Chinatown

Chinatown

“The Origin of the Name ‘Chinatown’” The name “Chinatown” dates back to the 19th century when the water supply for the Chinese enclave was primarily transported by ox-drawn carts, hence the name. After Sir Stamford Raffles landed in Singapore in 1819, he designated this area as a Chinese residential district. Although Chinatown is one of the bustling areas in central Singapore, the city had no running water at the time, and all the water needed in the city had to be transported by ox carts from the suburbs to the city center, and then distributed throughout the urban areas. Since the Chinese enclave was located in the central region, this area supplied with water by ox carts came to be known as Chinatown.

Chinatown is Singapore’s Chinatown, a settlement that gradually formed as the ancestors of the Chinese community arrived in Singapore from overseas, starting in 1821. The early settlers arrived on the first flat-bottomed Chinese junk ship sailing south from Xiamen, Fujian, China, and settled in the area south of the Singapore River (now roughly the area of Telok Ayer Street). Because every household there had to pull an ox cart to Spring Street on Bukit Ho Swee to fetch water, over time, the area came to be known as Chinatown. The most exciting time in Chinatown is during the Lunar New Year. During this period, the entire district is adorned with lanterns and decorations, shops are dressed up festively, and there is an abundance of festive goods and local snacks. Dining / Accommodation / Shopping

Shopping: Strolling through the many alleys of Chinatown, you’ll find a variety of quaint handicrafts made by artisans, offering insights into traditional Chinese arts such as calligraphy, carving, puppetry, Buddha statues, and incense stick making. Traditional Chinese medicine shops maintain their classic appearance, with countless small drawers that are dazzling to behold. Dining: Smith Street in Chinatown is an open-air food street where you can find some of the most delicious local snacks, such as char kway teow, radish cake, and Rojak (a salad with sweet sauce and crushed peanuts). Most stalls are open from 11:00 am to 11:00 pm, and prices are very affordable. Transportation

MRT: EW Line Outram Park Station (Station No. EW16); Tanjong Pagar Station (Station No. EW15); NE Line Chinatown Station (Station No. NE4).

Singapore Singapore