Reunite with us at the Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival 2023 for a host of exciting activities to celebrate Chinese arts, culture, and heritage!
For this year’s festival, SYSNMH has teamed up with various clan associations to present programmes for visitors of all ages to learn more about the dialect cultures of the Chinese community.
Also don’t miss the return of SYSNMH’s annual outdoor lantern installation. This year, the special installation titled A Mid-Autumn Paw-trait features two adorable giant panda lanterns.
Extended Gallery Hours
In conjunction with A Mid-Autumn Paw-trait installation, the Memorial Hall gallery hours will also be extended to 9pm (last admission at 8.30pm) on the following dates:
- 2 & 3 Sep 2023 (SAT & SUN)
- 9 & 10 Sep 2023 (SAT & SUN)
- 16 & 17 Sep 2023 (SAT & SUN)
- 23 & 24 Sep 2023 (SAT & SUN, Festival Open House)
- 29 Sep 2023 (FRI)
Lawn Installation: A Mid-Autumn Paw-trait
Date: 29 August – 1 Oct 2023
Time: 10am – 9pm daily
Admission: Free
Presented by Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, this year’s outdoor installation, comprising two giant panda lanterns, is made “paw-sible” through a collaboration with toymaker 52TOYS’ Panda Roll series and WWF-Singapore (World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore).
As the Memorial Hall’s 9th Mid-Autumn outdoor installation, A Mid-Autumn Paw-trait conveys the Memorial Hall’s wish for every Singaporean to enjoy a “panda-stic” Mid-Autumn reunion but more importantly, it features the giant panda as an acknowledgement of past and ongoing wildlife conservation efforts, and celebrates the reclassification of giant pandas from endangered to vulnerable status by the IUCN Red List.
The installation will be on display on the green lawn of the Memorial Hall from 29 August to 1 October 2023, daily from 10am to 9pm.
Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival Open House
Date: 23 & 24 Sep 2023
Time: 10am – 6.30pm
Venue: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Admission: Free admission with ticketed activities
Workshops
Parent-Child Recycled Panda Lantern Making Workshop
(Supported by Francis Theo)
Date: 23 September 2023
Time: 10.30am – 12pm
Admission: $24 per parent-child pair; purchase tickets via PEATIX. Tickets available from 1 September 2023, 10am onwards.
Recommended for children aged 4 years and above. The workshop is conducted in English.
Join artist Francis Theo to kickstart your Mid-Autumn celebration with our parent-child workshop! Create eco-friendly magic as you craft an adorable panda lantern from recycled milk bottles. Dive into creativity and sustainability, all while bonding with your little ones. Participants are also encouraged to bring a washed 2L Meiji milk bottle to support recycling efforts. Let's illuminate the night with art and environmental consciousness this season.
Melodies in Motion: Hokkien Songs & Rhymes Workshop
(Supported by Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan)
Date: 23 September 2023
Time: 1pm – 2.30pm
Admission: $10 per pax; purchase tickets via PEATIX. Tickets available from 1 September 2023, 10am onwards.
Recommended for children aged 4 years and above. The workshop is conducted in Mandarin and Hokkien.
Let the young ones be immersed in Hokkien culture by joining the Melodies in Motion: Hokkien Songs & Rhymes Workshop! Conducted by Jeremiah Soh of Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan Cultural Academy, kids can learn the Hokkien dialect through folk songs and movements, and get the chance to shine in a mini showcase at the end of the workshop. Parents are also encouraged to join their children at this fun-filled session!
Tales in Melodies: Teochew Songs & Rhymes Workshop
(Supported by Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan)
Date: 23 September 2023
Time: 3.30pm – 5pm
Admission: $10 per pax; purchase tickets via PEATIX. Tickets available from 1 September 2023, 10am onwards.
Recommended for children aged 4 years and above. The workshop is conducted in Mandarin and Teochew.
