Chinatown in Singapore

Following the founding of colonial Singapore, Chinatown flourished as the residential area for all the Chinese immigrants. Coolies, rickshaw pullers and samsui women were a common sights on the streets.

Many of the current day Singaporean businesses were actually established by these Chinese families, as well as the rich cultural & culinary presence they created over the generations.

Today, it carries an ethnic-heritage charm amidst modern influences. It has kept its roots by conserving pre-war shop houses and its century-old beliefs. This is truly is a most beautiful part of Singapore, and a "must visit" for all new visitors!.

There are many fascinating sites to visit here. First of all, the Chinatown Heritage Centre showcases its history and legacy. Learn how the Chinese settlers came about making this wonderful place their home.

Make a trip to Thian Hock Keng temple, an architectural wonder built without a single nail. Built in 1821, this temple is the oldest Hokkien temple in Singapore.

It is dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, Ma Cho Po, and a first stop for many new immigrants to the city.

Stop over at mith Street to savour some of the best local Chinese food. Also known as Food Street, this place offers the best local hawker favourites. Offering more than 20 types of local delights like Char Kway Teow, Carrot Cake or Rojak, experience the old times as food is being served outdoors.

And at night, the night market continues to fill you with bright lights, cultural wares, and busy crowds.

Shopping for Chinese souvenirs? Delight yourself as you browse through the wide range of traditional and modern merchandise from unique clothing and fashion accessories to street opera masks and handmade ornaments. The market runs from Pagoda Street, Trengannu Street and Sago Street.

Chinatown street shopping

If you come during the Lunar New Year season, you must go down to Chinatown. Especially Chinese New Year’s eve, witness the place comes to life bustling with people, colorful and glittering decorations, and excited shoppers getting their hands on new year goodies or pretty ornaments that symbolize good omen for the new year.

If you’re here to shop, you should also check out Chinatown Point and Yue Hua, where you can find everything from Chinese herbs to medicine to cheongsam and jewelery.

You can also visit People’s Park Center for more shopping. Here, on the third level, you can find household bargains (clothes, cosmetics, body care) at very low prices. The food in this hawker center is pretty good too. Weekend at People's Park Center is normally very busy. Be sure to catch one or two peddlers promoting their 'products' along the street.

Check out the peddlers in People's Park!!!

People's Park

Chinatown can be divided into four main districts - Kreta Ayer, Telok Ayer, Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Pasoh - each with its own distinctive flavor.

If you have the time, do visit Sir Marimaman Temple, the oldest Hindu Temple in Singapore. Located along South Bridge Road, this built in 1827 temple attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Favorite memories of a visit to Chinatown in Singapore, please share them with us?, was it the atmosphere, the sights, the glorious food, or what was it that created a great memory for you?.

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Other ethnic places in Singapore

Little India - The moment you enter Little India, you cannot help but notice the ‘indian-ness’ of this place. The scent of spices and jasmine garlands, the shine of silverware and...

Kampong Glam - Kampong Glam was a fishing village situated at the mouth of Rochor River. In the nineteenth century, it was an ethnic district with strong Malay-Arab influence.

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