Chinatown Heritage Centre
Chinatown Heritage Centre
4.5
9:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Monday
9:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Tuesday
9:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Wednesday
9:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Thursday
9:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Friday
9:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Saturday
9:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday
9:30 AM - 6:30 PM
About
The colourful past of Chinatown comes alive within the walls of these three beautifully-restored shophouses on Pagoda Street, comfortably nestled in the midst of Singapore's bustling Chinatown district. Every nook and cranny in the Chinatown Heritage Centre pulsates with the memories of yesteryear, offering an experience like no other as one is transported to Chinatown in the budding years of Singapore's establishment as a seaport. From the desperate hopefulness of the many "Sinkheh" (new migrants) - risking life and limb to embark on an arduous journey from the various Chinese provinces to the promised land of Singapore - to the raw, seedy and underground practices of gambling dens and secret societies, be prepared to experience a sense of nostalgia and sentimentality as you step into the pages of Chinatown's history. The Chinatown Heritage Centre is the only place in Singapore that has recreated the original interiors of its shophouse tenants in the 1950s, offering visitors an honest, revealing glimpse into the lives of Chinatown's early residents.
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Outram
How to get there
- Telok Ayer • 6 min walk
- Raffles Place • 10 min walk
Best nearby
Restaurants
7,492 within 5 kms
Attractions
769 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,101 reviews
Excellent
715
Very good
299
Average
68
Poor
10
Terrible
9
Barb R
6 contributions
Oct 2022
We love learning about the history of the countries and cities we are in and once again we were not disappointed. Priscilla's historical knowledge was amazing.
Written 6 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Shannon
Nadi, Fiji920 contributions
Jun 2022 • Couples
Amazing architecture that's well maintained. Its a vast area due to its narrow streets, goods and services here are in the expensive side due to its tourist image but worth the visit
Written 29 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jacob E
Singapore, Singapore4 contributions
Jun 2021
This place has great information about the area. Although I've not really ventured a lot as a tourist I found this place very informative and I got to learn something new.
Written 2 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Pruguy
Bensalem, PA738 contributions
Jan 2020
Well worth the stop. Great history lesson of the life of Chinese laborers who help establish Singapore. The living conditions were even worse than I had imagined. Plan on spending at least an hour.
Written 3 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DoricWanderer
Ellon, UK79 contributions
Feb 2020
very well organized well worth a visit. Information you would not know about very interesting especially as our visit coincided with Chinese new year
Written 4 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ScottinSingapore
Edinburgh, UK223 contributions
Jul 2020
one of the best destination visitor centres in Singapore. Brings the history of the area to life and is a fascinating visit.
Written 1 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
WorldTravla7
Cairns, Australia5,919 contributions
Nov 2019 • Solo
This place is wonderful.
I bought my ticket thinking I would spend an hour and it wasn’t long enough so I came back later the same day after checking out of my hotel and spend another 1 hour+ (ticket is valid for multiple entries on same day only).
The Centre has an amazing 3 floors & 6 galleries that take the visitor though a detailed and immersive history of the Chinese experience in Singapore since the first arrival of the “Sinkheh” new migrants in the late 19th century (they sought to escape famine and flood to forge a better life in Singapore). The Centre itself exists within three restored shophouses.
You are given an audio & tablet guide at the beginning at it talks you through each of the exhibits in turn and you can decide whether you want to listen to all or some of the commentary. You will, see, hear and learn about:
- The rise of Singapore as a major new seaport;
- See the homes and workshops of the early migrants – in particular a tailors workshop, living quarters, and first floor rental accommodation which has been reconstructed from first-hand accounts (it is sobering how small and cramped the cubicles of the Sinkheh were);
- The population of Singapore depicted in photographs, video and costume
The underbelly of Singapore evidenced by underground gambling & opium dens & secret societies;
and more
Admission is SGD 18 for an adult and is well worth it for such a rich cultural & historical experience.
I bought my ticket thinking I would spend an hour and it wasn’t long enough so I came back later the same day after checking out of my hotel and spend another 1 hour+ (ticket is valid for multiple entries on same day only).
The Centre has an amazing 3 floors & 6 galleries that take the visitor though a detailed and immersive history of the Chinese experience in Singapore since the first arrival of the “Sinkheh” new migrants in the late 19th century (they sought to escape famine and flood to forge a better life in Singapore). The Centre itself exists within three restored shophouses.
You are given an audio & tablet guide at the beginning at it talks you through each of the exhibits in turn and you can decide whether you want to listen to all or some of the commentary. You will, see, hear and learn about:
- The rise of Singapore as a major new seaport;
- See the homes and workshops of the early migrants – in particular a tailors workshop, living quarters, and first floor rental accommodation which has been reconstructed from first-hand accounts (it is sobering how small and cramped the cubicles of the Sinkheh were);
- The population of Singapore depicted in photographs, video and costume
The underbelly of Singapore evidenced by underground gambling & opium dens & secret societies;
and more
Admission is SGD 18 for an adult and is well worth it for such a rich cultural & historical experience.
Written 6 June 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Byron Chong
Soledad, CA52 contributions
Feb 2020
This is a re-creaated Shop House showing how many families lived jammed in tiny rooms. The display also shows other interesting aspects of life. Highly recommended educational experience. My sister-in law didn't like it. She said it was exactly like how she grew up in Hong Kong.
