History of Chinese Buddhism

Haw Par Villa is an important Overseas Chinese heritage site and showcases important Chinese cultural values and historical memories.

This tour uses the exhibits in Haw Par Villa to tell the history of Buddhism in China.

The tour explores the arrival and the first mention of Buddhism in the Han Dynasty followed by the long process of Sinicization, and finally the localization and institutionalization of Buddhism during the Song Dynasty.

We will play special attention to Buddhism in Republican China when China and the Chinese community face great challenges and changes. Let us explore how this period of Buddhism continues to hve an impact on Buddhism today.

No prior knowledge is required for this tour.

Tour information

Only 25 places available.
Please book early.

This tour supports the Haw Par Villa book project. We will send you a copy when it is published.

About the tour guide

Chan CW has a Masters in Social Anthropology from London School of Economics (LSE), UK and Fellow of the Royal Anthropological Institute, UK.

He has a Speciality Tour Guide license from Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

Chan is a TEDx speaker, film producer and has published on Singapore history, fragrance, Buddhism, and heritage.

This tour is a combination of his various interest in Singapore heritage, Chinese history, Buddhism, anthropology, animal welfare and fragrances.

Meeting point

Tour guide: Chan CW