The Singapore Chinese Story

Summary

Our tour starts from Telok Ayer Street, the first Chinatown in Singapore. This is where the early migrants landed in Singapore, and set up what is today's Thian Hock Keng Temple, a Taoist Temple. I will share with you the theology of this faith and the philosophy behind it. As we walk past Amoy Street, you will be introduced into the various foods that came to our shores from southern China. It gives you an idea that although all are Chinese, but the foods and the dialects are totally different in many aspects.  A short walk away, is Ann Siang Hill. A street lined with pre-war Art Deco shophouses. You will visit a Clan Association and see for yourself the mission of these association and their contribution to the Chinese community pre-independence of Singapore. As we walk the street of Chinatown, you will see the various herbs and traditional chinese medicines to improve well-beings; geckos, mushrooms and seahorses just to name a few. I will also share some of the local folk remedy that will sure to intrigue you.  The highlight of the tour is a visit to the Chinatown Heritage Centre. I will provide a guided tour in the gallery and here, you will witness, almost first hand, the sights and sounds and even smell of the conditions Singaporeans were living in before we moved to what is today's our middle class public housing.  This is a tour of 2 centuries that I strongly recommend you take with me. At the end of it, it will leave you with a deeper understanding about not just Chinese, but the multi-racial society Singaporeans are proud of.

Tour info

Duration
4 hours - 5 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Take this walking tour and learn about the journey of the Southern Chinese immigration into 南洋 or "South Seas", a Chinese collective term of South-East Asia. We will walk through Taoist temple, Medicinal Halls, Food Centre, Social Clubs and end in Chinatown Heritage Centre. At the end of the tour, you will better appreciate Chinese cultures in "South Seas" flavours, understand the evolution of Singapore's Chinese through the window of language, religion, social practices and where we are heading into the future. 

What’s included?

  • Chinatown Heritage Centre Entrance Ticket

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

  • Transportation

  • Food and drinks

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 4-5 hours

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

Singapore Travel Guide

About operator:

Singapore Travel Guide specialises in giving travelers a better understanding of Singapore. When you come to our tours, you become part of it. It is interactive as we are not just talking about the attractions, but philosophy of the city, religions and life itself. Our tours are eco friendly and local, so come and walk with me.

  • 18 reviews

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