Tues 10 Dec, 7pm to 9pm

Synopsis: In this tour, we will share with you legends from Chinese mythology on a twilight stroll through the nameless backalleys 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 evolve into temples.

We will 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.

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

The tour 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 2min walk from Clarke Quay MRT station. 

Ending point: A motorcycle parking lot somewhere in Tanjong Pagar.

Important to note:

* Pls wear comfortable shoes. We will be walking at a comfortable pace, stopping roughly every ten minutes or so at a tour stop. 

* 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.