What to Expect
The session begins with an introduction to the core tenets of Taoism, including balance between yin and yang, living in harmony with the natural world, and honouring unseen forces that influence everyday life. These beliefs form the basis for many Taoist rites and rituals that mark major life stages, including the moment of birth.
Participants will then embark on a guided tour exploring key Taoist deities and their roles in birth and early life:
Yue Lao, the “Old Man under the Moon,” is the Taoist deity of matchmaking. Known for tying red threads between those destined to be together, he represents the first step in the journey of family—pairing individuals who will one day bring new life into the world.
Zhu Sheng Niang Niang (註生娘娘), the Goddess of Birth, is a central figure for those seeking blessings for fertility, safe childbirth, and the wellbeing of children. Her shrine remains an important stop for many families marking key milestones such as pregnancy and the man yue (baby’s full month celebration).
Hu Ye, or the Tiger God, is a guardian figure commonly invoked to protect children. Often found in Taoist temples across the region, Hu Ye is believed to ward off harm and ensure safety in the early, vulnerable stages of life.
This programme offers a close look at how Taoist traditions continue to shape the way communities mark the start of life. By exploring the beliefs, deities, and practices that support birth and early childhood, it connects meaningfully to My First Journeys—reflecting on how cultural rituals help us navigate and make sense of life’s earliest milestones.
About My Prayers and Practices
Every F1 season, we will see 10 religious leaders standing along the racing track to bless the road. We can typically identify the leaders of our own faith but there are religions in Singapore which are less heard of, though they are celebrated by some of our local communities. As a multicultural melting pot, many religious communities have taken root and established their practices on our little red dot.
From the Jains and Zoroastrians to the Jews and Orthodox Christians, we hope that participants can join us on a soul-nourishing journey to the places of worship of the major religions in Singapore and learn about their birth, coming-of-age, marriage and death prayers and practices. We hope that such tours will enable us to explore and negotiate our own sense of self and appreciate our religious diversity in Singapore.
Through these tours, we hope participants have a deeper understanding of race, religion and social cohesion. We hope you will gain multiple perspectives and connect your own stories of multicultural and multireligious heritage with those of others. Through facilitated dialogues with the religious leaders, we hope to provide opportunities for participants to engage site hosts in candid and heartfelt conversations.
About the Organisation
The Lorong Koo Chye Sheng Hong Temple traces its origins to the fifth statue of the City God from Anxi, China, also known as Qing Xi Xian You Bo Zhu, which arrived in Singapore in 1918. The temple has served as a spiritual hub for the local community for over a century. In 1981, the temple was officially registered as an association and renamed Lorong Koo Chye Sheng Hong Temple Association, with the formation of its first Management Committee to oversee the affairs of the Association.
In 1994, the Association was further formalised as a registered charity, which allowed it to expand its community services and better reflect its ongoing efforts in supporting the community. Over the years, the Association has continued to grow and establish various affiliated entities, all with the goal of serving the community and promoting the teachings and cultural practices of Taoism. The Sheng Hong Temple remains a vital centre for Taoist worship, cultural preservation, and community outreach.
Meet Your Host
About Master Huang XinchengMaster Huang studied Taoism at the age of 17. He is good at Taoist music and ritual rites. From 1987 to 1993, he served as director of Baiyun Guan Taoist Temple in Beijing and deputy head of the Taoist Orchestra. From 1990 to 1992, he studied at China Taoist College. In 2000, he came to Singapore and became the tutor of Lorong Koo Chye Sheng Huang Temple Chanting Group and assistant head of Singapore Tao Orchestra. From 2001 to 2011, he led his team to participate in “Taoist Music Performance” for many times, recorded and published eight Taoist music CD albums and a DVD album titled “Worship of God”.
About Dr Ji Ling
Dr Ji Ling is the Academic Director of Taoist College Singapore. After graduating from the National University of Singapore, she has spent the past 12 years deeply immersed in the study of local Chinese religious traditions. Her research focuses on Taoist deities such as the Nine Emperor Gods (九皇大帝) and the City Gods (城隍公), exploring their significance in shaping community identity and spiritual life. With a passion for heritage and education, Dr Ji Ling is dedicated to sharing the richness of Taoist beliefs and practices with a wider audience.
Who should come?
- Everyone is welcome to participate! Participants 12 years and under must be accompanied and supervised by a parent/guardian at all times.
Programme Details
- Approximate Duration: 2 hours (Please arrive 15 minutes before the tour for registration)
- Language: English
- Meeting Point: Meet at Entrance of Lorong Koo Chye Sheng Hong Temple (15 Arumugam Rd, Singapore 409960)
- Ending Point: The event will start and end at the same point.
- The events will proceed rain or shine.
What to bring?
- Participants should be dressed respectfully in smart casual (i.e. collared shirt, long pants and covered shoes). Sleeveless attire, shorts/miniskirts or sandals are strictly not allowed. Participants will be denied entry if they dress inappropriately.
- Participants should bring along an umbrella and a bottle of water.
- Please ensure that you bring along any personal medication. Asthmatic individuals are reminded to bring their inhaler.
Other important information
- Parking is not available at the Temple. Limited parking is available at Lion Industrial Building.
- The venue is not wheelchair friendly.
- Photography is allowed during the event.
Disclaimer
- All ticket sales are final. There will be no refund if you wish to cancel your tickets.
- Each ticket admits only one participant.
- By agreeing to participate in the tour, every participant will be responsible for any injury, loss of damage due to careIessness of other actions on his/her part or that of children under his/her charge.
- Participants must abide by the house rules set out by the host. Facilitators will brief participants at the start of the programme.
- Videos and photographs may also be taken during the event. By registering for this event, you give My Community full rights to use the photos for marketing and publicity.
For updates:
- Follow us at @mycommunitysg on Instagram and @myqueenstown on Facebook.
- Visit mycommunity.org.sg to learn about our initiatives.
- Visit mycommunityfestival.sg for all our latest updates.
