Taking inspiration from a description of the mythical phoenix in the Chinese classic text "Shan Hai Jing", the artist adopts the phoenix as a symbol of perseverance and strength of the first Chinese settlers. Not intending to just use recognisable depictions of old Chinatown, Tan wished to capture the enduring and noble spirit of the forefathers, which helped build today's Singapore, in this artwork. In the mural, the phoenix flies over the waterfront of Singapore, depicted by two kris-shaped rocks. These two rocks, which once existed at the waters' edge, were used as indicators by early Chinese navigators, who referred Singapore as "Dragon's Teeth Gate". Written on the phoenix's body are five characters meaning Virtue, Righteousness, Civility, Benevolence and Credibility, regarded to be the five core values of men.