Bishan, Singapore

The Bishan Planning Area (Simplified Chinese: 碧山, Traditional Chinese: 碧山, Pinyin: Bì Shān, Malay: Bishan, Tamil: பிஷான்) is one of the key urban planning regions of Singapore, located in the central part of the island. Known for its balance of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, Bishan is a vibrant yet tranquil part of the city. Covering an area of approximately 7.62 square kilometres, it has a population of around 91,300 residents as of 2020, translating to a population density of roughly 12,000 people per square kilometre¹. Most of Bishan (or possibly all) is within postal district 20. This makes it a moderately dense region compared to other planning areas in Singapore, offering both connectivity and liveability.

History of Bishan

The area we now know as Bishan has a unique history. Prior to its modern development, Bishan was the site of the Peck San Theng cemetery, which was one of the largest Chinese burial grounds in Singapore. In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the land was cleared for redevelopment into a new town, in line with Singapore’s urban planning vision. Bishan New Town was officially developed in 1983 and rapidly transformed into a modern residential estate with excellent amenities and transport links².

Bishan, Singapore (29 July 2017)

Origin and Pronunciation of the Name

The name “Bishan” is derived from the Cantonese name “Peck San” (碧山), meaning “jade hill.” The pronunciation of Bishan in modern English spelling is Bee-shan, while in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), it is represented as /ˈbiːʃɑːn/.

Geography and Boundaries

Bishan is strategically located in the central region of Singapore, surrounded by several other planning areas. To the north lies the Ang Mo Kio Planning Area, while Serangoon Planning Area is to the east. The south is bordered by the Toa Payoh Planning Area, and to the west lies the expansive Central Water Catchment. This positioning makes Bishan both an important transit hub and a desirable residential neighbourhood.

Subzones of Bishan

Transport and Accessibility

Bishan enjoys excellent connectivity to the rest of Singapore. It is served by major expressways such as the Central Expressway (CTE) and the upcoming North-South Corridor, ensuring smooth vehicular travel. Several arterial roads, including Upper Thomson Road and Bartley Road, pass near or through Bishan, linking it seamlessly to neighbouring towns.

MRT Connectivity

The MRT system is a vital part of Bishan’s accessibility. The area is anchored by Bishan MRT Station, an interchange between the North South Line and the Circle Line. Other nearby MRT stations include Marymount (on the Circle Line) and the future Bright Hill Station, which will serve both the Thomson-East Coast Line and the Cross Island Line³.

Residential Real Estate

As of 2024, Bishan remains one of the more desirable housing areas in Singapore, partly due to its central location and accessibility. Property prices here are higher than the national average. For instance:

A typical 4-room HDB flat in Bishan (approx. 1,000 sq ft / 93 sq m) can cost between SGD 750,000 and SGD 950,000.
Private condominiums, such as those around Bishan Street 22, are priced from around SGD 1,800 to SGD 2,200 per square foot, meaning a 1,200 sq ft (111 sq m) unit may fetch over SGD 2 million.
Rental rates for a standard 3-bedroom condo average SGD 4,000–5,500 per month, depending on proximity to MRT stations and amenities⁴.

This puts Bishan firmly within the category of premium housing estates, though still somewhat more affordable than central areas like the Downtown Core or Rochor Planning Area.

Interesting Sights and Attractions

Bishan is more than just a residential district—it also offers green spaces, recreation, and cultural amenities. Some notable attractions include:

Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park: One of Singapore’s largest urban parks, featuring a meandering river, open lawns, and recreational facilities.
Bishan Public Library: An iconic architectural landmark known for its striking façade and vibrant interior design.
Bishan Sports Complex: A hub for fitness and sports activities, with swimming pools, stadium facilities, and gyms.
Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery: The largest Buddhist monastery in Singapore, offering visitors a serene spiritual experience.

Community and Lifestyle

Bishan offers residents a mix of convenience and comfort. Educational institutions such as Catholic High School, Raffles Institution, and Kuo Chuan Presbyterian School give the area strong appeal to families. Shopping malls like Junction 8 provide retail and dining options, while the nearby Serangoon Planning Area and Novena Planning Area add to the lifestyle amenities available within short reach.

Fun Facts

One fun fact about Bishan is that it is one of the few housing estates in Singapore where HDB flats regularly cross the million-dollar mark on the resale market⁵. Another interesting point is that Bishan MRT Station was the first underground station in Singapore to feature a naturally ventilated design when it opened in 1987.

Quick Facts

Size: 7.62 sq km
Population: ~91,300 (2020)
Population Density: ~12,000 people per sq km
Established: 1983 (redeveloped from Peck San Theng cemetery)
Name Origin: From Cantonese “Peck San” (碧山), meaning jade hill
Pronunciation: Bee-shan (/ˈbiːʃɑːn/)
Main MRT Stations: Bishan (NSL, CCL), Marymount (CCL), Bright Hill (TEL, CRL)
Main Expressways: CTE, upcoming North-South Corridor
Highlights: Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Bishan Public Library, Kong Meng San Monastery
Average Housing Prices: HDB 4-room ~SGD 750k–950k; Condominiums ~SGD 1,800–2,200 psf

Map of Bishan, Singapore

MRT Stations in Bishan

Bishan MRT Station (GPS: 1.35076, 103.84811)
Bright Hill MRT Station (GPS: 1.3638, 103.83354)
Upper Thomson MRT Station (GPS: 1.35452, 103.83296)

Sights in Bishan

Bishan Bus Interchange (GPS: 1.35044, 103.84944)
Bishan MRT Station (GPS: 1.35076, 103.84811)
Junction 8 (GPS: 1.35072, 103.84883)
Marymount MRT Station (GPS: 1.34913, 103.83946)
Peck San Theng 碧山 (GPS: 1.34565, 103.84451)

References

Page Details

This page was created on 6 September 2025. Hi, my name is Timothy and created it from my research, for my own entertainment, knowledge and to satisfy my curiosity. I am providing the information to you in good faith and hope it is useful. I try to get the details as accurate as possible. I also try to update the page whenever I stumble on new details. So this and all my other pages are perpetual work in progress. If you discover any error, please politely inform me, pointing out where the error lies, and I will correct it as soon as possible. Your helpfulness will keep this page accurate, relevant and helpful to those who need the information.

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