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Chinatown Family Learning Journey (Part 3)
By Chan Hoi Ki on 28/04/2022
We have reached the final segment of the Chinatown Family Learning Journey series! Feel free to browse Part 1 & Part 2 if you have not done so.
We return to visit various places of worship located in Chinatown as part of your family’s enriching cultural weekend experience right here in Singapore.
- Thian Hock Keng Temple
Thian Hock Keng temple is one of Singapore’s oldest Hokkien temples built in 1839. Back then, the temple was facing the shoreline of Telok Ayer Basin.
Its southern Chinese architectural designs and decor of the temple are so intricate and detailed down to the rooftop sculptures, written literature on its columns, colourful ceiling beams, stone & wood carvings and paintings. Don’t miss out on all these details as you enter, remember to look up to the ceilings and rooftop!
Fun fact: The temple was constructed entirely without the use of nails! This was an architectural marvel of stone, tiles and wood, decorated with carvings of dragons and phoenixes, and accompanied by detailed sculptures and imposing columns.
Admission to the temple is free of charge.
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday
7:30AM – 3:30PM
For more info, visit the official website for Thian Hock Keng Temple.
- Masjid Chulia
With its neighbour – Sri Mariamman Temple, these 2 architectural gems may appear rather out of place in Chinatown, but they have been part of Chinatown’s rich cultural history for almost 200 years.
Masjid Chulia’s history dates back to 1827, built by the Chulias – the community of Tamil Muslims who originated from Southern India. It is also the reason why Masjid Chulia is one of the few mosques in Singapore conducting religious classes in Tamil today.
Its unique architecture is a combination of both east and west elements. Its entrance gate has South Indian elements whilst its 2 prayer halls are of Neo-Classical design.
Fun fact: This is Singapore’s one of the remaining few monuments that have not been rebuilt yet! What you see today is indeed the original structure from almost 200 years ago.
Admission to the mosque is free of charge.
Opening Hours:
Saturday to Thursday
10.00AM – 6.00PM
Friday
10.00AM – 12.00PM
2.30PM – 6.00PM
For more info, visit the official website for Masjid Chulia.
Only in Singapore can you observe a buddhist temple, a mosque and a hindu temple in close proximity to one another. This is definitely an epitome of Singapore’s multiculturalism and inclusivity!
Check out our Prep Junior app free for download available from the App Store / Google Playstore until 28 April 2022!
Through an interactive story-based adventure, Prep Junior introduces children to food, various places of interest, and multicultural scenes; using fun and original illustrations that replicate real scenes in Singapore.
Image source: Fabio Achilli / Flickr