• It is believed that the name “水仙门” originated from a place name in Quanzhou, Fujian province, in the Song dynasty. Near the Quanzhou port customs, there was a “水仙门” (“water deity gate”), which was named after a local “水仙宫” (“water deity temple”), where seafarers went to worship and seek blessings. The temple was dedicated to the “水仙尊王” (“Honourable Water Immortal Kings”), who were believed to protect seafarers during their voyages.
• In the early days, most of the Chinese who came to Singapore were from Fujian province, with the majority being from Quanzhou and Zhangzhou. It is believed that the early Quanzhou migrants used the name “水仙门” to refer to the mouth of the Singapore River, as a reference to the estuary of Quanzhou, in a bid to preserve the memories and traditions of their homeland. According to available historical records, there was no temple named “水仙宫” in Singapore in the early days

As for the disappearing old landmark “水仙门” along the Singapore River, it is generally believed that the name is related to the two “水仙宫” temples in Tong’an and Xiamen, in Fujian province. (Lianhe Zaobao, 8/8/2019)

• The present High Street Centre (“水仙门中心”, formerly known as “水仙门商业大厦”) and Elgin Bridge (colloquially known as “水仙门吊桥”), both located at North Boat Quay, are named or commonly referred to in relation to “水仙门”.
• North Bridge Road and Hill Street were formerly known as “水仙门一街” and “水仙门二街”, respectively.