If you’re a street art enthusiast or just love capturing Instagram-worthy shots, you’re in for a treat with Singapore’s vibrant street art scene.

In this guide, we’ll take you on a colorful journey through Chinatown, where the talented artist Yip Yew Chong has created captivating murals. Get ready to uncover hidden gems, learn photography tips, and dive into the world of stunning mural art. Let’s get started!

Artist Yip Yew Chong: The Mastermind Behind the Murals

Before we begin our mural-hunting adventure, let’s take a moment to appreciate the talent and creativity of artist Yip Yew Chong. YC has become a beloved figure in Singapore’s art scene, bringing stories to life through his murals.

YC, a Singaporean artist behind the creation of the Chinatown’s mural

His masterpieces depict scenes from Singapore’s rich heritage, capturing the essence of local culture and traditions. Chinatown Murals Location: Explore the Mesmerizing Street Art of YC in the Heart of Singapore’s Vibrant Chinatown.

1. Thian Hock Keng

• • Location: 1.281257421349101, 103.84722835915572
  • Landmark: Thian Hock Keng Temple
  • Walking Distance from MRT: Around 10 minutes
  • What’s this mural about: The Thian Hock Keng mural showcases the historic Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest Hokkien temples. It represents the cultural and religious significance of the temple in Chinatown.

2. Paper Mask, Mamashop, Lion Dance Head Maker

• • Location: 1.2828118119028702, 103.84578434581658
  • Landmark: Chinatown Heritage Centre
  • Walking Distance from MRT: Approximately 5 minutes
  • What’s this mural about: This mural pays homage to traditional crafts such as paper mask making, Mamashop (traditional provision shop), and lion dance head making. It celebrates the cultural heritage and craftsmanship of Chinatown.

(Photo credit to iPackTravel.com)

3. Cantonese Opera

• • Location: 1.2822962573951064, 103.84514728058593
  • Landmark: Chinatown Complex Food Centre
  • Walking Distance from MRT: Around 3 minutes
  • What’s this mural about: The Cantonese Opera mural showcases the vibrant and dramatic world of Cantonese opera, a traditional performing art form popular in Chinese culture. It highlights the artistic traditions deeply rooted in Chinatown.

4. Detective Conan

• • Location: 1.2819019019767153, 103.84494134405949
  • Landmark: Chinatown Point
  • Walking Distance from MRT: Approximately 5 minutes
  • What’s this mural about: Inspired by the popular Japanese manga and anime series, the Detective Conan mural adds a touch of whimsy to Chinatown. It represents the influence of popular culture on the vibrant art scene.

5. Chinatown Wet Market

• • Location: 1.2829160387824246, 103.84442960646464
  • Landmark: Chinatown Wet Market
  • Walking Distance from MRT: Around 6 minutes
  • What’s this mural about: The Chinatown Wet Market mural captures the bustling atmosphere of a traditional wet market, showcasing the vibrant colors and lively energy of Singapore’s local market culture.

(An epic three-storey mural artwork by Mr. Yip)

6. Clog Maker

• • Location: 1.282639424312545, 103.84437196233917
  • Landmark: People’s Park Complex
  • Walking Distance from MRT: Approximately 7 minutes
  • What’s this mural about: The Clog Maker mural pays tribute to the traditional craft of clog making, reflecting the importance of preserving and appreciating Singapore’s vanishing trades and cultural heritage.

7. My Chinatown Home

• • Location: 1.2824395696865374, 103.84427060220928
  • Landmark: Yue Hwa Chinese Products
  • Walking Distance from MRT: Around 8 minutes
  • What’s this mural about: The My Chinatown Home mural depicts an iconic shophouse facade, symbolizing the unique architectural charm of Chinatown and the concept of home within the community.

8. Mid-Autumn Festival

• • Location: 1.2836843181969992, 103.84346395352162
  • Landmark: Chinatown Food Street
  • Walking Distance from MRT: Approximately 8 minutes
  • What’s this mural about: The Mid-Autumn Festival mural celebrates the annual Chinese festival, symbolizing reunion, mooncakes, lanterns, and the spirit of togetherness. It showcases the cultural traditions and festivities in Chinatown.

9. Letter Writer

• • Location: 1.282908646974153, 103.84297565587433
  • Landmark: Sri Mariamman Temple
  • Walking Distance from MRT: Around 7 minutes
  • What’s this mural about: The Letter Writer mural portrays the historical role of letter writers in Chinatown, where people would seek their services to write letters to their families back home. It represents the importance of communication and connections within the community.

Note: The walking distances mentioned are approximate and based on a moderate walking pace.

Tips and Tricks for Capturing Stunning Murals

• Capture the Perfect Moment: Time your visit during the golden hours—early morning or late afternoon—when the lighting is soft and flattering for that picture-perfect shot.
• Find the Right Angle: Experiment with different perspectives and angles to discover the best composition. Play around with leading lines, doorways, or nearby objects to create captivating photos.
• Let Colors Pop: Allow the vibrant mural colors to take center stage in your photographs. Contrast them against a simple background or complementary colors to make them stand out.
• Add a Human Touch: Inject some life into your shots by including people. You can either strike a pose in front of the murals yourself or capture spontaneous moments of others interacting with the artwork.
• Edit and Enhance: Once you’ve captured your mural photos, unleash your creativity during the editing process. Adjust the exposure, contrast, and saturation to bring out the best in your shots and make them truly shine.

Immerse Yourself in Singapore’s Street Art Culture

Beyond the murals, Chinatown offers a vibrant atmosphere where you can truly immerse yourself in Singapore’s street art culture. Take a leisurely stroll through the colorful streets, explore local shops, and indulge in mouthwatering street food. Don’t forget to interact with fellow art enthusiasts and share your experiences on social media using #ChinatownArtScene.

Unlocking the Stories Behind the Murals

Each mural in Chinatown tells a unique story, deeply rooted in Singapore’s history and culture. Take a moment to unravel what each mural is about and the significance behind Yip Yew Chong’s art. Engage with the locals and learn about the rich heritage preserved within these magnificent pieces.

Incorporating Local Landmarks in Your Mural Photography

Make your mural photographs even more memorable by incorporating nearby landmarks. Capture the fusion of traditional and modern elements as you frame the murals with iconic structures like Thian Hock Keng Temple, Chinatown Complex Food Centre, or Sri Mariamman Temple.

Insta-Worthy Spots: Instagrammable Murals in Chinatown Singapore

Chinatown Singapore boasts numerous Instagrammable spots that will leave you in awe. From the enchanting Thian Hock Keng mural to the bustling Chinatown Wet Market, these locations offer the perfect backdrop for your next Insta-worthy shot.

Now that you have the inside scoop on the best murals in Chinatown, grab your phone and embark on a thrilling street art adventure. Let the vibrant colors, rich stories, and dynamic culture of Singapore’s street art scene inspire your photography. Capture the essence of Chinatown’s murals and create memories that will last a lifetime.

How to get to Chinatown?