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Chinatown, Singapore, is a captivating district where history, culture, and spirituality harmoniously exist. It is home to 12 magnificent temples that reflect the city’s religious diversity and architectural excellence. From the sacred Buddha Tooth Relic Temple to such historic shrines as the Thian Hock Keng, these temples in Chinatown, Singapore will instill deep serenity and devotion. Be it for blessings, intricate carvings, or long-existing traditional cultures, Chinatown’s temples will give their visitors experience for the enrichment of their souls.
12 Must-Visit Temples In Chinatown Singapore
Herein is the select list of 12 must-visit temples in Chinatown, Singapore for a spiritual, cultural, and historical experience:
1. Thian Hock Keng Temple
Photo: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons
Thian Hock Keng Temple, constructed in 1842, is Singapore’s most beautiful Hokkien temple. It is a temple dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea, and was traditionally a site where Chinese immigrants would pray for safe passage at sea. The temple is a work of art in southern Chinese architecture, with fine wood carvings, brightly colored tiles, and imposing dragon pillars.
Location: 158 Telok Ayer Street
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM daily
Must-Visit Spot: Majestic Dragon Pillars
2. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Photo: Mike Cartmell / Wikimedia Commons
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, the striking landmark, hosts what is presumably Buddha’s hallowed tooth relic. The Tang Dynasty-style majesty of the temple has gold-plated interiors, intricately painted murals, and an imposing prayer hall. People come to view museum exhibits of Buddhist relics, catch a glimpse of morning and afternoon rituals, or enjoy some respite in the garden on the rooftop. The relic room in the fourth-floor area is the holiest and most impressive room in the temple.
Location: 288 South Bridge Road
Timings: 7 AM – 7 PM on all days
Must-Visit Place: Sacred Relic Chamber
3. Yueh Hai Ching Temple
Photo: Bjoertvedt / Wikimedia Commons
Yueh Hai Ching Temple, constructed in 1895, is a UNESCO-honored Taoist temple that worships Yue Lao, the love and marriage deity. It is one of the oldest Teochew temples in Singapore, with ornate ceramic figurines, golden shrines, and carvings. Most people go to this temple to pray for blessings in love and relationships. The preserved historical architecture, complete with rich dragon motifs and ornate rooftop details, makes it a must-see spiritual and cultural site in Chinatown.
Location: 30B Phillip Street
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM daily
Must-Visit Spot: Love Blessing Altar
4. Wak Hai Cheng Bio Temple
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Wak Hai Cheng Bio is an early 19th-century Teochew Taoist temple dedicated to Xuan Tian Shang Di and Ma Zu Po, sea deities. Its design is typical of traditional Teochew craftsmanship, with curved roofs, elaborate dragon carvings, and golden statues. The temple continues to be a sacred site for seafarers and pilgrims who come for blessings for prosperity and protection.
Location: 30B Phillip Street
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM daily
5. Fuk Tak Chi Temple
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Fuk Tak Chi Temple, Singapore’s oldest Chinese temple, was constructed in 1824 by Cantonese and Hakka immigrants. The temple was originally a shrine for the Earth Deity but became a heritage museum later on. The temple’s architecture has been well maintained, showcasing relics, artifacts, and exhibits that speak of Chinatown’s early history. While no longer a functional place of worship, it is still a culturally and historically valuable site to visit.
Location: 76 Telok Ayer Street
Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM on all days
Must-Visit Spot: Heritage Museum Exhibit
6. Chong Wen Ge Temple
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Chong Wen Ge Temple, sitting alongside Thian Hock Keng, is a less-popular but culturally significant landmark. It used to be home to Singapore’s very first Chinese school and today it is a cultural center with displays of calligraphy and Peranakan tiles. The temple keeps its classic southern Chinese architecture in the form of intricate wooden carvings and painted murals.
