The Merlion

The Merlion is a national symbol of Singapore, featuring a creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. It represents Singapore’s origins as a fishing village (the fish body) and its early history as a lion city (the lion head). Designed in 1964, it stands at 8.6 meters tall near Marina Bay, symbolizing Singapore’s growth and identity. The Merlion is a popular tourist icon, often used to promote national pride and serve as a scenic backdrop for photographs. It combines myth and history, reflecting Singapore’s transformation from a humble port to a vibrant global city.