Chinese people pray to gods and deities with lighted joss (incense) sticks. Have you ever wondered why? And do you want to know how they are made? The same powder used for making joss sticks can also be fashioned into an array of figurines. Join us for a visit to a fascinating craft shop to find out the answers.

A few doors away is another wonderful shop which makes objects for the dead to ensure they have a comfortable life in the next world. You will be fascinated by what Chinese Taoists believers provide for their deceased family members. Be it big mansions with up-to-date amenities, the latest electronic gadgets – iPads, smart phones, luxury cars, or even maids to serve them, you can order anything you want for your dearly departed.

In 1819 a new British settlement in Singapore attracted junks and coolies from China. In the 1820s – 1830s, political turmoil and economic hardship in China gave impetus to the influx of Chinese - mainly Hokkiens from Fujian. A previous generation of Hokkiens born in Malacca also moved to Singapore seeking opportunities for a better life, amongst them, people like Tan Tock Seng and Tan Kim Sen. They became leaders of the community and supported the clan association and building a temple to Mazu, the great protector of seamen and all who made a living from the sea.

Built in 1840 along the sea-front at Telok Ayer Street, this Chinese temple honouring the Goddess of the Sea, Mazu, was beautifully restored in 2001. The temple has won several awards, including a UNESCO award for heritage conservation.

Join us for a tour (led by a descendant of these two pioneers) that will cover history, architectural features and symbolism, and Chinese cultural and religious heritage.

Singapore has many old churches but few people know their histories. Questions like these hint at their varied and interesting pasts - where can you find the relics of one of the Korean Martyrs?  Which church has a pressed metal ceiling?  Which religious chapel is now used for secular purposes?  If you would like to find out the answers to these questions (and more), join us on our Historic Churches Tour.

Come on this walk with Explore Singapore! and discover the spread of the early Catholics in Singapore and the beautiful churches that they built.  Each has its own story to tell of the early missionaries and the personalities who formed the first congregations.

As this is the lead up to Christmas, the churches will be decorated to usher in one of the most important festivals of the Christian calendar.

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