What to look out for in Chinatown

Thian Hock Kian Temple

The first junk bearing immigrants from the Fujian province of Xiamen anchored at the mouth of the Singapore River in 1821. The early settlers built the Thian Hock Keng Temple to thank the gods for their safe journey, and to ask for protection and prosperity in their new home.

Tooth relic temple

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum is a living cultural monument in the heart of Chinatown housing what Buddhist leaders regard as the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic in a magnificent Relic Stupa composed of 420kg of gold donated by devotees. Everyday the inner chamber will be unveiled at stipulated timings in a ceremony conducted by resident monks and the public can view the Relic Stupa.

The Temple is dedicated to Maitreya Buddha. Entering the breathtaking 27 feet high main hall of the temple, visitors can see the beautifully carved wooden Maitreya Buddha image. From the grandeur and fine detail seen in this hall alone, visitors can appreciate the work of dedicated craftsmen who contributed their skills to the building of this Temple. The architecture, interiors and statuary, are inspired by the Tang Dynasty, an era where Buddhism flourished in China in a golden age of artistic and cultural vibrancy.

Other highlights of a visit to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum include the Buddhist Culture Museum, Eminent Sangha Museum, Tripitaka Chamber, Exhibition Hall where exhibitions relating to various facets of religious arts and culture of Singapore will be held regularly and a Theatre for cultural performances, talks and films.

On the roof, visitors can admire the pure elegant blooms of the Dendrobium Buddha Tooth, an orchid species specially named after the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum. Visitors can also rest and enjoy refreshing tea and healthy vegetarian snacks in the cozy Lotus Heart Tea House on the 2nd floor or visit the Dining Hall in the basement where free vegetarian meals are distributed daily. A shop on the ground floor allows visitors to purchase offering items, including the Dendrobium Buddha Tooth orchid and a range of books, CDs, handicrafts and commemorative souvenirs. Visitors are advised to dress conservatively as this is a place of worship.

dmission Free Opening Hours 7am - 7pm. Approximate touring time 2-3 hours Location 288 South Bridge Road S(058840) Telephone 6220 0220 Fax 62201261 Email services@btrts.org.sg Getting There Take the MRT to Chinatown Station. Exit onto Pagoda Street. Turn right at the exit and BTRTM is a short 5 min walk away. Click here to view MRT route map.

Daily Activities

Time	Activities	Venue
04:30	Morning Opening Ceremony: Board, Bell and Drum Ritual	1st Storey
05:00	Morning Chanting	1st Storey
07:00	Opening of Mountain Gate	1st Storey
09:00-18:00	Viewing of Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic	4th Storey
11:00	Noon Offering	1st Storey
16:00	Evening Chanting	1st Storey
18:15	Evening Closing Ceremony: Drum, Bell and Board Ritual	1st Storey
19:00	Closing of Mountain Gate	1st Storey

Daily Activities may vary due to Ceremony and Festival observances. Please check website for latest updates: www.btrts.org.sg

Website www.btrts.org.sg

A common architectural feature you will find around Chinatown is the shophouse, which is done in a style peculiar to this region of the world and known as Chinese baroque. These shophouses were so-called because the ground floor served as a shop while the upper floors were where the owners lived.

The architecture is an eclectic mix of Chinese, Malay and European influences and is sometimes also known as Peranakan, after the Chinese settlers who came as early as the 15th century and who adopted Malay customs.