Mon 25 Sep, 7pm to 9pm

Synopsis: In this unique tour, we will share with you legends from Chinese mythology on a a twilight stroll through the back alleys of the Central Business District, as we cross from sunset into night, Yang into Yin.

We will visit ramshackle Taoist street shrines set up next to dumpsters and under air-conditioner compressors, where the statues have aged, but the fruit offerings are still fresh.

We will learn the stories of their devotee yet hidden communities, comprising cardboard collectors, office secretaries, and hawkers.

We will learn how street shrines evolve, as their devotees play cat and mouse with government authorities, before the most efficacious among them grow into temples.  

We will also learn about rituals that use everyday objects charged with poetic meanings, such as umbrellas, abacus, opium pipes & Guinness Foreign Extra Stout. You’ll never drink it the same way again.

We will spy a secret Goddess of Mercy statue, chilling out quietly on a roof ledge. We will learn a different side of the usual nation-building story of Singapore we were inundated with in school.

The tour is developed by Say Tian Hng Buddha Shop (a heritage business established in 1896) and tour operator Offbeat Tours.

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. 

Starting point: Entrance of Jumbo Seafood Restaurant, Riverwalk shopping mall, 20 Upper Circular Rd, Singapore 058416. This is a 3min walk from Clarke Quay MRT station. 

Ending point: A motorcycle parking lot in Tanjong Pagar.

Important to note:

* 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

* Wet weather plan: We will contact you by phone an hour beforehand if the tour is going to be cancelled due to wet weather.