A Tapestry of Cultural Diversity
Chinatown is a unique ethnic quarter of Singapore. Post 1819 after the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles, Singapore became a land of new-opportunity that attracted many immigrants from China adding to the small Chinese community that existed from before thus expanding the original boundaries of this economically and culturally vibrant self-contained town. In 1822 for easy administration Raffles grouped various immigrant communities into ethnic quarters and the area from the
Boat Quay southwest bank of Singapore river was designated a
Chinese Kampong a Malay word meaning village or settlement. It consists of
four sub-areas which were developed at different times
‘Telok Ayer’ in 1820s, ‘Kreta Ayer’ in 1830s, ‘Bukit Pasoh’ in
1900s and
‘Tanjong Pagar’ in
1920s and with time it kept growing and eventually became Chinatown.
Highlights of Chinatown – was once an enclave of for Singapore’s Chinese immigrant population and the Chinatown of today is much beloved for its blend of old and new. For starters
the Chinatown in
Singapore is the only one in the world to boast
a Buddhist temple, a Mosque and a Hindu temple along a single street. This age old precinct is a sharp contrast to the rest of the city with low rise buildings and culture bursting out onto the streets, from the fragrant smells of Chinese cuisine, to trendy lifestyle stores, to the traditional medicinal halls to the bold red and gold tones that run through the neighbourhood. This is an area that is proud of its heritage and has it very much on display.
Culturally orientated visitors will find
‘Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum’ – fascinating, as it is a remarkable four storey temple, has a stunning main hall with high ceiling, a solid gold 2 metre Stupa, the fourth floor houses the sacred relic and there is a pagoda with a prayer wheel.
‘Sri Mariamman Temple’ – is the oldest shrine in Singapore, dating back to 1827 built in honour of deity ‘Mariamman’ and is revered by Hindus, the historic
‘Jamae Mosque’ – built in 1827 is one of the oldest mosques of Singapore and gazetted a national monument,
‘Baba House’- built in 1890s is a historic house which showcases ‘Peranakan’ (straits born people of Chinese and Malay) heritage, houses antiques and has an exhibition gallery (
visits are by appointment only).
‘Thian Hock Keng’ temple’ – has elaborately painted doors, decorated beams and gold leafed panels.
‘Drama Box’ – in Chinatown is for theatre and drama enthusiasts to enjoy a theatrical treat,
Chinatown Heritage Centre – located in three beautifully restored shophouses comprises six galleries, conserved living spaces and a range of immersive experiences. Here visitors can step back in time into the lives of immigrants who called Singapore and the bustling Chinatown district – their home.
Shopping and Dining – for a fascinating shopping experience, visitors should walk the bustling streets of Chinatown namely
‘Ann Siang Road, Pagoda Street, Terengganu Street, Sago Lane, Smith Street and Temple Street’. Visit old shophouses, standalone boutiques, men’s and women wear clothing stores, buy books, shoes, cosmetics, souvenirs, silk robes and much more and here one can bargain also. Head to
Chinatown Food Street frequented by visitors and locals, enjoy Singaporean hawker food dishes ranging from hearty soups to fried duck to dimsum and seafood. For those visitors looking for international flavors, there are Halal Chinese, Indonesian, Japanese, American-Asian fusion sandwiches, burgers, shakes, ice creams and many more options for pleasurable dining. Another interesting aspect of Chinatown is experiencing the nightlife and
Club Street is the place for bar-hopping and dining.