• Sky Garden at CapitaSpring - Experience breathtaking views of the city from Singapore’s second tallest skyscraper. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the Historic District of Chinatown.
• Yueh Hai Ching Temple - Possibly founded as early as 1819, this temple predates Thian Hock Keng Temple and is often missed by both locals and tourists. Step inside this peaceful temple and be transported to another world.
• Pekin Street - Enter the courtyard of a Chinese boys’ school from 1854 and imagine the past, with schoolboys learning, writing, and playing traditional games like chapteh after classes.
• Fuk Tak Chi Museum - Originally a temple built by Cantonese and Hakka worshippers of Tua Pek Kong (God of Prosperity) in the 1820s, this charming building now hosts a museum showcasing life in the area about 200 years ago.
• Thian Hock Keng Temple - Established in 1821, this is the oldest Hokkien temple and likely the second oldest Chinese temple in Singapore. Marvel at its stunning architecture, constructed without nails, learn about Taoist and Buddhist practices, discover the gift from Qing Emperor Guang Xu, and search for the bats residing there.
• Ann Siang Hill - Try to spot the last water well in Chinatown, learn about the hills and plantations that once existed, and discover how Ann Siang Hill got its name.
• Chinese Weekly Entertainment Club - Uncover the story behind Club Street’s name and the high society parties that took place at this millionaire’s club.
• Goh Loo Club - Visit another Chinese millionaire’s club and learn the story behind its unique window grills.
• Mohamed Ali Lane - Encounter local artist Yip Yew Chong’s second mural on this tour. His vibrant, heritage-themed street art has brought life to Historic Chinatown.
• Chiew Kee Noodle House - Savor a traditional soya sauce chicken noodle/rice lunch at this establishment, which dates back to 1949.
• Yue Hwa Chinese Products - Once known as the “Raffles Hotel of Chinatown,” explore the illustrious past of this 1927 building, now a Chinese emporium.
• The Majestic - Discover the origins of The Majestic Theatre and the wealthy Chinese merchant who made it possible.
• Lim Chee Guan New Bridge Road Store - Established in 1938, Lim Chee Guan survived the Second World War and remains one of Singapore’s most beloved brands 85 years later.
• Pek Sin Choon Pte Ltd - Founded in 1925, this tea shop with its unique Nanyang blends boasts nearly 100 years of history.
• Tai Thong Cake Shop - This traditional bakery from 1950 offers Cantonese-style mooncakes and other sweet treats year-round. Stop by for a taste.
• Lau Choy Seng Pte Ltd - Located along Temple Street, where three more of Yip Yew Chong’s murals can be found, Lau Choy Seng (1948) is a treasure trove of kitchenware that will inspire your culinary skills.
• Smith Street - View another of Yip Yew Chong’s murals, depicting his own home in Sago Lane, Chinatown over five decades ago. Also, visit Lai Chun Yuen Opera House along Smith Street, Singapore’s first integrated resort, which combined theatre, opium-smoking, gambling, and prostitution. Learn about Smith Street’s sordid past, once lined with brothels frequented by coolies, rickshaw pullers, and businessmen.
• Sago Street (Street Of The Dead) - Discover how Sago Lane earned its nickname “Street of the Dead” and what it has become today.
• Fong Moon Kee - Conclude the tour at Fong Moon Kee. Established in 1908, this 115-year-old ointment shop may have the remedy for any nagging aches and pains. If coolies and rickshaw pullers relied on their ointments, who are we to doubt their wisdom?

• Licensed tourist guide
• Disposable poncho for rain
• Lunch included

• Gratuities.

On this pedestrian exploration, we follow the journey of the pioneer migrants who ventured from China in pursuit of improved living conditions in South-East Asia, finding their path to Singapore, establishing temples, and creating clans for mutual support. We delve into the stories of some who flourished to become among the wealthiest individuals in Asia, while others labored and died impoverished with no relatives to grieve their passing.

We’ll explore locations where institutions like Chinese opera houses, prostitution centers, opium and betting houses were once rampant when the male-female ratio was skewed at 14 to 1.

Through wall art created by local artist Yip Yew Chong, we get a glimpse into the daily life in the 19th and 20th century Singapore.

We’ll have our lunch at one of Singapore’s oldest establishments before we resume our search for other enduring traditional businesses in Chinatown that have survived the passage of time.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.