Free tour

See Singapore's Chinatown Heritage Through a Local’s Eyes

5.00

Excellent(11)

Singapore

Duration: 2 hours

Languages: English

Guru: Michael

Registered on 10 August 2025

I was born and raised in Singapore and have the privilege of having lived through a good part of the history of modern Singapore itself. It's been a remarkable journey to witness the changing landscape and the evolving characteristics of this nation. At the same time, I have always had a keen interest in the heritage, culture, and local stories of Singapore. Especially about the details and the connection to the events and transformation. I hope to provide an enriching experience for visitors. I am a licensed tour guide.

Free reservation and cancellation

Pay-what-you-want tour, no set price, reservation and cancellation are free

Tour description

Today, 74.3% of Singapore’s population is Chinese. Many of their forefathers left China during difficult times in search of a better life, and their journeys, struggles, and resilience are etched into the streets, shop-houses, and heritage of Chinatown.

Join us on this 2-hour walking tour through the heart of Chinatown, where history and culture come alive. Step back in time as we uncover the origins of this vibrant community—how early immigrants lived, worked, and played after arriving on Singapore’s shores. Discover their dreams and aspirations, as well as the challenges that caused many of those dreams to fade. The Chinatown story also mirrors those of immigrants from other ethnicities, making it an essential chapter in Singapore’s multicultural heritage.

Highlights

What will we see on this tour?

Meeting point:

80 Pagoda St, #80, Singapore 059239

Chinatown MRT Station, NE4 Go out to Exit A. Near SG Gift Shop.

Outside visit

New Bridge Road

We start at this point in Chinatown with an introduction of the history of Singapore.

Outside visit

Mosque Street

Understand why this is also called the Street of Harmony.

Outside visit

Smith Street

What are the early days of Chinatown like? Lets find out.

How much does this tour cost?

Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end the amount they consider appropriate (amounts usually range from €15 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).