Most Chinatown walking tours are neatly wrapped up in two hours. I’m asking you for three. Why? Because I’ll show you Chinatown’s full story—the glory, the grit, and everything in between.
Our journey begins with the arrival of immigrants and their heartbreaking tales of survival. Amid the cacophony and chaos, we’ll uncover how figures like William Pickering shaped this community (hence Pickering and Upper Pickering Streets). You’ll hear how the British struggled to manage the vibrant but unruly immigrant population, and how secret societies rose—not just as organisations, but as lifelines for many, including the most vulnerable.
Life in Chinatown wasn’t all gloom, though. By the late 1900s, things began to change. The Peranakans brought joy and festivity to the area, ensuring life wasn’t just about toil. Cabarets, opium dens, and sultry entertainers in figure-hugging cheongsams painted a picture of Chinatown’s hedonistic heyday. Whether you preferred a lift ride to the 4th floor of The Great Southern Hotel or a discreet walk up a back-alley staircase to Lai Chuen Yuen, entertainment was always close at hand.
Fast forward to today, and Singapore’s Chinatown is a far cry from its raucous past. But look closely, and you’ll see whispers of history still etched in its streets and buildings.
Join me, Uncle Chris, as we stroll through Chinatown’s fascinating past, sharing true stories—some happy, some heartbreaking, all unforgettable. Together, we’ll walk through time, peeling back the layers of this iconic district.
Date: Sunday, 12th January 2025
Time: 9:00 am
Meeting Point: Chinatown MRT, Exit A.
Take the escalator up and meet me between the UOB and POSB teller machines, next to the restrooms.
Let’s dive deep into Chinatown’s captivating history. Book your spot and discover the stories that make it so much more than just a tourist stop.
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.