Chinatown

Chinatown was historically the home of the Chinese population in Singapore as allocated by Sir Stamford Raffles in his 1822 town plan.

The name "Chinatown" was not widely used until the late 19th century when efforts by the tourism authorities made it so. The Chinese knows Chinatown as "Niu Che Shui" which when translated means "bullock cart water". The name came about when in the early days, Chinatown's water supply was transported using bullocks carts.

The best way to explore Chinatown is, of course, on foot. Kick off your tour of the area with a visit to the Chinatown Heritage Centre and learn about the lives of the Chinese migrants in the early days. Interesting places of worship of note in the area are the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Thian Hock Keng Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple.

Cheap bargains lurk in every corner in Chinatown. The list of things you can buy is endless, from Chinese medicinal herbs, textiles, daily necessities, handicrafts to electrical and electronic goods.

Once your bags are filled, it is time to fill your stomachs. Take your pick from the wide varieties of Chinese cuisine available. From the ubiquitous chicken rice to delicious Chinese herbal soups, there is something for every palate. You will definitely be spoilt for choice!

One of the best times to visit Chinatown is during Chinese New Year when the area is filled with a festive air. Hawkers set up makeshift stalls to ply their Chinese New Year wares and Singaporean Chinese flock to the area to do their Chinese New Year shopping. The district comes alive with activity and excitement.

Address
Chinatown

Getting There
By MRT: Chinatown (NE4)

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