Kickstart your kids’ Teochew culture journey early and together with the Tales in Melodies: Teochew Song & Rhymes Workshop! Learn more about the Teochew dialect through folk songs and hear the stories and meaning behind those melodies with Lim Guay Eng of the Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan. Kids can learn a song or two by the end of the workshop. Parents are encouraged to join their children in this fun-filled session!
Parent-Child Hakka Abacus Seeds Making Workshop
(Supported by Nanyang Hakka Federation)
Date: 24 September 2023
Time: 3.30pm – 5pm
Admission: $38 per parent-child pair; purchase tickets via PEATIX. Tickets available from 1 September 2023, 10am onwards.
Recommended for children aged 4 years and above. The workshop is conducted in Mandarin.
Join us for a special parent-child workshop where you’ll learn the art of making traditional Hakka Abacus Seeds! In this workshop, you and your child will work together to knead, pinch and roll these delicious yam seeds! Nanyang Hakka Federation will guide participants through each step of the process, providing helpful tips and insights on making abacus seeds. Participants will bring home the abacus seeds that they have made along with some cooked abacus seeds prepared by the federation to enjoy at home.
Escape Game Activity
Lost in Time: The Case of the Missing Researcher
Date: 23 & 24 September 2023
Time: 11.30am - 1pm, 1pm - 2.30pm (Sunday only), 2.30pm - 4pm, 4pm - 5.30pm
Admission: $8 per pax, group of 4 - 5 pax recommended; purchase tickets via PEATIX.
Suitable for participants aged 10 years and above. Recommended group size of 4 – 5 pax. The game is conducted in English.
You and your team are called in to investigate the disappearance of a renowned researcher who has vanished while studying a mysterious 19th century artefact. The researcher was known for his obsession with the artefact's historical significance and is believed to have used a forbidden method of time travel that has left him trapped in the past.
To find and rescue the researcher, you and your team will need to navigate through twists and turns to uncover clues and solve puzzles. But beware, as there may be those who would go to great lengths to keep the researcher hidden, and the dangers of the forbidden method of time travel are ever-present.
Can you locate the missing researcher and bring him back to safety before it's too late? The clock is ticking, and time is running out. The fate of the researcher rests in your hands. Can you complete the mission and bring him back to the present?
Free Activities
Public Talk – Singapore’s Secret Societies in the 19th century and its Evolution
Date: 24 September 2023
Time: 10am - 11.30am
Admission: Free; limited spaces available, on a first-come, first-served basis.
The talk is conducted in Mandarin.
Secret societies in Singapore originated from Tiandihui (“Heaven and Earth Society”). As time passed, the ideologies of these organisations underwent evolution. Both Western Freemasons and Chinese secret societies emerged during the same period and operated with the same level of secrecy concerning their initiation ceremonies, organisational structures and membership. However, why were the Freemasons permitted to legally exist while the Chinese secret societies faced orders for disbandment? Were Chinese secret societies a form of mutual aid organisations? Did they participate in anti-Qing activities? Did the societies have culture? These are some of the topics that will be explored in this public talk.
About the Speaker
Mr Lee Kok Leong
Lee Kok Leong was educated in Singapore and the United Kingdom. He was formerly trained in naval engineering but moved into the exploration of local history and heritage. He is the publisher of many books including Dan Yan Ji Yue Yang Ren (大眼鸡·越洋人) and Guang Dong Ma Jie (广东妈姐). His publications were nominated for the Singapore book prize (non-fiction) and Lianhe Zaobao Top Ten Books of the Year. Lee Kok Leong is also the curator and researcher for Kwong Wai Shiu Hospital Heritage Gallery and Peck San Theng Heritage Gallery.
