About this Event
[An Architectural Heritage Season 2026 special!]
Journey through the historic precincts of Telok Ayer on special editions of the URA-FOM Chinatown Heritage Walks, presented in conjunction with URA’s Architectural Heritage Season 2026.
Beyond their colourful façades, Chinatown’s conserved buildings reveal a fascinating story of how Singapore’s built heritage has evolved over time. From distinctive shophouses and places of worship to buildings that have been sensitively restored and adapted for new uses, discover the architectural features that give the precinct its unique character — and the considerations behind balancing conservation with the needs of an evolving city.
Along the way, see the streetscape with fresh eyes. Discover how architectural styles, building details and uses reflect the communities that once lived and worked here, how old buildings can be given new life, and how conservation allows Chinatown to continue evolving while retaining its distinctive identity.
Whether you are an architecture enthusiast or simply curious about the familiar streets around you, join our docents and discover a different side of Chinatown — one told through its buildings, details and layers of change.
About the Chinatown Heritage Walks
Thank you for your interest in joining the Chinatown Heritage Walks! This is a series of weekly walks to the four districts within the Chinatown Conservation Area.
A collaboration between the URA and Friends of the Museums (FOM), these two-hour walks are led by FOM docents. Besides learning about the rich history of Chinatown, you will also discover how our conservation efforts are an integral part of URA’s commitment to sustainable urban development, shaping the distinctive, liveable and endearing city we live in today.
Through these walks, you will also gain a better appreciation of the challenges in balancing different needs for land and the innovative solutions that we have adopted to overcome them, in tandem with URA's efforts to plan sustainably across our social, economic and environmental realms.
Tour Information
- Guided tours are offered every Friday except when there are tours on the fourth Saturday of the month, and not on a public holiday.
- Each outdoor tour is approximately two-hours long.
- Tours are conducted in English and recommended for participants aged 16 and above.
- PRE-REGISTRATION is required; no walk-ins will be permitted.
Things to Bring
- Earphones with a standard 3 .5mm jack for use with our audio guide device;
- An umbrella or poncho; and
- A water bottle.
Things to Note
By registering for the tour, you are agreeing to the following terms and conditions:
- Your personal data may be used and/or disclosed for purposes of data analysis and identity verification and such other related purposes
- Photos and videos may be taken by the organisers during the tour and used for publicity purposes
- Unauthorised recording in any form, including video and audio, is not allowed during the tour
- Participants shall be responsible for any injury, loss or damage due to carelessness or other actions on his/her part
- The tour is a 'rain-or-shine' event; the organiser reserves the right to determine any cancellation based on ground conditions.
How to Book
- Registration opens at the end of the preceding month and closes when tickets sell out
- Click on "Register" and complete the registration form.
- Each registration is valid for one individual. If you are visiting in a group, separate registrations are needed for each individual. Availability is on a first come, first served basis.
Enquiries
We do not maintain a waitlist. If the tour is fully booked, we encourage you to check back regularly to see if slots open up. Alternatively, you can sign up for subsequent tours or tours of other districts.
For enquiries, please email us at [email protected] and we will get back to you within 3 working days.
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Event venue & nearby stays
Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), 45 Maxwell Road, Level 1, indoor benches in front of The Caffeine Experience cafe, Singapore, Singapore
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.