The fourth edition of the Five Footway Festival returns to Singapore’s Chinatown from 14 to 23 March 2025, offering visitors a rich tapestry of cultural experiences that honour the district’s storied past and vibrant heritage.
A Cultural Journey Through Chinatown’s History
The festival, organised by the Chinatown Business Association, celebrates Singapore’s iconic five-footways—the covered walkways that once formed the bustling heart of community life and commerce in early Singapore.
“The Five Footways of Chinatown are more than just physical spaces – they are a living testament to the rich heritage, resilience, and spirit of the community that have shaped Singapore especially as we celebrate SG60 this year,” shares Ms Lim Yick Suan, Executive Director of the Chinatown Business Association.
This year’s festival offers a variety of immersive experiences, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the sights, sounds, and flavours that have defined Chinatown through the generations.
Admission to the Five Footway Festival is free.
Explore Chinatown’s History Through Walking Tours
This year, there are four distinctive walking tours which offer unique perspectives on Chinatown’s colourful history:
- Chinatown Theatrical Tour – Letter Writer’s Lament: A storytelling journey transporting participants to the 1940s, following young immigrant Ace Wan who found his calling as a Chinese letter writer. Led by award-winning Let’s Go Tour, this experience blends theatre and history to bring the struggles and aspirations of early immigrants to life.
- “Under One Roof” – An Immersive Guided Experience: Visit the recently reopened Chinatown Heritage Centre for an authentic glimpse into the 1950s interiors of Chinatown’s former residents, from family homes to tradesmen’s workshops housed within three restored shophouses.
- The OG Hustlers: Celebrate the resilience of Chinatown’s pioneers who transformed narrow five-footways into thriving hubs of trade. Step inside century-old establishments like Pek Sin Choon tea merchants and the beloved Cantonese pastry shop Tong Heng.
- Hey Bukit Pasoh! The Vibrant Yesteryears: Venture beyond central Chinatown to explore the charming Bukit Pasoh enclave, featuring The Pioneers’ Memorial Hall and iconic filming locations from “Crazy Rich Asians”.
Cultural Performances at Smith Street
The festival features a spectacular showcase of cultural performances along Smith Street, including:
- Meet and Greet Stilt Walkers in traditional attire
- Lion Dances from renowned troupes including Singapore Tian Eng Dragon & Lion Dance Centre and Singapore’s first lion dance troupe, Singapore Hok San Association
- Face Changing (变脸) performances
- Traditional Chinese music featuring the guzheng and pipa
- Street Storytelling and “Reverberations of Heritage” performances
- Monkey King Show and Wushu performances by Choy’s Brothers Opera Troupe
- Hand Puppet Show: “The Tiger Hero” by Paper Monkey Theatre
- Beijing Opera by Ping Sheh
- Teochew Opera & Drums by Nam Hwa Opera, featuring performers aged 10 to 70
Hands-on Workshops Celebrating Heritage
Visitors can participate in workshops highlighting various aspects of Chinatown’s traditions:
- Food Heritage Workshops: Learn to make Gula Melaka Kaya, traditional Ang Ku Kueh, Teochew Png Kueh, and Egg Huat Kueh (prosperity cake)
- Chinese Kung Fu Tea Workshop: Explore the cultural significance of Chinese tea through hands-on brewing experiences
- The Sights & Sounds of Chinese Opera: Delve into Cantonese Opera through discussions, demonstrations, and performances
- Plate Spinning Experiential Workshop: Learn the fundamentals of traditional plate spinning
- Free Creative Workshops: Try your hand at Chinese Ink Painting, Bamboo Pinwheel Making and Bamboo Windchimes Making
A Festival for All Ages
The festival features additional attractions for visitors of all ages:
- “The Warmth and Bustle of The Five-Footway”: An exhibition in collaboration with Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall and Hwa Chong Institution students, exploring the history of the five-footways
- Chinese Opera Roving Exhibition along Smith Street
- Mini Food & Retail Bazaar
- Street Scene Photo Booth
- Traditional Games Booth featuring nostalgic games like pick-up sticks, five stones, marbles, and the eraser game
- Talks on The Beauty of the Hokkien Language and Traditional Chinese Medicine health topics
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Dates: 14 – 23 March 2025
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Location: Various locations throughout Chinatown, with many activities centred around Smith Street
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Admission: Free (tickets required for selected workshops, available on Peatix)
