Wan Qin Yuan 晚晴园 Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall in Singapore

Did you  know that Singapore played a significant role in the success of Dr Sun Yat Sen's 1911 Xinhai Revolution (辛亥革命) also known as Chinese revolution in China? For hundreds of years, Han Chinese had been plotting to overthrow the Qing rulers after the downfall of Ming dynasty since 1644. Also did you know Taiwan Nationalist flag was first sewn in Singapore by a local merchant's wife? 

Taiwan Flag

Wan Qin Yuan was built and completed in 1902, this double-storey villa was initailly brought by a local Chinese merchant, Teo Eng Hock for his elderly mother. Being a supporter of the Chinese revolutionary cause, he offered this villa to Dr Sun Yat Sen for his revolutionary activities to overthrow the Qing rulers. 

Singapore was the Tong Meng Hui headquarter of the revolutionary movement in Southeast Asia. At Wan Qin Yuan, Sun Yat Sen lived and planned revolutionary activities against the Qing authority . Frustrated with the weak Qing authority who signed several unfair treaties with other nations, ceding Hong Kong to the British for example, Dr Sun was determined to overthrow the Qing dynasty to establish a Republic where everyone is equal. 

At Wan Qin Yuan, you learn more about the history of the villa and its significant role in modern China history. 

How to get to Wan Qin Yuan?

Address: 12 Tai Gin Road, Singapore 327874

You can take MRT transport and alight at Toa Payoh MRT station (N19). Take bus 145 at Toa Payoh Bus station which is just above the MRT. Alight when you see Guan Yin Temple (about 5 stops away) and you can reach by about 5 minutes of walk. 

Entrance is free for Singaporeans and Permanent residents

$2 to $4 for tourists and foreigners.

Opening Hours

Tuesday to Sunday
10am to 5pm

Closed on Mondays

For more information visit Wan Qin Yuan Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall website at http://www.sysnmh.org.sg/SYEPortal/

First published on 21 Dec 2013

 A statue of the great revolutionary leader Dr Sun Yat Sen at Wan Qing Yuan or Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall at Tai Gin Road.

The Nanyang Volunteer Drivers and Mechanics who supported China's wartime efforts against the Japanese between 1939 and 1942

Sharing by Mr Wong Kan Seng, Singapore minister

From left, Mr Teo Eng Hock, Dr Sun Yat Sen and Mr Tan Chor Lam. Mr Teo and Mr Tan contributed greatly to Dr Sun's revolutionary goal.

 Portrait of Mr Lim Nee Soon, a local Chinese businessman who contributed financially to Dr Sun revolution.

 Chinese calligraphy from Dr Sun Yat Sen (Sun Wen was his actual name) to Teo Beng Wan. The words 博爱 bo ai means Universal Love.

 Portrait of Mr Tan Chor Lam who was great writer who wrote Chinese newspapers commentaries condemning the corrupt Qing imperial authority and  to help to spread revolutionary message. He also helped to set up more alliance branches. 

 Woodblock print of the Boxer Rebellion 1900

The Six Men who Saved Wan Qing Yuan exhibition. One of the six men was Mr Lee Kong Chian.

The second floor exhibition

 Advertisement advocating support of Chinese goods made by Chinese.

Portrait of Dr Sun Wen

 Graduation certificate of our former President Mr Ong Teng Chong who graduated from Chinese High School, one of the top schools in Singapore.

 Painting of Dr Sun and his supporters.

Sook Ching during world war 2. (Sook Ching is the massacre of the Chinese in Singapore by japanese soldiers to retaliate the Chinese community in Singapore who supported China)

 Message by Dr Sun 

 Chinatown in the late 19th century

This is a movie about the revolution against the Qing dynasty lead by Dr Sun Wen or Dr Sun Yat Sen.