Singapore City Sights

Chinatown

#13 of 550 things to do in Singapore City

#166 of 21668 things to do in Asia

2 reviews | Write a review

Good for: gift shopping, Shopping, pictures

  • Address
    • Bounded by Singapore River, New Bridge Rd, Maxwell Rd & Cecil St
  • Transport
    • Chinatown

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Lonely Planet review for Chinatown

Chinatown is Singapore's cultural heart, providing glimpses of the old ways with its numerous temples, decorated terraces and frantic conglomeration of merchants, shops and activity. Unfortunately much of Chinatown has been torn down and redeveloped over the past 30 years, but it's still a fascinating place to explore.

Although faithful restoration has saved some parts of Chinatown, it has also posed a new threat, as the restored buildings are now desirable properties commanding high rents. Traditional businesses - such as shops selling incense to temple worshippers, letter writers and chop (stamp) makers - are moving out, and a new gentrified Chinatown of fashionable restaurants and expensive shops is taking its place.

 

Traveller reviews for Chinatown (2)

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    One of the more popular neighborhoods in Singapore

    nadmac recommends this,

    Smith, Temple, and Pagoda streets are the heart of Chinatown with lots of stalls selling trinkets, clothes, and food. Check out Tak Po Dim Sum on Smith Street, and Tong Heng Pastries on South Bridge Road. Range further out and you'll find interesting traditional Chinese medicine halls, tea shops (check out Tea Chapter on South Bridge Road), and antiques.

    Singaporeans are proud of the various religions living side by side in Chinatown, illustrated by the various temples within close proximity. The Buddha Tooth Relic is a relatively new temple said to house, as you'd guess, one of the Buddha's teeth. There is also Sri Mariamman (the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore), Thian Hock Keng temple, and Al-Abrar Mosque. Kong Tee Peng temple is a mixture of Confuscism, Toaism, and Buddhism.

    Try Kok Sen Restaurant for authentic food in a little hole in the wall. It has won several awards in the local small restaurant category.

    Take a Singapore Walks tour of Chinatown, called "Red Clogs Down the Five-Foot-Way™" every Tuesday, 9:30am - 12.00n. Check their website at http://www.journeys.com.sg/singaporewalks/tours_redclogs.asp

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    A bustling district with food and shops

    fgspore recommends this,

    This is a really bustling district, where you can just walk around and shop all kinds of things. Don't leave out the Heritage Museum about the people, who came to Singapore.

    Good for: gift shopping, Shopping, pictures

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