Chinatown Heritage Center

Introducing Chinatown Heritage Centre

Unlike the spacious and grand architecture of typical museums, the Chinatown Heritage Centre, housed in a renovated three-story shophouse, is still worth a visit for Chinese residents. It recreates the perilous journey of Chinese immigrants crossing the sea to Singapore: the melancholy of leaving their homeland, the hardships of labor, and the cramped living conditions. The interior displays depict the lives of these immigrants, allowing visitors to deeply understand the challenges of life.

Climate and best time to travel

All seasons

Recommended number of days and locations for visiting

1 hour

Tickets

Ticket + multimedia tour:

Adult tickets are $18; children's tickets (7-12 years old) are $14;

Free for Singaporeans and senior citizens aged 60 and above (additional fees include $3 for multimedia tour and $8 for character tour);

Ticket + character tour:

Adult ticket $25; Child ticket (7-12 years old) $20;

Free for Singaporeans and seniors aged 60 and above (additional fees include $3 for multimedia tour and $8 for character tour).

Attraction opening hours

09:00-20:00 (Sunday-Saturday)

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Most Popular FAQs for Chinatown Heritage Center

What is the history and significance of this attraction/city?

The Chinatown Heritage Center preserves the history of Chinatown, focusing on the life of early Chinese immigrants in Singapore. It highlights their struggles, trade practices, and cultural evolution. The center helps visitors understand the social, cultural, and economic development of Chinatown, which has been a central part of Singapore's growth.

Where is it located and how do I get there (metro, bus, taxi, walking)?

The Chinatown Heritage Center is located at 48 Pagoda Street, Singapore. It is easily accessible by taking the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) to Chinatown station (NE4/DT19), which is just a short walk from the museum. Alternatively, you can take a bus or a taxi to the location.

What are the opening hours and best times to visit?

The Chinatown Heritage Center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. To avoid the crowds, it's best to visit in the morning or late afternoon on weekdays.

What is the entrance fee/ticket price, and how to buy tickets (online/offline)?

The ticket price is SGD 15 for adults and SGD 8 for children (6-12 years old). Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online via the museum’s official website for convenience and to avoid long queues.

Do I need to book tickets in advance, and how far in advance?

While it's not mandatory to book in advance, it's recommended to do so, especially during peak tourist seasons or weekends. Booking a day or two in advance is ideal.

How much time is needed to fully explore it?

To fully explore the Chinatown Heritage Center, including all exhibits, plan for around 1-1.5 hours.

What are the must-see highlights or main areas inside?

• The recreated shophouses offering a vivid look at early Chinatown living conditions.
• The story of the early Chinese immigrants and their challenges, told through audio-visual displays.
• Artifacts related to the trades, cultural practices, and daily life of the Chinatown community.
• The interactive exhibits on the evolution of Chinatown’s architecture and businesses.

Are guided tours or audio guides available (and in which languages)?

Guided tours are available upon request, typically in English, and audio guides are available in several languages, including English, Mandarin, and Malay.

What are the best viewpoints or photography spots?

• The recreated Chinatown shophouses and their interiors provide unique photo opportunities of early 20th-century life.
• Interactive displays showcasing artifacts and tools used by early Chinatown businesses.

What is the recommended route or itinerary inside?

Start by exploring the historical exhibits and then move on to the recreated shophouses. Follow the timeline of Chinatown’s development and end with the section on the cultural evolution of Chinatown.

Are night visits, light shows, or special tours available?

Night visits and light shows are not available. However, special tours may be available on request, focusing on specific aspects of Chinatown’s history.

Is it crowded, and when are the least crowded times/days to visit?

The museum can get crowded, particularly on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are weekdays in the morning or late afternoon.

What facilities are available (toilets, food, water, rest areas, shops)?

The museum has toilet facilities, a small shop selling souvenirs, and some rest areas. Food and water are not available on-site, but there are many restaurants and cafes nearby in Chinatown.

Is the attraction accessible for elderly, children, or disabled visitors?

The Chinatown Heritage Center is accessible to elderly and disabled visitors. However, the museum has narrow walkways, so some areas might be less comfortable for wheelchair users.

Is cash needed or are cards/mobile payments accepted?

Cards and mobile payments are accepted for both ticket purchases and at the souvenir shop. Cash is not necessary but is accepted.

What restaurants or cafes are available inside or nearby?

• The Chinatown Complex Food Centre, offering a variety of local Singaporean dishes.
• Maxwell Food Centre, known for its local favorites like Hainanese chicken rice.
• The local cafes and restaurants along Pagoda Street and Smith Street, offering a wide range of cuisines.

Are there vegetarian/vegan/halal food options?

Yes, there are plenty of vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options in Chinatown, particularly in the food courts and restaurants nearby.

What hotels or accommodations are close to the site?

• Amoy Hotel, offering comfortable accommodations close to Chinatown.
• Hotel 1929, a boutique hotel with easy access to Chinatown attractions.
• Furama City Centre, a mid-range hotel just a short walk from the Chinatown Heritage Center.

What other attractions or landmarks are nearby and easy to combine in a day trip?

• The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum.
• Chinatown Street Market and its vibrant shopping scene.
• The Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore's oldest Hindu temple.

Are there souvenir shops and what are the typical souvenirs?

The museum shop offers a selection of heritage-themed souvenirs, including postcards, books, and miniature replicas of Chinatown’s iconic elements.

What are the best transportation options to continue the trip after visiting?

• The Chinatown MRT Station (NE4/DT19) is nearby and connects to various parts of the city.
• Taxis and buses are available in Chinatown for further exploration or return to the city center.