Location: 168 Telok Ayer Street
Timings: 10 AM – 6 PM everyday
Must-Visit Place: Peranakan Tile Gallery
7. Sri Mariamman Temple
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Sri Mariamman Temple, constructed in 1827, is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple and a key cultural landmark. In honor of the goddess Mariamman, revered for her healing, the temple is renowned for its brightly painted, elaborately carved entrance tower, or gopuram. It is particularly resplendent with bright colors each year during the celebration of the Theemithi (fire-walking festival). Its intricate sculptures of Hindu mythology can be viewed by visitors, as well as the vivid rituals that take place each day in this very religious and historically valuable house of worship.
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM, 6 PM – 9 PM
Must-Visit Place: Colorful Gopuram Entrance
8. Hong San See Temple
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Hong San See Temple, built during the early 1900s, is a beautifully preserved Hokkien temple honoring Guang Ze Zun Wang, a god of wealth and protection. Admired for its beautiful architectural balance, the temple is adorned with granite pillars, intricate calligraphy panels, and bright dragon sculptures. It is a serene oasis amidst the bustle of Chinatown, drawing people seeking fortune and prosperity blessings.
Location: 31 Mohamed Sultan Road
Timings: 7:30 AM – 5 PM every day
Must-Visit Place: Dragon Carving Courtyard
9. Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple
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Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, which is dedicated to Guan Yin, Goddess of Mercy, is among Singapore’s most popular Buddhist temples. Dating back to 1884, it’s famous for its blessings and fortune-telling rituals. Quite a number of people visit the temple seeking guidance and good fortune. The huge red-and-gold exterior, alongside its tranquil interior, makes it a must-visit for those who are interested in Chinese Buddhist heritage as well as spiritual experiences in Chinatown.
Location: 178 Waterloo Street
Timings: 7 AM – 6 PM (daily)
Must Visit Place: Fortune-Telling Section
10. Siong Lim Temple (Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery)
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Siong Lim Temple, or Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery, is a serene Buddhist oasis. Opened in 1902, the temple has stunning pagodas, gilded Buddha images, and quiet lotus ponds. The carvings on the monastery’s buildings and its Chinese architecture highlight the beautiful harmony of Buddhist creativity and spirituality. Travellers may visit the calm courtyard and honor the grand prayer hall, offering it as the ideal refuge for individuals who crave inner peace within Chinatown.
Location: 184 Jalan Toa Payoh
Timings: 8 AM – 4 PM every day
Must-Visit Spot: Lotus Pond Garden
11. Hock Teik Cheng Sin Temple
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Hock Teck Cheng Sin Temple is a humble yet spiritually important Taoist temple in Chinatown. The temple was built in the late 19th century to house Tua Pek Kong, an important god of prosperity and riches. The temple maintains its historic Chinese architectural allure, complete with intricate wooden carvings and incense-rich altars. People make a pilgrimage there to pray for fortune and success in business. Its serene atmosphere and cultural value earn it the nickname of being Chinatown’s “best kept secret.”.
Location: 50 Amoy Street
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM daily
Must Visit Spot: Prosperity Altar
12. Siang Cho Keong Temple
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Siang Cho Keong Temple, established in 1869, is a remarkably well-preserved Hokkien temple that worships Tua Pek Kong, the God of Prosperity. The temple boasts intricate dragon sculptures, red lanterns, and Chinese calligraphy on its walls. The temple is a significant religious site for the Hokkien people, with devotees visiting to pray for wealth and protection.
Location: 66 Amoy Street
Timings: 7 AM – 5 PM, daily
Must-Visit Spot: Wealth Blessing Hall
Singapore’s Chinatown blossoms out as a spiritual and cultural sanctuary with these 12 iconic colorful temples bearing its deep-rooted religious traditions. From the grand Buddha Tooth Relic Temple to the historic Thian Hock Keng, these temples in Chinatown, Singapore hosts its own unique story about faith, devotion, and architectural prowess. Visitors can have a blessing, check out beautiful wood carvings, or watch colorful temple rituals. Plan your visit with TripXL!
Cover Photo: Zairon / Wikimedia Commons
