When people think of Chinatown Singapore, it's often the colourful shophouses, bustling markets and mouthwatering hawker food that come to mind. But beyond the photo spots and famous eateries, Chinatown is also one of the best places to experience Singapore's rich cultural heritage through hands-on activities.
If you're looking for a meaningful weekend activity with the family, or you're visiting Singapore and want to create a souvenir that's a little more personal, Chinatown Business Association (CBA) has lined up two heritage workshops this July that celebrate Singapore's creative and culinary traditions.
Design Your Own Canvas Bag
(Register at - https://peatix.com/event/5079145)
Sometimes the simplest activities create the best memories.
Taking place on 18 July 2026, the DIY Canvas Bag Workshop invites participants of all ages to personalise their own reusable canvas tote using colourful paints and their own creativity.
No artistic experience is needed, making it an easy and relaxing activity whether you're coming with young children, your partner or a group of friends. Over the 90-minute session, you'll leave not only with a one-of-a-kind bag, but also a keepsake that reminds you of your time in Chinatown.
At just S$6 per participant, it's an affordable family-friendly activity during the school holiday period.
Learn the Art of Traditional Nyonya Kueh
(Register at - https://peatix.com/event/5080182)
Food has always been one of the best ways to discover Singapore's multicultural identity, and this next workshop offers exactly that.
On 25 July 2026, participants can join a Traditional Nyonya Kueh Workshop, where they'll learn to make two classic Peranakan treats:
Kueh Koswee – soft pandan rice cakes coated with freshly grated coconut.
Apom Berkuah – fluffy traditional rice pancakes served with a rich coconut sauce.
Led by an experienced instructor, the workshop introduces beginners to authentic recipes while sharing the stories behind these much-loved Peranakan delicacies. Rather than simply tasting them, you'll get to experience the process of making them from scratch—something that makes the heritage feel all the more meaningful.
A Heritage Experience Beyond the Workshop
Both workshops take place at Chinatown Business Association, 9A Smith Street, right in the heart of Singapore's historic Chinatown district.
Its convenient location near both Chinatown MRT and Maxwell MRT makes it easy to spend the rest of your day exploring the neighbourhood. Wander through heritage streets lined with colourful shophouses, browse traditional stores, visit historic temples or simply enjoy some of Singapore's best local food while you're there.
The Chinatown Business Association (CBA) is a non-profit organisation established by passionate stakeholders across Chinatown, including business owners, grassroots leaders, clan associations, hoteliers, hawkers and retailers. Together, they work to preserve, promote and celebrate Chinatown's unique heritage while supporting the district's vibrant business and community ecosystem.
As Lim Yick Suan, Executive Director of Chinatown Business Association, aptly puts it, Chinatown is more than just a tourist attraction, it's a living cultural district where visitors can connect with Singapore's traditions through meaningful, interactive experiences.
These workshops offer both international visitors and locals an opportunity to create lasting memories while gaining a deeper appreciation of Singapore's multicultural heritage.
I always feel that the best travel experiences are the ones where you get to create something, not just photograph it.
Whether it's painting your own tote bag or learning a traditional Peranakan recipe that's been passed down through generations, these workshops offer a chance to slow down, connect with Singapore's heritage and leave with memories you can literally take home.
If you're planning a family outing or looking for something different to do in Singapore this July, these Chinatown workshops are definitely worth adding to your weekend plans.
Workshop Details
📍 Chinatown Business Association
9A Smith Street, Singapore 058923
9A Smith Street, Singapore 058923
Session Times
11.00am – 12.30pm
1.30pm – 3.00pm
As workshop places are limited, advance registration is recommended.
Official Website: https://chinatown.sg/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chinatown_sg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChinatownSGcsm
