The Teochews of Boat Quay

Join us on this heritage trail that will cover narratives and old photos of Teochew-related institutions that used to exist in the area, including trade guilds and cultural institutions located on North Canal Road and Circular Road, and the Sze Hai Tong Bank at the junction of Chulia Street and Philip Street. The tour will end at the Yueh Hai Ching Temple.

The Boat Quay area has been Singapore's commercial hub since 1819 with many of our early pioneers setting up business ventures in the area, and the Teochew merchants were no exception. It was in this vicinity where the Teochews established their earliest temple and first commercial bank, as well as a number of clan associations and trade guilds. Take a walk down North Canal Road to Philip Street and learn about the commercial and social activities of the Teochew community in the place they know as suan gian deng.

Other fascinating stories & events…

Others

A Light Between Rains

15 - 16, 23, 30 May • 06:15pm

22, 29 May • 05:15pm

Set between shifting monsoons, A Light Between Rains unfolds as a vibrant, participatory theatrical procession – an act of collective world-building that invites audiences into a moving celebration of creativity, community and connection.

Find out more Register

Places Others

A Bump Through Time

9, 16, 23 May • 03:30pm

9, 16, 23 May • 05:00pm

9, 16, 23 May • 07:00pm

9, 16, 23 May • 08:30pm

Blending performance, play and place, A Bump Through Time invites audiences to experience the Singapore River beyond the usual sights; through the people, trades and small moments that once defined the river; on a moving bumboat.

Find out more

People Talks & Workshops

A Librarian's World | More Than Shipping: Singapore's Other Maritime Story In-Person

2 May • 11:00am

Discover how water-based recreation has been woven into the fabric of our social life and national story in this talk by NLB Librarians!