Storytelling Sessions: Tales of Mid-Autumn Festival
(Supported by Speak Good English Movement and Speak Mandarin Campaign)
Date: 23 September 2023 (Mandarin), 24 September 2023 (English)
Time: 11.30am – 12.30pm, 2pm – 3pm
Admission: Free
Be swept away with enthralling tales in our popular storytelling sessions! Discover the legends and myths behind well-loved Chinese stories as local authors and veteran storytellers bring you on a literary adventure.
Drop-in Craft Station: Mid-Autumn Festival Inspired Crafts
(Supported by River Valley High School)
Date: 23 & 24 September 2023
Time: 10.30am – 6.30pm
Admission: Free
Get crafty as you make crafts inspired by Mid-Autumn Festival such as a palace lantern and more or pick up a colouring sheet and colour your hearts out. Crafts are brought to you by students at River Valley High School.
Drop-in Craft Station: Chinese Calligraphy Try-Out
Date: 23 & 24 September 2023
Time: 10.30am – 6.30pm
Admission: Free
Experience the elegance of Chinese calligraphy at our drop-in craft station and learn to write festive greetings for the occasion.
Drop-in Activity Station: Language Game Fun
(Supported by Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan)
Date: 23 & 24 September 2023
Time: 10.30am – 6.30pm
Admission: Free
Challenge your mastery of Hokkien and Mandarin through games such as “mix and match” and tongue twisters brought to you by Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan.
Live on the Lawn: Mid-Autumn Family Fun Contest
Date: 23 & 24 September 2023
Time: 3pm – 4pm
Admission: Free
Gather your family for a Mid-Autumn Family Fun Contest on stage! Engage in friendly rivalry as you join other families in a series of exciting games from Mid-Autumn trivia to traditional activities like pomelo ripping, it’s a session of bonding and fun! Limited spots available, register your interest on the day to reserve your spot.
Live on the Lawn: Dialect Culture Performances
Date: 23 September 2023
Time: 5pm – 6pm
Admission: Free
Hainan Rod Puppet Performance by San Chun Long Puppet Troupe
Experience the San Chun Long Puppet Troupe’s classic excerpt from Plum Blossom of Seven Stars. Immerse yourself in traditional puppetry as the troupe showcases their cherished rod puppets, reflecting a century-old Hainanese legacy. You can also get the rare opportunity to interact and take photographs of the puppets after the performance.
Live on the Lawn: Dialect Culture Performances
Date: 24 September 2023
Time: 6pm – 6.30pm
Admission: Free
Hakka Folk Song & Bamboo Clapper Performance by Nanyang Hakka Federation
Enjoy an enchanting act of Hakka folk songs and bamboo clapper performance brought to you by Nanyang Hakka Federation. Immerse in the rich cultural rhythms and then try out the bamboo clappers after the performance to end your Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival experience on a high note.
Live on the Lawn: Lantern Riddles Guessing
(Supported by Riddles Association (Singapore))
Date: 24 September 2023
Time: 5pm - 6pm
Admission: Free
Learn tips for solving Chinese lantern riddles with riddle masters this Mid-Autumn Festival. Join Riddle Association as they conduct a traditional riddle solving session at the Memorial Hall lawn. Get your hands on the Memorial Hall’s merchandise with each correct answer.
More Chinese lantern riddles will be up at the Memorial Hall’s veranda for you to solve on 23 & 24 September 2023. Get 10 correct answers to exchange for more of the Memorial Hall’s merchandise!
Mooncake, Pomelo & Tea Tasting
Date: 23 & 24 September 2023
Time: 10.30am – 6.30pm
Admission: Free, limited quantities available.
Savour a taste of tradition and sample yummy Mid-Autumn delicacies such as mooncakes, pomelos and freshly brewed aromatic Chinese tea. Enjoy these festive delicacies as you learn more about Mid-Autumn Festival!
Teochew Mooncake Sampling
(Supported by Thye Moh Chan)
Date: 23 & 24 September 2023
Time: 10.30am – 6.30pm
Admission: Free, limited quantities available.
