If you’re a history buff who has visited all of Singapore’s historical exhibitions and are quickly running out of things to do, here’s your chance to enjoy two weeks of Chinese culture and get a new hands-on experience of local heritage.
From 4-12 November 2017, Wan Qing CultureFest will be back for its 7th edition at the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall in Balestier. Out of the 40 programmes that you’ll get to experience at the festival, here are 5 FREE activities that you wouldn’t want to miss!
This is the time to relive your primary school days when you and your friends would gather to play Five Stones during recess. After collecting your “activity passport” from the reception desk, head to the outdoor activity booths beside the lawn for a game of Chapteh or Kuti Kuti – and stand a chance to win yourself a mystery prize.
And if you’re curious about what your wealth/romance/job future holds, you can also visit the fortune-telling booth and get your fortune told, or take a step into the past and take pictures with your friends in a retro photo booth. Remember to hashtag #sysnmh and #wanqingyuan!
Date: 4, 5, 11, 12 Nov 2017
Time: 12.30PM-8.30PM
Venue: Lawn
Ip Man may have passed on more than 4 decades ago, but his legacy lives on in Singapore through 26-year-old Wing Chun instructor Daryl Yeo, a 4th generation disciple of the Grandmaster himself.
On top of a martial arts show, Daryl and his team will be conducting a mass Wing Chun Martial Arts Class where you can learn some basic moves and Wing it like Ip Man.
Registration is not required, so bring your friends and family along!
Date: 4 Nov 2017
Time: 11AM-12PM
Venue: Lawn
Zumba doesn’t have to be limited to Salsa or Reggae. At Wan Qing CultureFest, you can experience Zumba with a twist and sweat it out to Mando-pop songs such 小苹果 (Little Apple) and 青春修炼手册 (Manual of Youth) at this family-friendly Zumba class. Instead of paying for a weekend Zumba class, join in the one-hour free class and make new friends.
No registration required.
Date: 5, 12 Nov 2017
Time: 11AM-12PM
Venue: Lawn
A culture fest isn’t one without performances, and you’ll have your fill of Chinese performance arts during the afternoon and evening concerts brought to you by some of Singapore’s best youth groups.
From Wushu performances by Sino Wushu and musical calligraphy, to Chinese Dance and chorale performances by NUS students, the concerts will offer you a sampling of Singapore’s vibrant Chinese culture and heritage.
If you’re dropping by in the evening, catch the LED Lion Dance and LED Water Drums performances, as well as a fusion music showcase by Orkestra Sri Temasek (OrST) with their rendition of popular Chinese tunes 月亮代表我的心 (‘The Moon Represents My Heart’) and Hokkien hit ‘You Gotta Fight To Win’!
Afternoon concert
Date: 5, 12 Nov 2017
Time: 3PM-4PM
Evening concert
Date: 4, 11 Nov 2017
Time: 7.30PM-9.30PM
Whether you want to bring along your own popcorn is entirely up to you, but be sure to get there early with your picnic mats ready for the Outdoor Movie Screening and catch films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and animated movies like Kung Fu Panda 3.
If you’re not a fan of the great outdoors, you can also join in on the Indoor Movie Screening at the Little Paradise Room and watch Road to Dawn, a historical film on the story of Dr Sun Yat Sen.
View the full list of movie screenings here.
Date: 4, 5, 11, 12 Nov 2017
What better way to learn about Chinese heritage than to taste it for yourself – which you can do at Wan Qing CultureFest’s traditional snack booths. From ice cream to local bites like Muah Chee and Iced Gem Biscuits, you’ll feel like you’re 10 again once you set your eyes – and tastebuds on your favourite childhood snacks.
Date: 4, 5, 11, 12 Nov 2017
Time: 12.30PM-9PM
If you’re looking for something new and interesting to do this weekend, drop by Wan Qing CultureFest 2017 at Sun Yat Sen Memorial Hall to celebrate Singapore’s Chinese arts and heritage scene with your friends and family. Better yet, make it a family outing and bring your grandparents along – it’s a good opportunity to bond with them over shared interests.
Wan Qing CultureFest 2017
Dates: 4 to 12 November 2017
Time:10AM-9.30PM
Location: Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall
Admission charges: Free*
*Selected activities are chargeable and require pre-registration.
This post was brought to you by Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall.
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