Written 21 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Safari815120
13 contributions
Feb 2020
I so wanted to visit the Heritage Centre but because of the current Corona Virus scare, the staff wanted to check everybody's health condition. I was quite happy to allow them to check my temperature but I was not prepared to give them my name, address, dob, email and telephone number. Are they serious ? I politely refused to provide what I thought was too much personal information, turned round and went shopping.
Written 13 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CptVonTripp
London, UK301 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
Set in an original shop house, evocatively kitted out with period fittings, the museum provides an excellent overview of the Chinese experience in Singapore.
If anything, it is perhaps too detailed. I’m a history nerd and yet I still found my interest flagging towards the end. All the topics covered are interesting, it’s just a little exhausting!
If anything, it is perhaps too detailed. I’m a history nerd and yet I still found my interest flagging towards the end. All the topics covered are interesting, it’s just a little exhausting!
Written 12 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anna J
2 contributions
Would you say this museum is suitable for (and of interest to) a 3 year old?
FyingKiwi
Christchurch, New Zealand927 contributions
Probably not as the exhibition is largely exhibits which are explained through an audio guide. Having said this, you could take a very quick tour through without the audio guide, and allow yourself (and your toddler) to be fascinated by some of Singapore's Chinese History.
lim s
Singapore, Singapore3 contributions
hello, just asking , how long does one usually spend in this centre ?
yongmengt2017
Singapore, Singapore158 contributions
If you are rushing, you may allow an hour. Otherwise, two hours should be sufficient.
Highadventurer
Singapore, Singapore4,700 contributions
hi there y all. a few of the reviewers wrote the review about chinatown as you can see in the recent jan review
reviewers, pls don’t get mixed up chinatown with chinatown heritage centre-2 different topics altogether !!
TA, why don t you remove wrongly place article to avoid distorting views ?
Highadventurer
Singapore, Singapore4,700 contributions
article i was refering to written by a spanish reviewer re ‘Overcrowded...’wrongly placed!
Arnaud P
Utrecht, The Netherlands23 contributions
Hi, can you please give me the name/URL of the company who organized the free walking tour you mentioned? I tried googling but couldn't come up with anything. And is it free only for HiPPO customers or for everyone? Thanks!
Carmen A
Seville, Spain117 contributions
Hello, I will visit Singapore from June 19th to 24th, will the Heritage Center be reopened by then?
Thanks.
CHC_Singapore
Singapore, Singapore
Hi Lovelava,
Thank you for your interest in the Chinatown Heritage Centre.
We're currently closed for renovations and will reopen in the second half of the year. Unfortunately, we won't be opened in time for your trip to Singapore, nonetheless, there's much to see and do in Chinatown!
For updates on the opening and other details, please check our website in the description.
Thank you and have a wonderful time in Singapore!
yash2892
Davao City, Philippines
How much is the entrance fee or the admission fee?
CHC_Singapore
Singapore, Singapore
Hi,
Thank you for your interest in the Chinatown Heritage Centre.
We're currently closed for renovations and will reopen in the second half of the year.
For updates on the opening and ticketing details, please check our website in the description.
Thank you and have a wonderful time in Singapore!
MrittikaRoy
Kolkata (Calcutta), India66 contributions
Hello,
This is Mrittika from India.
Am visiting Singapore from 23-Feb'15 till 1-Mar'15 for vacation along with my parents. Would like to know about the entry fee per adult for this destination. Let me know if there is a restaurant or café onsite? Also, how do I get there using public transportation from Hotel Park Sovereign-Albert?
Thanks.
CHC_Singapore
Singapore, Singapore
Hi Mrittika,
Thank you for your interest in the Chinatown Heritage Centre.
We're currently closed for renovations and will reopen in the second half of this year. You can find out more information and explore our pre-renovated centre online at our main website in the description.
Even though the centre is closed, there is still plenty of things to see and places to explore in Chinatown! So do dedicate at least half a day to do so.
Chinatown is easily accessible via our underground train line (MRT) from Little India MRT station which is located near to your hotel. It is just 3 stops away and you can take Exit A (onto Pagoda Street) to explore the pedestrianized areas.
Hope this helps and have a wonderful time in Singapore!
CHINATOWN HERITAGE CENTRE (Singapore) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Chinatown Heritage Centre
- Chinatown Heritage Centre is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM
- We recommend booking Chinatown Heritage Centre tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 11 Chinatown Heritage Centre tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Chinatown Heritage Centre:
- Small Group: Michelin and Local Hawker Food Tour (From S$51.19)
- Singapore walking tasting tour with Secret Food Tours (From S$224.86)
- The 10 Tastings of Singapore With Locals Private Street Food Tour (From S$169.63)
- Singapore Private Food and Culture Tour (From S$189.40)
- Go City: Singapore All-Inclusive Pass with 35+ Attractions (From S$213.97)
- Restaurants near Chinatown Heritage Centre:
- (0.01 km) Ba Dao Guan
- (0.01 km) Chinatown Seafood Restaurant
- (0.01 km) Old Chang Kee (Chinatown)
- (0.02 km) Ba Dao Guan Restaurant
- (0.02 km) MC Werewolves
- Attractions near Chinatown Heritage Centre:
- (0.02 km) Singapore Coins And Notes Museum
- (0.02 km) The Olde Cuban
- (0.03 km) Zhen Lacquer Gallery
- (0.04 km) Fashion Makerspace
- (0.04 km) James Koh Silk Painting