Baking since 1943, Thye Moh Chan has been crafting traditional Teochew mooncakes every Mid-Autumn Festival for almost 80 years. Sweet or savoury, come have a taste and get your hands on these traditional Teochew mooncakes this Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival!
52TOYS Blind Box Sale Booth
Date: 23 & 24 September 2023
Time: 10.30am – 6.30pm
Admission: Free
Try your luck and get your favourite toy at the 52TOYS blind box sale booth today! Toy series on sale include Panda Roll series and more. This is also your last chance to get your hands on the discontinued Panda Roll S2 series only at Wan Qing Mid-Autumn Festival!
World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore Booth
Date: 23 & 24 September 2023
Time: 10.30am – 6.30pm
Admission: Free
Talk to the representatives from World Wide Fund for Nature Singapore (WWF-Singapore) to find out more how you can support nature and make an impact for the future.
Children Activity Booklets Giveaway
Date: 23 & 24 September 2023
Time: 10.30am – 9pm
Kids! Come and pick up a free activity kit to discover more about Chinese arts, culture and heritage!
Let’s Celebrate with Uncle Ting: Mid-Autumn Festival
Join Uncle Ting to learn more about the legend of Chang’E and popular customs associated with this festival through a series of fun activities including lantern making!
Trails and Guided Tours
Teochew Cultural Trail
(Supported by Teochew Poit Ip Huay Kuan and Singapore Teochew Heritage Society)
Date: 24 September 2023
Time: 10am - 1pm
Admission: $20 per pax; purchase tickets via PEATIX. Tickets available from 1 September 2023, 10am onwards.
The trail is conducted in the Teochew dialect.
Come join us as we take you to places where you can see and learn about the various organisations set up by the Teochew community in Singapore! Starting off from the Memorial Hall, get a guided tour of the special exhibition “Connections Across Oceans: Early Chinese Mutual Aid Organisations” and understand how mutual aid organisations were formed and why they were considered the important pillars of the Chinese migrant community. Next, visit Thong Kheng Charitable Institution to understand the history and heritage of the institution and its philanthropy work. We will later visit the grounds of Geylang where some of the local Teochew associations such as Thau Yong Amateur Musical Association and Teo Ann Huay Kuan, are situated and hear from them on the stories and interesting nuggets of history in this rare Teochew dialect trail.
Balestier Heritage Food Trail
Date: 23 September 2023
Time: 10.30am – 11.30am (English), 11.30am – 12.30pm (Mandarin)
Admission: $12 per pax; purchase tickets via PEATIX. Tickets available from 1 September 2023, 10am onwards.
Go on a gastronomic journey around Balestier with our ever-popular Balestier Heritage Food Trail! Delve into the architectural and cultural development of Balestier as you visit and sample bites from heritage shops such as Lam Yeo Coffee Powder Factory and Sweetlands Confectionary and Bakery and discover the rich food history behind these places. Tours are brought to you by our Heritage Volunteers.
Special Exhibition Guided Tour
Date: 23 September 2023
Time: 10.30am - 11.30am (Mandarin), 1.30pm - 2.30pm (English)
Admission: Free; limited spaces available
Hear from our docents and find out how the early Chinese mutual aid organisations played an important role to the early Chinese migrant community with the guided tour of the special exhibition, Connections Across Oceans: Early Chinese Mutual Aid Organisations. Tours are brought to you by our Heritage Volunteers.
Permanent Galleries Guided Tour
Date: 23 & 24 September 2023
Time: 2.30pm – 3.30pm (Mandarin), 3pm – 4pm (English)
Admission: Free; limited spaces available
Join us for a guided tour of Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall and hear the stories behind this century-old villa that trace Dr Sun Yat Sen’s revolutionary activities in Southeast Asia. Gain valuable insights on the impact of the 1911 Revolution on Singapore, as well as Singapore’s contributions to the Revolution. Tours are brought to you by our Heritage Volunteers.