Welcome to the vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood of Singapore‘s Chinatown. Nestled in the heart of the city, this historic enclave is a captivating blend of traditional Chinese heritage and modern cosmopolitan charm. As you step into its bustling streets, you’ll be greeted by a symphony of sights, sounds, and aromas. From beautifully preserved shophouses adorned with colorful lanterns to bustling markets offering a plethora of culinary delights, Chinatown is a treasure trove of experiences. Discover ornate temples, immerse yourself in the lively street atmosphere, and delve into the captivating history that has shaped this iconic district. Prepare to be enchanted by the unique fusion of traditions and contemporary allure that make Singapore’s Chinatown a must-visit destination.
Right after we checked in at our accommodation, Rucksack Inn at Hong Kong St., we immediately embarked on exploring Singapore. My travel buddy at that time, Eisyl, and her mother, Josephine, wanted to visit some temples. So, I picked Chinatown as our first destination.
There we met up with Eisyl’s sister, Dorothy. It is easy to get to and around Chinatown. The area is accessible by MRT and the station leads you right to Pagoda St. You can also take the bus or cab going to Chinatown. It is also one of the stops in its hop-on, hop-off Hippo Tours. It has the Chinatown Heritage Centre and the Chinatown Visitor Centre where you will find great information about the area.
Right behind the Chinatown Visitor Centre, old people converge for some afternoon game of checker or other table games.
For me, Singapore’s Chinatown is like old meets new. It blends the historic and cultural value of Singapore to its modern society. It is interesting to capture photos of preserved old buildings with skyscrapers towering at the backdrop.
Speaking of culture, we visited the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. The temple attracts devotees and visitors who want to see the tooth of Buddha Shakyamuni.
We were fortunate to witness a ceremony inside their great hall. A gong sounded and the chanting began. As devotees stood and a monk led the prayers, one hundred small Buddha statues surround the main hall, each individually carved by many sculptors.
Two blocks away stood the Sri Mariamman Temple. Its gopuram, or the ornate tower, can be spotted from afar, attracting pedestrians who pass along the way. The story has it that people mistook the temple’s gopuram as a pagoda, which is why one of the streets at the side of Sri Mariamman was named Pagoda Street. Sri Mariamman is the oldest and biggest Hindu temple in Singapore.
Then on the next block was Masjid Jamae, a Muslim mosque. A plaque on its wall indicates that “The mosque is built to face Mecca, and as such is out of alignment with the street grid. The architecture is a blend of the East and the West. While the front gate is typically South Indian, the foyer, main prayer hall, ancillary prayer hall and shrine feature neoclassical elements – inspired by the style of Singapore’s most esteemed colonial architect, George Drumgoole Coleman. The architect also designed some of Singapore’s most well-known buildings, such as the Armenian Church and the old Parliament House with its Annex Building.”
Chinatown is not only a cultural and religious center but also a shopping haven. You can find cheap buys here and great souvenir items. From fans to shirts to charms to key chains, you’ll find it in one of the stalls of Chinatown’s street market.
There are also food stalls and Chinese restaurants in the area but I’ll write more about it in my Singapore food adventure post.