Singapore’s Chinatown

By: ViVi

Wish to visit the district that is rich of history and culture but do not want to miss the shopping hour? Singapore’s Chinatown will be a right place to go. It has been designated for conservation by the Urban Redevelopment Authority as a heritage site since the Chinese in the past had settled down in this area and inherited their cultural tradition life.


Chinatown is very accessible as visitors only need to take MRT to Chinatown (NE4).


My friends, Benjamin and Aroon are posing at Chinatown. If you see the building behind them, for sure, your instinct will directly bring you back to 70s or 80s. The architecture was believed to get influence by the Chinese immigrants who were familiar with baroque and Victorian architectures.











Chinatown can be considered as the best place for shopping and purchasing souvenirs. The products that are sold there are affordable and unique. As the Chinese New Year is nearer, we will be able to find a lot of stuff that are related to this event, such as Ang Pao (Red Pocket), decorative stuff, etc. Besides, in the normal operating days, we also can see a plenty of stalls that sell the distinctive Chinese products, such as kites, masks and Qi Pao. Before purchasing the items, remember to bargain because you may get the discounts.




Does Chinatown sell only the distinguishing Chinese items? Of course, it does not. In this opportunity, our team and friends have come across a sausage stall, named Erich’s Wuerstelstand. The chef, Mr Erich Sollbock and his stall has become very popular and ever been interviewed by several times because of their unique characteristic that makes them stand out.


After shopping and eating, what should we do next? It is a good idea to visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre that is located along Pagoda Street.






To me, Chinatown Heritage Centre is like museum. It exhibits the galleries of the former residents’ lifestyles. Visitors will experience first-hand what they used to do and how they used to live from squeezing themselves in the cramped room, gambling and Chinese mafia. Come and explore it! You will understand the hardship of those early settlers.





Some of you may be wonder what it is. It is a type of transportation in the past which is rarely to be seen and used nowadays. It is called rickshaw. It can only carry for maximum 3 people. The driver (cycler) uses his leg to pedal the rickshaw and send the passengers to the destination. You can imagine how tough and tired the cycler was in order to earn a plate of rice.


It opens from 9am to 8pm daily. The centre admission is $10 for adult and $6 for child between 3 to 12 years old.

Singapore’s Chinatown is a worth-visit attraction. its rich history of the past, delicious food and reasonably priced items will not let you disappointed.