addition, Singapore’s landform energy moves as one in the new fengshui period, meaning when one prospers, all benefit! Leading this cycle, the Southern Dragon drives momentum and opportunities.

Are you ready to master your destiny? Don’t miss our strategic  fengshui  course to learn more about how fengshui can play a part in your daily life to transform your future!

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