Step into the Chinatown Heritage Centre and embark on a journey through time, where the stories of Singapore’s early settlers come to life within beautifully restored shophouses.
Location: 48 Pagoda St, Singapore 059207
Opening Hours: 10am to 7pm, Daily (Refer to website for closure dates)
Fee: Pre-booking is required. See ticketing details below | Check availability and book your visit here
Chinatown Heritage Centre: Uncover the Stories of Singapore’s Early Settlers
Nestled in the heart of Singapore’s bustling Chinatown, the Chinatown Heritage Centre brings the district’s rich history to life within three beautifully restored shophouses on Pagoda Street. Every corner of the centre is steeped in the memories of yesteryear, offering visitors an immersive journey into the lives of Chinatown’s earliest residents.
Following its closure in March 2021 due to the pandemic, CHC underwent a refresh and began welcoming visitors through a soft-opening phase in January 2025 under a new operator, Woopa Travels.
Here’s what awaits you at the revamped Chinatown Heritage Centre:
A Glimpse into the Past
The Chinatown Heritage Centre is dedicated to recreating the experiences of the first Chinese settlers who arrived in Singapore in search of a better life. Through carefully curated exhibits, visitors can step into the world of these pioneers, witnessing their struggles, triumphs, and everyday lives.
Preserving Architectural Heritage
Housed within conserved shophouses, the centre showcases Singapore’s architectural past. These well-preserved buildings provide a rare opportunity to experience how early immigrants lived and worked, offering an authentic slice of history amidst modern Chinatown.
A Multisensory Experience
Engaging multimedia exhibits and interactive displays bring history to life, allowing visitors to experience the sights, sounds, and even the living conditions of early Chinatown. From personal artifacts to recreated street scenes, each exhibit tells a compelling story of migration, resilience, and cultural evolution.
Explore Three Themed Zones
The centre is divided into three main zones, each offering a unique perspective on the migrant experience:
- Zone 1: Shophouse Living (Level 1 & 2) – Step into the humble homes of early settlers and experience daily life in a traditional shophouse.
- Zone 2: Arrival and Settling In (Level 3) – Follow the journey of Chinese immigrants as they navigated new challenges in Singapore.
- Zone 3: Migrants’ End & Heritage Brands (Level 2) – Discover how these migrants shaped Chinatown’s identity, from traditional trades to enduring local brands.
Guided Tours
Visitors can select from three engaging guided experiences.
The Insider’s-look Guided Tour is ideal for visitors eager to uncover deeper insights, this tour reveals the hidden stories, fascinating details, and delightful “easter eggs” tucked within the exhibits. Expert guides will immerse visitors in the rich historical tapestry of Chinatown, adding valuable context and enhancing your appreciation of the community’s resilience and heritage.
The “Under One Roof” Character-Led Tour invites visitors to journey through CHC with a “former resident” of 50 Pagoda Street, whose vivid recollections and personal stories bring to life the everyday joys and struggles of living in historic Chinatown. This immersive theatrical tour transforms history into a living, breathing experience, resonating emotionally with visitors of all ages.
The Educational Tours and Learning Journeys are conducted exclusively for school groups before opening hours, ensuring a safe, comfortable and conducive environment for learning. Through engaging storytelling and interactive activities, these programmes will deliver an impactful opportunity for students to understand the hardships and resilience of our forefathers and develop an appreciation for Singapore’s history and progress.
Showcasing Iconic Heritage Brands
CHC also pays tribute to the resilience and legacy of Chinatown’s business pioneers through dedicated displays of eight iconic heritage brands, including Eu Yan Sang, Lim Chee Guan, Pek Sin Choon, Say Tian Hng Buddha Shop, Spring Court, Tong Ah Eating House, Tong Heng, and TinSing Goldsmiths. Adding to the storytelling experience is a visual showcase of heritage hawker dishes that highlights iconic local food that have remained beloved across generations.
Whether you're a history enthusiast or a curious visitor, the Chinatown Heritage Centre offers a rich and engaging exploration of Singapore’s past. Don’t miss this chance to walk in the footsteps of the pioneers who built Chinatown into the vibrant community it is today!
Ticketing Details
- Standard: Adult ($25), Child / Senior ($20)
- SG Residents: Adult ($15), Child / Senior ($12)
Pre-Booking Required
To ensure a smooth visit, pre-booking is required. Check availability and make your booking directly on the website here.
Admission Details
- Each ticket admits one (1) person which will be checked at entry and is valid only on the date of the ticket.
- Present a valid ID that matches the name on the ticket.
- Your ticket entitles you to entry to the Centre's galleries. Please note that you may need to queue for entry.
- If you are arriving in a group, we encourage entering the experience together.
- Re-entry is not allowed.
- Last entry will be at 6:00pm. Please note that we are unable to accommodate late arrivals.
- Tickets sold are non-transferable, non-refundable and void if altered or duplicated.
- All guests are required to adhere to all prevailing government-mandated safe management measures at all times. If you or your group do not adhere to the regulations, you may be denied entry and asked to leave the premises immediately.
- To preserve the exhibits, flash photography & food and drinks are not allowed inside the Centre.
- You are encouraged to use the gallery guide (available in English & Mandarin) during your visit. A soft copy of the gallery guide can be accessed here: https://linktr.ee/chinatownheritagecentre.
- Please bring your own mobile device and audio earpiece to enjoy free access to audio content during your visit. Multi-media guide rentals are available on-site for an additional fee.
- The Centre is not responsible and does not assume liability for any injury, damage or loss you may incur, whether such injury, damage or loss is caused by negligence or otherwise.
- The Centre may, without prior notice and without refund, compensation or any liability, change the operating hours, close and/or restrict admissions to the attraction due to capacity, inclement weather, special events or other reasons.
For more information, visit the website.
