[SGHeritageFest] CHAT @ Geylang - The Oldest Hokkien & Putian Temple 23 May

*** This is part of Singapore HeritageFest (SHF) 2026 ***

CHAT @ Geylang explores Singapore’s maritime history via historic temples. Visit Singapore Oldest Chinese Temple and the Goddess of the Sea at Xing Ann Tian Hou Gong to discover how seafaring Chinese immigrants shaped the nation's early religious and cultural identity.

CHAT @ Geylang - The Oldest Hokkien and Putian Temple Tour

Are you ready to explore the rich cultural heritage of Geylang with us? Join us for a fascinating tour of the oldest Hokkien and Putian temples in the area and immerse yourself in the Culture, Heritage and Traditions of these ancient temples.

Step back in time with an immersive exploration of Singapore’s maritime soul. Long before the skyscrapers, seafaring Chinese immigrants anchored their hopes and dreams in faith, creating a cultural foundation that still stands today. While these temples relocated, the descendants of the migrants follows. 

As we delve into the Soon Thian Kheng, recognised in the Singapore Book of Records as the oldest Chinese Temple in Singapore, we will get a glimpse into the living testimony of our early history. Soon Thian Kheng housed the main diety Tua Pek Kong (the Earth Diety) an important belief to the Hokkiens and Immigrants. Find out more why Tua Pek Kong is the most popular diety among all Chinese gods, and always the first to be worshipped by Southern Chinese immigrants all around the World.

Next, let's discover a magestic and serene temple located at the top of a building. Putian (Heng Hwa) people came to Singapore much later as compared to the other dialect groups. As they sailed down from Putian to Singapore through the tormentous sea, they entrust their hopes and safety of their life to the revered Goddess of the Sea, Mazu. Mazu is a young lady, born in Putian dated 960CE, is well - known by the Chinese with at least 3 billions devotees around the world today. Join us as we learn about her significance in Chinese maritime culture such as the Zheng He's Voyages. As we discover Zheng He and Mazu significant connection in Chinese maritime history, we discover how she became the most well - respected Goddess of Sea including her beliefs being spread to other Chinese dialect groups. Today, Mazu Belief and Customs has been inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2009. Learn how her belief shaped the the Chinese Association and Temples in Singapore.

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to as we explore the hidden gems of Geylang and learn about the Hokkien and Putian communities that have shaped this vibrant neighborhood.

NOTE:
1. This guided tour will be conducted physically by a Licensed STB Tourist Guide who is knowledgeable and an experience guide in this field.
2. Limited slots are available, please register early to avoid disappointment.
3. In case of unforeseen circumstances, HeyLadTour reserves the right to change the itinerary at short notice without prior notice to the ticket holder.
4. This guided tour will only proceed when there is a minimum of 4 participants. HeyLadTour reserves all rights to cancel the tour and refund all participants at short notice to the ticket holder.
5. Please note that photographs and videos of attendees may be taken at this event. HeyLadTour may use these photographs and videos for publicity and outreach purposes.
6. In the event that the ticket holder is unable to attend the event, tickets are non-refundable.

The Singapore HeritageFest (SHF) is the HeritageSG, a subsidiary of National Heritage Board (NHB)’s signature annual outreach event that celebrates the many facets of Singapore’s diverse heritage and culture.

For further enquiries or information, do message us on Instagram (@heyladtour) or email us at [email protected]. You may wish to follow us on our social medias @heyladtour for more sharing and updates.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Soon Thian Keing (tuakonsi) Ltd, 19 Lorong 29 Geylang, Singapore, Singapore

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