Chinatown Singapore is a vibrant cultural and historical hub, and its beautiful murals are no exception. From lively street art to exquisitely detailed historical pieces, Chinatown's murals capture a unique blend of culture and history, making it one of Singapore’s must-see attractions. Aside from murals, visitors to the historic streets can also explore popular Chinatown street art by well-known local artists like Ripple Root and Yip Yew Chong.
For those eager to explore Chinatown's streetscape for its mural-covered walls, here's a quick guide to get you started. We'll go through the multiple must-see Chinatown murals and the story behind their depictions. These pieces will liven up your visit and give you an artistic way of exploring Chinatown Singapore's culture, heritage, and history.
Let's get started!
Must See Chinatown Murals
Talking on a walking tour through Chinatown Singapore's historical and vibrant streets, you’ll witness endless works of art by local and foreign artists sharing their perspectives, knowledge, and experiences. These works of art give you a glimpse into the rich history of Singapore and the making of modern-day Chinatown. As you explore, take note of these must-see Chinatown Murals along popular streets and destinations, giving you a more spectacular look into the area:
Heritage Centric Chinatown Murals By Yip Yew Chong
Artist, Yip Yew Chong, painting wall mural
Yip Yew Chong’s Chinatown Murals depict the life and times of yesteryear through detailed and vibrant pieces.
Let’s explore some of Yip Yew Chong's most iconic Chinatown Murals:
2 tourist posing with The Letter Writer wall mural
Letter Writer: The Letter Writer depicts a man deep in thought crafting a letter requested by a client. Not all Chinese immigrants had reading and writing skills in the early days. Therefore, it was necessary to hire a professional letter writer to convey their thoughts in writing to be sent back to their relatives in the mainland.
Chinatown Wet Market Mural, image credit: Yip Yew Chong
Chinatown Wet Market Mural: Historically, wet markets in Singapore were more than just places to purchase fresh meats and produce. It was also a place to connect with the community. The Chinatown Wet Market Mural portrays just that, showing a bustling marketplace full of life and genuine human connection. You’ll find this iconic mural along Temple Street and Pagoda Street.
Tourist taking photo of the Cantonese Opera mural
Cantonese Opera: The Cantonese Opera mural located along Temple Street depicts scenes from traditional opera performances. It shows the lively sets, backstage life, and even what you can expect to see outside a theatre or performance square. These Opera performances often crop up during festivities and special occasions as entertainment.
The Thian Hock Keng Temple Mural
Lady taking photo of mural outside of Thian Hock Keng Temple.
Along Amoy Street stands the Thian Hock Keng Temple, which holds a mural that will catch everyone's attention. The mural art takes up the entire back wall of the temple and shows, in intricate details, the early days of modern Singapore. Those who take the time to examine the mural will notice the various lifestyles and customs that shaped the country in its early days.
In this mural, traditional Chinese ceremonies and activities come together to depict Singapore's past vividly. This artwork captures the rich cultural heritage of the area, as well as the unique blend of cultures that make up modern Singapore.
Iconic Modern Singapore Street Art By Ripple Root
Ripple Root's street art takes on a modern air, focusing on abstract and botanical themes that splash the streets of Chinatown with vibrant colours. Ripple Root's pieces often feature rice plants intertwined with modern elements, reflecting the transformation of Chinatown and its relationship between past and present.
Aside from the fantastic visuals, the duo's work also tackles important topics of climate change and environmentalism - a reminder for all of us to stay mindful of our actions when protecting the planet.
As a must-see Ripple Root piece, head to Keong Saik Road to view abstract murals that perfectly complement the area's chic cafes and working spaces. The piece inspires appreciation for wildlife and naturalistic imagery, staying true to their theme of advocating care for the natural environment in their artwork.
Nutmeg mural by Ripple Root
Once you're done taking picture-perfect portraits along Keong Saik, you can explore more works by Ripple Root and head to Duxton Hill to see "Nutmeg" along Tanjong Pagar. This piece tells the location's history, having first been a nutmeg farm. For more botanical street art, you can head to Keong Saik Road near the Working Capitol Building to see the sprawling Floral Mural - a delightful mix of nature and modern cultural elements.
Afterwards, reward yourself by grabbing a snack or coffee at the nearby cafes or having some brunch at Potato Head!
Glimpsing Vibrant Heritage Through Murals
The beauty of Chinatown Murals is how they portray and showcase the vibrant heritage of the community and how it came to be as diverse and multi-cultural as it is today. Take a leisurely walk around the neighbourhood to discover stories of its past, imbued in the beautiful art pieces created by local and international muralists.
Check out these IG-worthy Chinatown Murals as you explore the local:
Community By Sam Lo
Community Mural by Sam Lo, image credit: Channel News Asia
As you explore the beauty and scenes of Neil Road, you’ll pass by the Chinatown Mural titled Community by Sam Lo. Right on the side of the Shake Shack, you’ll see a very colourful mural incorporating key elements from Singapore's distinct yet interconnected communities before you go through the underpass.
