Footsteps of Our Forefathers: A Chinatown Heritage Walk
Tour description
Join me on this Chinatown walking tour, where we will trace the footsteps of our forefathers.
We begin at the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Centre, visiting the City Gallery to admire the city model and get an overview of Singapore’s urban landscape. We’ll then explore Singapore’s history, starting with Sir Stamford Raffles’ arrival in 1819.
Next, we visit St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital, which provided care to impoverished women and children in the early 1900s.
From there, we walk along Erskine Road, admiring the conserved shophouses. I’ll explain the significance of the five-foot way, a unique feature once used by small businesses.
In Chinatown, we’ll see landmarks like the Statue of the Coolie at Smith Street, honoring past laborers. We’ll marvel at vibrant murals by local artist Yip Yew Chong on Temple Street. As we continue down South Bridge Road, we’ll pass Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple. On Pagoda Street, we’ll stop at Unit 37, a former coolie house, and Unit 34, a former opium den, to glimpse early immigrant life.
Our tour concludes at Chinatown Complex, one of Singapore’s largest hawker centres. Here, I’ll introduce you to some of our famous street food, including Michelin-starred hawker dishes.
Come along on this journey through our history, heritage, and culture. I look forward to sharing Singapore’s stories with you!
What will we see on this tour?
