Chinatown is a place of great heritage in Singapore where many locals are familiar with. Its local name – Niu Che Shui (Bullock Cart Water) was derived from the fact that every household had to collect fresh water from the wells situated in Ann Siang Hill and Spring Street using bullock-drawn carts then.
Chinatown was developed around 1821 when the pioneer batch of Chinese people from China – Xiamen and Fujian province, arrived in Singapore. These travellers, who were all men, had built their home around the southern area of the Singapore River, which is known as Telok Ayer today.
Chinatown can be divided into four main regions – Kreta Ayer, Telok Ayer, Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Pasoh. Each of these regions has its own unique flavour. The heart of activity lies in the Trengganu/Smith Streets area.
Chinatown is a place full of contrasts and fascinating elements. It is here where many of our forefathers had first form their home in Singapore. Although much of Chinatown had been revamped recently, the old tradition still remains here – historic buildings have been lovingly preserved and century-old beliefs and values are still practiced. During the Chinese New Year period, the entire Chinatown is bustling with people and activity as the various stalls that are set up sell a wide array of festive goods.
In Chinatown alone, there are many places of interest – mosques, temples, markets, parks and shophouses. Here, you will be able to find:
- the Chinatown Heritage Centre, a museum where you will be able to learn the entire history of Chinatown and understand the hard lives of the early Chinese immigrants, which is located in Pagoda Street
- Singapore’s oldest Hokkien temple. Thian Hock Keng Temple
- Sri Mariamman Temple which is Hindu and the oldest in the city
The peaceful co-existence of the diverse places of worship in the same vicinity strongly reflects Singapore’s racial and religious harmony.
You may experience the authentic taste of Chinese culture by visiting a teahouse and the Thong Chai Medical Institute.
While at Chinatown, don’t forget to stop by the Food Street for an alfresco meal and visit the various Chinese pastry shops for home-made tarts and cakes, not to forget the famous dim sum too!
Other Places that you should visit while at Chinatown
Bukit Pasoh – also known as the Street of Clans; houses a number of Chinese cultural and clan associations
Chinatown Heritage Brands – the oldest ethnic district with over a hundred years of history; has various Chinese medicinal halls, jewellers, teahouses and eateries
For more details, http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/what_to_see/ethnic_quarters/chinatown/heritage_brands.html
For more details, http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/what_to_see/ethnic_quarters/chinatown/chc.html
For more details, http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/what_to_see/ethnic_quarters/chinatown/Chinatown_night_market.html
For more details, http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/what_to_see/ethnic_quarters/chinatown/kreta_ayer.html
Telok Ayer – one of the first streets in Chinatown
For more details, http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/what_to_see/ethnic_quarters/chinatown/telok_ayer.html
Tanjong Pagar – rows of pubs, bars and karaoke lounges in exquisitely conserved pre-World War II shophouses
For more details, http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/what_to_see/ethnic_quarters/chinatown/tanjong_pagar__ethnic.html
To get to Chinatown, you may travel by MRT and either alight at Outram Park (EW16/NE3) or Chinatown (NE4) stations where it is only of a short walking distance.
References
http://www.newasia-singapore.com/places_to_go/chinatown.htmlhttp://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/what_to_see/ethnic_quarters/chinatown.htmlhttp://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/what_to_see/ethnic_quarters/chinatown.html
Posted by: Chermaine
I would rate this place **** (4 out of 5 stars) as there is a large array of activities to take part in and shops to patronize. I’m quite certain that you will not be bored here as there’s simply so much to see!
In terms of cost, generally I would say that it is affordable, but as to what extent, it will really have to depend on what you are purchasing as there’s simply a lot of things and shops to choose from and the costs will vary from one item to another. With regards to the pricing of the entrance fees of the various locations, I would also say that it is quite reasonable. So, come on down to Chinatown today!
Labels: Culture
