If you’re interested in learning about the lives of Singapore’s early Chinese immigrants, the Chinatown Heritage Centre is a place you have to see. You can find it on Pagoda Street in Chinatown, close to Maxwell Food Centre and the Chinatown Street Market.
The Heritage Centre is hard to miss, with its large sign. Even just the structure itself is fascinating: it’s basically three traditional shophouses that were restored in a way that kept their authenticity and charm.
If you do plan to go, you may be wondering what activities the place can offer. To help you out, we’ve listed the top things to do in the venue, whether you’re a local or a tourist.
1. Document the restored interiors
The interiors of the centre are actually unique. This is the only Singaporean museum to have recreated the interiors of the old 1950s shophouses of Chinatown with this much detail.
Long story short, you’ll definitely want to have your camera ready. There’s a lot to see, from traditional cooking implements to old tailoring instruments.
The spaces can be a bit cramped, but that’s part of the restoration – shophouses back then truly did have small living quarters and shared bathrooms. Life wasn’t all sunshine and flowers for the migrants when they first came over.
If anything, the faithfulness is good at driving home the fact that Chinatown’s early residents had their share of inconveniences. But before you think it’s all doom and gloom, take heart: it’s also illustrative of the original Chinese migrants’ resilience and strength.
2. Take the “Under One Roof” Character-lede tour
This is a curated tour that the centre’s experts offer for visitors. It’s a worthwhile way to immerse yourself in the realities of life for the shophouses’ past residents, as the guides actually unveil personal stories during the tours.
At the time of writing, there are two versions of the tour. Both are in English, but one is only for foreign visitors and the other is for Singapore residents.
The former is priced at SGD 60 while the latter is priced at SGD 52 per ticket. Either way, it’s worth it for anyone who wants to get further insight into the lives and culture that shaped Chinatown’s future.
3. Visit the tea parlour
Before you think the parlour is just for display, this is actually a proper tea house. The centre opened it recently and it’s a great way to refuel after exploration and discovery.
The selections are curated and likely to be appreciated by anyone who enjoys a good cuppa. You can buy tea and other beverages as well as snacks here if you start getting peckish!
4. Watch the screened performances
The centre’s upper floor actually has screens where classic Chinese performances and other heritage events are presented for viewing. You’ll often see ceremonies and dances being shown there, as well as things like traditional Chinese opera.
Take a look if you want to see more about Chinese culture. There are seats provided so you can take your time.
5. Learn more about your name
More specifically, the centre offers an interactive screen where you can search for your surname if you’re a Singaporean of Chinese descent. It then tells you more about the origins of your family name and heritage.
This is the perfect way to tie the centre’s insights to your own present, as it comes back around to your own heritage. Aside from that, it’s just a fun activity to try with friends!
