Say Tian Hng
Say Tian Hng
5
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
About
Established in 1896, Say Tian Hng Buddha Shop is a 4th-generation family business that hand-crafts Taoist and Buddhist wooden statues using centuries-old techniques.
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Outram
How to get there
- Telok Ayer • 9 min walk
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
5.0
5 reviews
Excellent
4
Very good
1
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
0
tanyj93
Cambridge, UK3 contributions
Nov 2021
Literally one of a kind - no other traditional effigy making businesses survive in Singapore. Expect stories about the gods, some techniques involved in the process, and what is effectively a gallery of common and uncommon deities worshiped in Singapore. The guide goes to great lengths to ensure that guests, especially those from other religions, are comfortable around the effigies, even in handling some of them.
One minor point is that if you are expecting an introduction into theology and religious aspects of Southern Chinese Taoism, the guide would not be able to provide a good answer. This experience is primarily about the intangible cultural heritage practice and religious elements are tightly associated with the process of effigy making.
One minor point is that if you are expecting an introduction into theology and religious aspects of Southern Chinese Taoism, the guide would not be able to provide a good answer. This experience is primarily about the intangible cultural heritage practice and religious elements are tightly associated with the process of effigy making.
Written 10 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
saytianhng
Thank you for your review and support of our efforts to preserve this cultural heritage!
Written 11 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
innerbiscuittreez
3 contributions
Nov 2021 • Friends
I joined the tour in end-2021 during the pandemic. It was a fascinating exploration of Chinese cultural heritage and a dying traditional art. The guide was interesting and engaging, and the small group size also provided ample opportunity for in-depth interaction. Recommended even for locals born and bred in Singapore (like me) - a cool way to learn more about our own cultural heritage.
Written 6 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
saytianhng
Thank you for joining us and supporting our efforts to keep this cultural heritage alive! :)
Written 7 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
randomvoice
Singapore, Singapore52 contributions
Oct 2021
I participated back in 2021, during the pandemic -- it's a great experience whether you're a visitor or resident, with insights at multiple levels.
First, it's a fascinating introduction to Taoism as practised in Singapore (which I have to admit I didn't know much about, despite being Singaporean). Second, it's an intimate look at the history of the family behind Say Tian Hng. And third, it gives a really cool close-up of the techniques used in their craft (with various unexpected details).
With an enthusiastic guide and friendly artisans, the experience feels personal and engaging. Well worth the time.
First, it's a fascinating introduction to Taoism as practised in Singapore (which I have to admit I didn't know much about, despite being Singaporean). Second, it's an intimate look at the history of the family behind Say Tian Hng. And third, it gives a really cool close-up of the techniques used in their craft (with various unexpected details).
With an enthusiastic guide and friendly artisans, the experience feels personal and engaging. Well worth the time.
Written 26 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
saytianhng
Thank you for your support of our work to share this cultural heritage with the community! :)
Written 1 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deborah W
8 contributions
Oct 2021 • Solo
I went on this tour in September 2021, and despite being a local (Albeit of a different religion) it was extremely eye opening to see a dying craft right in the heart of the city. A must go for those interested in Chinese mythology or religion in general.
Written 24 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
saytianhng
Thank you... we're glad you enjoyed it!
Written 25 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Victor Y
Singapore, Singapore49 contributions
Apr 2017 • Friends
An interesting description of this 120 year-old shop in Chinatown, Singapore. Apart from the local Chinese, and even then, the older ones, most people do not know of this shop. Yet, it has been around for some 120 years, serving the local Chinese temples, providing them with the Gods (in a wooden form that some called it effigies but a more accurate term could be what the local Hokkiens call as "KimSin" (literal translation as gold body)). Every piece is manually and painstakingly carved and painted. Each representing a different God that a temple or a person might one for his or her home.
This shop which has a vast array of Gods that you will get to know, that are being worshiped in the local temples or homes is now in the hands of a 64 year-old-man and his 87 year-old mother. Watching the mother skilfully "threading" the body of the "kimsin" with thread made from dough which in turn comes from the ashes of the joss-sticks is a sight to behold.
These "kimsin" would have to be consecrated by a Taoist Priest or a Tangki (spirit medium) before it is considered to be "energised". Until then, it is just a carving, which could be purchased as a piece of art. Behind each of these carvings lies a rich legend.
Seeing is believing.
This shop which has a vast array of Gods that you will get to know, that are being worshiped in the local temples or homes is now in the hands of a 64 year-old-man and his 87 year-old mother. Watching the mother skilfully "threading" the body of the "kimsin" with thread made from dough which in turn comes from the ashes of the joss-sticks is a sight to behold.
These "kimsin" would have to be consecrated by a Taoist Priest or a Tangki (spirit medium) before it is considered to be "energised". Until then, it is just a carving, which could be purchased as a piece of art. Behind each of these carvings lies a rich legend.
Seeing is believing.
Written 16 April 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
No questions have been asked about this experience
SAY TIAN HNG (Singapore) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Say Tian Hng
- Say Tian Hng is open:
- Sun - Sun 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Mon - Sat 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Hotels near Say Tian Hng:
- (0.13 km) Duxton Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection
- (0.19 km) KēSa House, The Unlimited Collection by Oakwood
- (0.20 km) ST Signature Tanjong Pagar
- (0.14 km) Hotel Soloha
- (0.18 km) Maxwell Reserve Singapore, Autograph Collection
- Restaurants near Say Tian Hng:
- (0.02 km) Herbal Oasis
- (0.02 km) The Bond Restaurant & Bar
- (0.03 km) Old House
- (0.03 km) Good Taste Bak Kut Teh Restaurant
- (0.03 km) Royal Eternity Tea House