Introduction to Chinatown Singapore

Chinatown Singapore is one of the most historic and vibrant areas of the city. It was originally established in 1822 as a trading area for the Chinese immigrants who had settled there. Since then, it has become the cultural and economic center of Singapore, and it remains a bustling area full of life today.

Chinatown Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, with Chinese, Indian, and Malay influences combining to create a unique atmosphere. The area is also famous for its delicious food, with many local restaurants serving up traditional Chinese dishes. Chinatown is also home to some of the city’s oldest temples and mosques, giving visitors a taste of the area’s religious heritage.

In addition to its cultural attractions, Chinatown Singapore is a great place to shop. From traditional markets selling clothes and food to modern shopping malls offering the latest fashions and gadgets, visitors can find almost anything they need in Chinatown.

For those looking to experience the city’s history and culture, Chinatown Singapore is an ideal destination. With its numerous attractions and bustling atmosphere, it’s easy to see why this area remains one of the city’s top tourist spots. Read on for our guide to the best places to visit in Chinatown Singapore.

Places to Visit in Chinatown Singapore

Chinatown Singapore is full of attractions, from traditional temples and markets to modern shopping malls. Here are some of the top places to visit while in Chinatown.

#1 Thian Hock Keng Temple

The Thian Hock Keng Temple is one of the oldest and most iconic temples in Chinatown Singapore. Built in the early 19th century by immigrants from Fujian province, it is dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea. The temple is renowned for its beautiful architecture, which combines Chinese and European styles. Inside, visitors can admire the intricate carvings, statues, and decorations that adorn the walls and roof.

The temple also has an impressive collection of artifacts and historical documents related to Singapore’s history. Visitors can also attend special ceremonies and festivals held at the temple throughout the year.

#2 Chinatown Heritage Centre

The Chinatown Heritage Centre is a museum located in the heart of Chinatown Singapore. It is dedicated to preserving and sharing the history and culture of Chinatown through interactive exhibits, audio-visual presentations, and special events. Visitors can explore a recreated traditional Chinese shop house, learn about the lives of early immigrants, and discover how Chinatown has changed over the years.

The museum also houses a library with a collection of books and documents related to Singapore’s history and culture. There are also various activities such as guided tours and workshops available for visitors to take part in.

#3 Sri Mariamman Temple

The Sri Mariamman Temple is one of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temples. Built in 1827 by immigrant workers from India, it is dedicated to the goddess Mariamman. The temple features an impressive entrance gate with intricately carved figures of Hindu gods and goddesses. Inside, visitors can admire the colorful statues, paintings, and decorations that adorn the walls and roof.

The temple also holds various ceremonies throughout the year, such as weddings, festivals, and special rituals. Visitors can also buy flowers, incense, and other offerings from the temple’s shop.

#4 China Town Food Street

The Chinatown Food Street is a great place for visitors to sample some of the best local cuisine in Singapore. Located on Smith Street, it offers a variety of food stalls selling everything from traditional Chinese dishes to Indian curries and Malay snacks. Visitors can try dishes such as stir-fried noodles, char siu pork, and laksa at affordable prices. There are also plenty of places to sit down and enjoy a meal or take away food if you don’t have time to eat at the food stalls.

#5 Chinatown Night Market

The Chinatown Night Market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and gifts while in Chinatown Singapore. Held on Friday nights from 6 pm to 11 pm, it features more than 100 stalls selling clothing, accessories, toys, food, and much more. Visitors can find everything from traditional Chinese artworks to modern gadgets at bargain prices. There’s also plenty of entertainment such as music performances, magic shows, and karaoke competitions for visitors to enjoy while they shop.

#6 Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is an impressive Buddhist temple located in the heart of Chinatown Singapore. Built in 2008 by Buddhist monks from China’s Fujian province, it is dedicated to Buddha and houses a relic believed to be from his tooth. The temple features beautiful architecture with golden statues of Buddha adorning its walls and rooftops. Inside, visitors can admire various artworks depicting scenes from Buddha’s life as well as take part in special ceremonies such as meditation sessions. There’s also a museum where visitors can learn more about Buddhism and its teachings.

#7 Maxwell Road Food Centre

The Maxwell Road Food Centre is one of the most popular places for visitors to eat in Chinatown Singapore. Located on Maxwell Road, it offers a variety of food stalls selling a variety of local dishes such as bak kut teh (pork rib soup), char kway teow (stir-fried noodles), laksa (spicy noodle soup), satay (grilled skewered meat), and more. Prices are very affordable and there are plenty of places to sit down for a meal or take away food if you don’t have time to eat at the food stalls.

#8 Chinatown Point

Chinatown Point is a modern shopping mall located in the heart of Chinatown Singapore. It features more than 200 stores selling everything from clothing and accessories to electronics and homeware. The mall also has several restaurants serving up local and international cuisines as well as an outdoor plaza with performances by local musicians and artists throughout the year. Visitors can also take part in various activities such as calligraphy lessons and traditional Chinese opera performances at Chinatown Point.

#9 Ann Siang Hill

Ann Siang Hill is located on Ann Siang Road in Chinatown Singapore and is one of the city’s most popular hangout spots for locals and tourists alike. This area features several bars and cafes offering delicious food and drinks as well as art galleries showcasing works by local artists. The area also has several shops selling souvenirs and other items for visitors to take home as souvenirs. At night, Ann Siang Hill comes alive with music performances, street art installations, and other special events taking place throughout the year.

Tours in Chinatown Singapore

If you’re looking for an even more immersive experience in Chinatown Singapore, consider booking a tour with a local guide who can show you around this fascinating area. Here are some popular tours you can book while in Chinatown:

Singapore Chinese Heritage Tour

This 3-hour tour takes visitors on a journey through Chinatown Singapore’s history, culture, and cuisine. The tour starts at Thian Hock Keng Temple where visitors can learn about the area’s earliest immigrants before heading off to explore the narrow alleyways of Chinatown where they can try traditional snacks such as satay and bubble tea from local vendors. The tour also stops by several other attractions such as Sri Mariamman Temple and Maxwell Road Food Centre before ending at Chinatown Heritage Centre where visitors can learn more about the area’s past through interactive exhibits. Book a Singapore Chinese Heritage Tour here.

Chinatown Street Food Tour

This 4-hour tour takes visitors on an exploration of all the delicious street food that Chinatown Singapore has to offer. Starting at Smith Street Food Centre, visitors will explore all the local dishes available from vendors before heading off to explore other attractions such as Sri Mariamman Temple and Ann Siang Hill along the way. The tour ends at Maxwell Road Food Centre where visitors can sample some traditional desserts such as ice kacang (shaved ice with syrup) or cendol (coconut jelly with palm sugar syrup). Book a Chinatown Street Food Tour here.

Singapore Nightlife Tour

This 3-hour tour takes visitors on an exploration of Chinatown Singapore’s vibrant nightlife scene with stops at several popular bars and clubs along the way. The tour starts at Ann Siang Hill where visitors can enjoy some drinks before heading off to explore other attractions such as Smith Street Food Centre where they can sample some local dishes before ending at Chinatown Point where they can enjoy more drinks while admiring views of Marina Bay Sands in the distance. Book a Singapore Nightlife Tour here.

Conclusion

Chinatown Singapore is an exciting area full of history, culture, food, shopping, entertainment, and more! From ancient temples to buzzing nightlife spots, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy while visiting this vibrant part of Singapore. We hope you enjoyed our guide to some of the best places to visit in Chinatown Singapore!