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Offered languages
- English
On this walking tour, we trace the footsteps of the early immigrants who left China in search of a better life in South-East Asia, and how they found their way to Singapore, built temples and formed clans to look after each other. We learn about how some prospered to become some of Asia’s richest men, whilst others slaved and died penniless without any next-of-kin to mourn them.
We’ll see where Chinese opera theatres, brothels, opium and gambling dens once thrived when the ratio of men to women was 14:1.
Through murals by local artist Yip Yew Chong, we sneak a peek at what life was like in 19th and 20th century Singapore.
Lunch will be at one of the oldest establishments in Singapore, before we continue our hunt for other traditional trades in Chinatown which have withstood the test of time.
What's Included
Meeting and pickup
Please meet us at Raffles Place MRT Exit A (Street Level, in front of The Whisky Distillery) at 0955 hrs. We start our tour at 1000 hrs.
Itinerary
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1
Enjoy a panoramic view of the city from Singapore's second tallest skyscraper. From here, we'll have a bird's eye view of the Historic District of Chinatown.
20 minutes • Admission ticket free -
2
Possibly established as early as 1819, making it older than Thian Hock Keng Temple, Yueh Hai Ching Temple is often overlooked by locals and tourists. Once inside this serene temple, you'll be transported to a different world.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
3
Step inside the courtyard of a Chinese boys' school from 1854 and imagine what the area must have been like with school boys learning to read and write, and playing traditional games like chapteh after classes.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
4
Once a temple built by Cantonese and Hakka worshippers of Tua Pek Kong (God of Prosperity) in the 1820s, the quaint building now houses a museum with an intriguing display of what life was like in the area about 200 years ago.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
5Thian Hock Keng Temple
Established in 1821, Thian Hock Keng Temple is the oldest Hokkien temple and likely the second oldest Chinese temple in Singapore. Admire its stunning architecture, built without a nail being used, learn about Taoist and Buddhist practices, find out about the gift from Qing Emperor Guang Xu to the temple, and hunt for the bats which live on the premises.
25 minutes • Admission ticket free -
6
See if you can spot the last water well in Chinatown, learn about the hills and plantations which used to exist in the area, and find out how Ann Siang Hill got its name.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
7
Discover the truth behind how Club Street got its name, and the high society parties which used to take place at this millionaire's club.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
8
We stop at another Chinese millionaire's club and find out the story behind its interesting window grills.
2 minutes • Admission ticket free -
9
Come face-to-face with local artist, Yip Yew Chong's second mural on this tour. He has successfully breathed vibrancy into Historic Chinatown with his brilliantly-coloured, often interactive, heritage-themed street art.
2 minutes • Admission ticket free -
10
Enjoy a traditional soya sauce chicken noodle/rice lunch at this establishment dating back to 1949.
30 minutes • Admission ticket free -
11
Once the "Raffles Hotel of Chinatown", we learn about the illustrious past of this 1927 building, which now houses a Chinese emporium.
2 minutes • Admission ticket free -
12
Find out how The Majestic Theatre came into being, and the wealthy Chinese merchant who made it possible.
2 minutes • Admission ticket free -
13
Established in 1938, Lim Chee Guan endured the Second World War and remains as one of Singapore's best loved brands 85 years on.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
14
Established in 1925, this tea shop with its unique Nanyang blends has close to 100 years of history.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
15
This old school bakery from 1950 sells Cantonese-style mooncakes and other sweet treats year round. We drop by for a taste.
10 minutes • Admission ticket free -
16
Located along Temple Street where we'll find 3 more of Yip Yew Chong's murals, Lau Choy Seng (1948) is a treasure trove of kitchenware which will inspire you to display your culinary skills.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
17
We take a look at another of Yip Yew Chong's murals, one which depicts his own home in Sago Lane, Chinatown more than 5 decades ago. We also stop to take a look at Lai Chun Yuen Opera House along Smith Street, which was Singapore's first integrated resort, bringing theatre, opium-smoking, gambling and prostitution all under one roof. We learn about the sordid past of Smith Street, where numerous brothels once lined, and the coolies, rickshaw pullers, businessmen, etc. who used to frequent them.
15 minutes • Admission ticket free -
18Sago Street (Street Of The Dead)
Find out how Sago Lane became known as the Street of the Dead, and what has become of it today.
5 minutes • Admission ticket free -
19
We end our tour at Fong Moon Kee. Established in 1908, this 115-year-old ointment shop might just have the answer to any aches and pains which may have been nagging you. If coolies and rickshaw pullers lived by their ointments, who are we to question their wisdom?
10 minutes • Admission ticket free
Additional info
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Tags
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Show more
Cancellation Policy
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
Rating
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
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