China Town

How to get there by Singapore MRT. Singapore interactive metro guide.

China Town is one of Singapore’s brightest and most original city districts. It appeared, as did the city’s other ethnic quarters, thanks to Stamford Raffles. The Englishman considered it necessary to allocate a separate area for settlement to each community of the new, multinational Singapore. Using this method, he solved two problems at once: the threat of ethnic conflicts was lowered and the immigrants adapted to their new country faster.

However, while two centuries ago about three thousand Chinese people lived in Singapore, this number had significantly increased by the end of the 20th century. Nowaday, the descendants and new-wave immigrants from this nation make up two-thirds of the country’s total population and do not see the need to huddle together in the single quarter anymore. Therefore, the modern Singapore China Town, which was almost completely destroyed in the middle of the 20th century, before being carefully restored on the grounds of its historical value, turned from Chinese quarter in the original sense, into a true Singaporean tourist center.

The modern China Town features miniature Chinese houses that contrast quaintly with gigantic skyscrapers, vivid tea and antique shops neighboring ultramodern offices and, of course, the huge cluster of markets and shops. Souvenirs to fit any taste are sold here: from simple jewelry to ostentatious antiques. Some of China Town's streets still have special mirrors designed to scare away evil spirits, rooms of soothsayers, astrologers and feng shui experts. Meanwhile, intriguing street artists often perform along the Club Street.

China Town is notable for its temple architecture. Perhaps the most interesting fact is that not all of the religious buildings located in its territory are Buddhist. The oldest in Singapore Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple neighbors the city's first Jamae Chulia Mosque, while the Taoist temple Thian Hock Keng neighbors the Muslim sanctuary Nagore Durgha.

In addition, China Town has its own museum – The China Town Heritage Center – where guests can learn about district’s history and life of the first Chinese migrants. The museum is situated within three reconstructed, adjoining shop-houses. The ground floor of the structure is typical of China buildings and was occupied by trade shops and workshops, while first and second floors were living quarters. The museum’s premises recreate the domestic dwellings of Chinese Quarter’s inhabitants, who lived here in the 19th century.

Singapore's China Town is a perfect place for tasting authentic Chinese food. Local cafes and restaurants offer a huge choice of traditional Chinese dishes. Most of these are situated along Smith Street, fittingly nicknamed the Street of Food.

Getting here. Subway stations Outram Park (EW16) or Chinatown (NE4).

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Ratings: 201
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Reviews: 201
Shinsuke

さすがチャイナタウン、屋外でのマスク着用率がぐっと上がるな。マスクしよっと(おい

08.04.2023  
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Cheen

Chinatown during the weeks leading to Chinese/Lunar New Year is just a sea of red (which represents luck & used widely during auspicious occasions). Avoid driving into the area as carpark will be full

09.01.2023  
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Cheen

Many of the back alleys serve as convenient free parking for motorcycles, usually for workers in the area

15.10.2020  
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Seb

Love ! Love ! Love !

28.11.2019  
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Dave

This is a really interesting part of town... colonial era architecture, a variety of really good restaurants and trendy bars.

14.11.2019  
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Lisa

My favourite hood! It’s buzzing and you can have all types of food - from cheap hawkers to fancy single house restaurants.

10.11.2019  
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Cheen

Look out for interesting objects on display. Installed by Chinatown Singapore & Chinatown Business Association. Pictured is an ice-kachang machine, used to make iced ball dessers

29.09.2019  
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Olga

Здесь дешевле покупать сувениры.

24.03.2019  
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Cheen

Food. From Chinatown MRT Exit A, street-level stalls & restaurants awaits. Walking distance food centres for everything under one roof (Chinatown Complex: 150m, People's Park: 300m, Hong Lim: 550m)

19.10.2018  
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Cheen

Chinatown evolved from a designated Chinese village. In his 1822 master Town Plan, Sir Stamford Raffles allocated the whole area west of the Singapore River for a Chinese settlement. Source: Infopedia

19.10.2018  
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Stuart

Big tiger beers half the cost of a tiny bottle in downtown core

11.06.2017  
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Alina

Very collarity district

15.03.2017  
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Verwyn

Traditional sweets superb taste near Chinatown MRT station

20.02.2017  
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Z

Be sure to check out those old buildings like pearl centre before they make way for new developments!

01.01.2017  
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Shu

Truly Chinese place. Food and souvenirs are under one roof

27.12.2016  
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Ufuk

Etnik bir Çin mahallesi Plazaların arasında küçük Çini yaşıyorsunuz. Yemek içmek lezzetli ve çok hesaplı.

16.11.2016  
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Lawky

Worth to pay a visit.

15.10.2016  
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lifesmoothies

Una delle parti migliori della città, c'è vita e si mangia bene... è la zona dove potrete trovare qualche locale gay lontano da occhi indiscreti

07.08.2016  
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Freesoul

It's weird for Chinese to visit here. But I was too desperate to buy fresh fruits in Singapore and Chinatown has all the fresh fruits with low prices. The neighborhood is also good for sightseeing.

03.05.2016  
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Elizabeth

One of the more authentic places to visit in Singapore, but also slowly losing its touch.

04.02.2016  
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