Deals & Discounts Neighborhood tours Culture & history Landmarks & monuments Tours Guided tours Architecture Sightseeing Religious & spiritual activities Educational activities Museums & exhibitions

75% of Singaporeans have Chinese roots, but our culture is unique. Discover its evolution on the 'Pagodas, Plans, & People' tour, from historic temples to a vibrant, modern identity.

Highlights

• This tour tells the unique story of the Singaporean Chinese identity.
• We go beyond the surface to discover why the culture here is so different.
• You will learn how Singapore's urban planning directly shaped its people.
• You leave with a profound appreciation, not just with photos.
• This private tour is a genuine conversation, not a scripted lecture.

Description

A Journey Through the Singaporean Chinese Identity Nearly 75% of Singaporeans have Chinese ancestry, yet the culture here is a unique blend you won't find anywhere else in the world. But how did it become so distinct? This tour connects the dots between our modern identity, our historical roots, and the very streets we walk on. Our journey begins with the 'People'. We start at the modern Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre to dive straight into the heart of what it means to be Singaporean Chinese today. Here, we’ll explore the vibrant mix of traditions, pop culture, food, and language that defines this dynamic and evolving identity, setting the stage for our journey back in time. Next, we step into the past to visit the 'Pagodas'. We will travel to the Thian Hock Kheng Temple, Singapore's oldest and most important Hokkien temple. As we breathe in the fragrant incense and marvel at the intricate carvings—assembled without a single nail—we'll uncover the stories of the earliest Chinese immigrants, their profound faith, and the community they built from scratch. This is where the Singaporean Chinese story began. Finally, we explore the 'Plans'. Our tour concludes at the URA City Gallery, where a massive, detailed model of Singapore awaits. Here, we will see how visionary urban planning and bold architectural decisions didn't just build a city, but actively shaped the cultural landscape. We’ll discover how the environment itself influenced the way communities interacted, evolved, and created the Singapore we know today. Join me on the 'Pagodas, Plans, and People' tour to piece together this incredible puzzle, and see for yourself how a migrant culture laid down roots, grew, and blossomed into something uniquely Singaporean. Important Note: The URA City Gallery is closed on weekends and public holidays. On those days, our tour will conclude with a visit to the magnificent Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the bustling Chinatown Complex, offering a different but equally fascinating glimpse into local Chinese life and culture.

Includes

Guide Fee Entrance to attractions (free entry)

Important Information

• Moderate amount of walking required. Weather is often hot or rainy, please bring along an umbrella and water bottle.

Easy cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund