Most Chinatown walking tours last about two hours – neat, tidy, and done. But this isn’t one of those tours. I’m asking you to give me three hours of your morning, and in return, I’ll take you deep into the heart of Chinatown – not just its glories, but also its grit, its struggles, and its triumphs.

We’ll begin with the arrival of the early Chinese immigrants and their often heartbreaking stories of hardship and hope. You’ll hear about the chaos and colour that shaped this once rough-and-tumble district, culminating in the arrival of William Pickering – the first Protector of Chinese – whose name still lives on at Pickering and Upper Pickering Streets.

The British authorities had their hands full dealing with the complexities of a community that spoke many dialects and lived by its own rules. Secret societies were not merely whispers of danger – they were a matter of survival. Even the women of the red-light district depended on them for protection. These were the realities of life in old Chinatown: tough, raw, and very human.

But it wasn’t all gloom. By the early 1900s, the tides began to turn. The Peranakans, with their love for beauty, food, and festivity, brought colour and grace into everyday life. As Singapore modernised, Chinatown too evolved – its narrow alleys and crowded shophouses slowly giving way to prosperity.

Today, amidst gleaming skyscrapers and trendy cafés, Chinatown still whispers its old secrets. If you know where to look, the signs of the past remain – tucked between modern façades and hidden in the stories of those who once called it home.

Join me, your ole Uncle Chris, as we walk through time together – down streets lined with memory, truth, and a touch of nostalgia.

Meeting Point:
9am at Maxwell MRT Station (Exit 2), street level. Look for the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple – it will be on your left, just ahead.

Come prepared to see Chinatown as you’ve never seen it before – raw, real, and richly alive.

For reservations, contact:
UNCLE CHRIS WALKING TOURS
Chris WK Ng
T: 65 91814298
E: [email protected]
W: www.unclechrisdrivingholidays.com

Note:
• We do the worldwide practice of tipping at the end of the tour.
• We also reserve the right to accept or reject habitual late cancellations and No Shows.
• Do not sign up for this tour if you are not sure of your schedule. Sign up only when you are sure of your schedule.