Singapore’s Street Stories: A Chinatown Mural Tour

Chinatown is Singapore’s top tourist destination, and for good reason. Its fusion of traditional culture and vibrant art tells the story of this multicultural neighbourhood’s evolution.

On this self-guided walking tour, you’ll discover five striking murals, each capturing different facets of Chinatown’s heritage. As you explore the narrow streets, you’ll see forgotten scenes from daily life in the 1950s, 60s and 70s – alongside more modern art reflecting Singapore’s cultural identity.

The tour starts at Chinatown MRT Exit A on Pagoda Street. You’ll wander through bustling pedestrian lanes lined with colourful shophouses and past Singapore’s oldest Hindu sanctuary, the magnificent Sri Mariamman Temple. I’ll point out traditional shops selling everything from Peranakan tiles to Chinese herbs, and hawker centers that offer authentic local cuisine at affordable prices.

You’ll see the controversial Smoking Samsui Woman mural that went viral upon its unveiling, and the Korean-Singapore friendship mural celebrating 50 years of diplomatic relations. The tour ends at Duxton Hill, with trendy restaurants and bars aplenty to unwind or fuel up.

During this 40-minute tour, you’ll have a chance to:

• See Yip Yew Chong’s nostalgic murals depicting Cantonese opera performances and 1970s Chinatown homes, which tell the story of a disappearing Singapore
• Discover the UNESCO-recognized hawker culture at Maxwell Food Centre, home to the Michelin Bib Gourmand-awarded Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
• Admire the imposing Buddha Tooth Relic Temple with its Tang Dynasty architecture
• Visit the historic Jinrikisha Station, built in 1903 as a rickshaw depot and now owned by Hong Kong movie star Jackie Chan
• Learn about Singapore’s approach to street art and the careful balance between preserving heritage and artistic expression

This tour is best enjoyed during the golden hour before sunset, when the transition from day to night will add a magical quality to your exploration of Singapore.