The representation of each community shines bright as they weave into one beautiful work of art, symbolising how Singapore’s beauty is made up of the vibrant communities that have shaped and are shaping its history.
Chinatown Murals By Belinda Low
Kungfu Fighting by Belinda Low, image credit: thecuriousjournal.com
Along Kreta Ayer Road, Chinatown murals by Belinda Low are painted on the facade of the Kreta Ayer’s People Theatre titled Everybody is Kung Fu Fighting. As you continue up the stairs, you’ll also come across additional works by the same artists, Labour of Love and Little Guilin. These Chinatown murals give us a glimpse into the unique past of Chinatown. The use of vibrant colours and characters within the murals brings to life this valuable part of Singapore’s cultural history.
Modernity Meets History Along Keong Siak Road
Chinatown Murals show their unique edge by incorporating modern artistic styles to depict historical, cultural, and traditional scenes. These scenes often portray the early life of immigrants in the early 20th century, such as life in Chinatown. This is just one of the many murals that adorn Keong Siak Road. Look out for more artwork while you explore this area!
Ladies Dressed in Traditional Clothing with Technology
Walking along Tanjong Pagar Road towards Craig Road, the Chinatown mural depicting ladies dressed in traditional clothing with technology melds together historical concepts with a touch of modernity. The mural portrays how Singapore strives to stay in touch with its cultural roots while still moving forward to meet the demands and trends that keep the country at the forefront of innovation and modernity.
Mural Of a Multicultural Society
Keong Saik Road murals, image credit: littledayout.com
Also, along Keong Siak Street, the colourful mural portraying scenes of a multicultural Singaporean society strikes visitors with an air of vibrance and community. The mural of a multicultural society depicts the co-existence of different cultures united under a single banner of Singaporean pride. The mural celebrates Singapore's melting pot of cultures and beliefs while reinforcing the sense of unity among all its citizens.
Mosque Street Porcelain Hotel
Porcelain mural on the side of Porcelain Hotel
The Porcelain Hotel along Mosque Street features a beautifully painted Chinatown Mural where the facade of the building is covered in a decorative work of art mirroring the intricate design usually found on porcelain wear. The large blue and white mural is an eye-catching addition to the area, creating a unique environment and allowing visitors to experience some of the traditional Chinese culture found in Singapore.
Chinatown Murals Along Banda Street
Banda Street features a handful of amazing Chinatown murals showcasing varying scenes and scenarios that give visitors a glimpse of old Singapore. From scenes of traditional street life to larger-than-life depictions of mythical creatures, this area has some incredible art that will delight any visitor. The murals are thoughtfully placed and provide an exciting contrast against the modern backdrop of the city. Here’s what you’ll see:
Labour of Love
Labour of Love is a series of Chinatown murals depicting how it looked and felt during its early days. Located along the steps of the Kreta Ayer People’s Theatre, each mural shows a varied and unique perspective of the sceneries and places you would have seen back in the day. As a series, you’ll have the chance to take in the intense detail of The Path of Peace and Serenity, The Way We Are, Chess Mates, Ageing Gracefully, and more.
Altogether, these murals frame a nostalgic and vibrant feeling that showcases the roots of Chinatown Singapore and how much the location has blossomed since it was first settled and established by the early Chinese immigrants.
Banda Street Murals, image credit: littledayout.com
Chinatown Murals Along Banda Street
For those who love picturesque scenes depicted in detail, the murals along Banda Street offer something amazing to witness. These murals were painted along the streets and buildings during the 2015 Colouring Banda Street project headed by the PwC and Tanjong Pagar Town Council. Among the most seen Chinatown murals here are:
Welcome To Our World
Welcome to Our World Mural, image credit: littledayout.com
For those who love picturesque scenes depicted in detail, the murals along Banda Street offer something amazing to witness. These murals were painted along the streets and buildings during the 2015 Colouring Banda Street project headed by the PwC and Tanjong Pagar Town Council. Among the most seen Chinatown murals here are:
Bridge Over Calm Waters & The Back Lane Murals. image credit: littledayout.com
Bridge Over Calm Waters
Bridge Over Calm Waters uses the same art style as other Chinatown murals around Banda Street. While the mural appears to be one large piece taking up the courtyard, the murals share the same ambience, feeling, and vibe. Bridge Over Calm Water represents the interconnectivity of Singaporeans from all walks of life coming together to build a better society.
The Back Lane
Adjacent to Bridge Over Calm Waters, visitors to this Banda Street courtyard will see a mural titled The Back Lane. This mural depicts a glimpse of Chinatown as a family prepares to celebrate the upcoming Lunar New Year.
Final Thoughts
The beautiful and detailed Chinatown murals you’ll come across as you explore the area show something more than the talent and skill of the artists who brought them to life. They also depict Singapore's history, culture, and personality and how each element in the city is essential in making this place unlike any other. As you explore, slow down and take it all in!
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