Evening Clan: Pillars Of The Chinese Community (Walking Tour)

Singapore is one of the world’s more multicultural countries and no one culture has played such an important role in its development as the Chinese community, which makes up about three-quarters of the city-state’s population. Almost two centuries after the city was founded by Stamford Raffles, the Chinese still cling to their roots through a tight-knit clan system. Come along for an evening among the clans and see how the fabric of this community is interwoven with that of Singapore in general.

Learn all about the colourful legacy and rich heritage of the Chinese clans and the role they have played since Raffles founded Singapore in 1819 and defined it along ethnic lines. The first clan association was launched in that very year and today there are more than 300 registered clan associations, with most based on locality, surname, language and trades.

The clan associations regulate aspects of community life such as festivals or funeral rituals and give cohesion to the lives of many residents, many of whom still live in the historic Chinatown in the shadow of modern skyscrapers. Learn how to differentiate the various clans and relive the remnants of their history and leading personalities. Catch snippets of live Cantonese Opera practice sessions and marvel at the intricate headgear used by the performers.

Continue to Kong Chow Wui Koon, a Cantonese locality clan association that was founded in 1839, and gain an insight into its glorious history and see how it remains a stronghold of traditional martial arts, lion dance and Cantonese Opera.

Meeting/pick-up point: City hotels but for some located in narrow streets, a nearby location will be advised.
Duration: Two-and-a-half hours.
Start/opening time: 6pm.

Assistance or guided tour

Meal

Join Tour English, With Pick Up Transfer Only, No Dinner (Minimum 2 pax required)

Appropriate age for child ticket from 2 to 11 years