Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

The Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall is a restored villa in Balestier, a short ride from the city centre. It tells the story of Dr Sun Yat-sen and his ties with Singapore and Southeast Asia. The house and its garden are calm and pleasant to explore.

The villa is also known as Wan Qing Yuan. It is a national monument and one of the most attractive old houses in the area.

Please note: the hall closed in September 2024 for restoration works and is expected to reopen in 2027. Check the official website for the reopening date before you plan a visit.

What Is the Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall?

Sun Yat-sen is widely known as a key figure in the 1911 Revolution in China. In the early 1900s, he travelled widely to gather support among Chinese communities overseas. He visited Singapore several times during these years.

A local businessman, Teo Eng Hock, bought the villa in 1905 for his mother. From 1906, he offered it to Sun Yat-sen as a base in the region. The house became the Southeast Asian base of the Tongmenghui, the group that Sun Yat-sen led.

The word Nanyang means South Seas. It is an old Chinese name for Southeast Asia. The hall looks at Sun Yat-sen's life and at the Chinese community in this region in the early 20th century.

The villa was made a national monument in 1994. It reopened to the public as a memorial hall in 2001 and is now run by the National Heritage Board.

What to See Inside the Villa

The notes below describe the hall before its restoration, and some displays may change when it reopens. Start in the front garden, where a statue of Sun Yat-sen stands before the house. Then walk through the rooms and galleries inside. Each part covers a different chapter of the story.

• The villa: admire the two-storey house, built in a colonial style.
• The galleries: follow Sun Yat-sen's travels and his supporters in Southeast Asia.
• Local history: learn how events in China affected the Chinese community in Singapore.
• The garden: enjoy a quiet break among trees and lawns.

The displays include photos, documents and objects from the period. Take your time, as there is a lot of detail to enjoy. While the villa is closed, the hall runs some programmes at other venues. Check the official website to see what is on during your stay.

How to Get to the Memorial Hall

The hall is in a quiet street off Balestier Road, next to Zhongshan Park. Zhongshan is another name for Sun Yat-sen in Chinese. Novena and Toa Payoh MRT stations are the closest, but both are a fair walk away. Many visitors take a bus along Balestier Road or a short taxi ride instead.

Our guide on how to use the MRT in Singapore explains how to plan train trips. Taxis and ride-hailing cars can drop you near the entrance.

Tips for Visiting

• Check the official website for the reopening date, opening hours and tickets before you go.
• Allow about one to two hours to see the galleries and the garden.
• Combine your visit with a meal in Balestier, which is known for local food.
• Bring an umbrella for the walk between the bus stop and the hall.
• Ask staff before taking photos in special exhibitions, as rules can differ.

Food, Hotels and Things to Do Nearby

Balestier is well known among locals for its food. Founder Bak Kut Teh (Balestier) serves the peppery pork rib soup the area is known for. Boon Tong Kee (Balestier) is a familiar name for chicken rice. For a hawker meal, try Whampoa Makan Place. Browse more restaurants in Balestier and Toa Payoh.

To stay nearby, Aloft Singapore Novena is right next door in the Zhongshan Park development. See more hotels in Balestier and Toa Payoh.

A short ride away is Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery, a large Buddhist monastery. If you visit, dress modestly, keep your voice low and follow the visitor rules. Our Culture and Heritage section has more historic places to explore.

FAQs about Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Who was Sun Yat-sen?

He was a Chinese leader and a key figure in the 1911 Revolution. He visited Singapore several times in the early 1900s to gather support.

Why is the hall in Singapore?

The villa was Sun Yat-sen's base in Southeast Asia during his visits. His local supporters met and organised their work here.

Is the memorial hall open to visitors?

The hall closed in September 2024 for restoration works and is expected to reopen in 2027. Entry was not free for every visitor before the closure, so check the official website for the reopening date and tickets.

How long should I plan for a visit?

Allow one to two hours. Add time for a meal in Balestier afterwards.