Sat 16 March, 10am to 12pm

Founded in 1896, Say Tiang Hng ("Garden of Western Heaven" in Hokkien) is filled from floor to ceiling with handcrafted wooden statues of deities from the Taoist pantheon, some as large as a chair, some as small as an iPhone.

You'll find fearsome warlords and fair maidens, drunk monks and steely-faced magistrates, rebellious serpents and filial parrots.

Conducted by docents who are friends of the Ng family, the tour will introduce you to the stories of some of these deities, the ancient craft of effigy-making, and the iconography - such as the motifs, facial features, and weapons - used in the depiction of the deities.

You will learn how Grandma Ng brought up 7 kids while running the business, the impact of Singapore's rapid urban renewal on this heritage business, and what the 4th generation is doing today to reinvent the business.

There will not be any hands-on activities, but the artisans will be at the shop during the tour. 

The programme is secular in nature and suitable for guests of all religions and races. No prior knowledge of Taoism is required.

Say Tian Hng has been featured by the National Geographic, Asian Civilisations Museum, National Gallery (Singapore), National Heritage Board, South China Morning Post, The Straits Times, Lianhe Zaobao, and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.

Location: 35 Neil Road, S088821 

* Due to limited slots, bookings are non-refundable.

* Minimum age of 7.

* Photos of the workshop may be taken and used for publicity purposes.

* Activities subject to minor changes.

* Tour is conducted in English

* Group size is capped at 10 pax. 

* Wet weather plan: None (Tour is indoors)