Unknown Files: Orchard

Walk with us on this heritage tour around the shopping district of Singapore amidst this festive Christmas session with evening lights!
About this Event

Unknown Files: Orchard

20 Dec 2026, Sunday
5pm to 6.30pm
Meeting Point: The Cathay, 2 Handy Road

Join us as we trace Orchard Road's remarkable transformation into the vibrant retail boulevard it is today. Along the way, uncover stories of its early communities, historic landmarks, and architectural gems, while taking in the spectacular Christmas light-up that has become one of Singapore's most beloved year-end traditions.

Whether you're a first-time visitor, a long-time resident, or simply looking for a unique way to experience the festive season, this tour offers the perfect combination of history, culture, and holiday magic. Bring your camera, your curiosity, and your festive spirit as we explore Orchard Road after dark.🇸🇬✨

Agenda
Temasek Shophouse

Info: Discover a beautifully restored heritage shophouse that celebrates Singapore's culture, sustainability, and community spirit. Once part of the historic Orchard Road streetscape, it now serves as a bridge between Singapore's past and its vision for the future under Temasek Trust.

Sungei Brass Bassar

Info: Hear stories of laundrymen and castle moats as the river played a vital role in transporting goods and connecting early settlements, before it was eventually canalised and buried beneath the modern city.

Cuppage Road

Info: A charming enclave that preserves the atmosphere of old Singapore. From conserved shophouses and traditional eateries to vibrant nightlife, it offers a refreshing contrast to the modern malls just around the corner while we celebrate its plantation past.

Emerald Hill

Info: Step into one of Singapore's best-preserved Peranakan enclaves, where colourful shophouses line a quiet hill just steps away from bustling Orchard Road. Once home to wealthy families and nutmeg plantations, Emerald Hill offers a glimpse into the elegance of early 20th-century Singapore.

Ngee Ann City

Info: Standing on land once occupied by the Teochew community's cemetery, Ngee Ann City represents Orchard Road's transformation into a global shopping destination. Explore the architecture of this mixed-use development with us as it blends the old and new.

Tang Plaza

Info: More than just a shopping mall, Tang Plaza marks the site where Mr C.K. Tang built his retail empire and transformed Orchard Road into a destination for generations of Singaporeans. Its distinctive Chinese-inspired roof remains one of the street's most recognisable landmarks.