“How much?”… “3 for $10”… “No… how about 4 for $10” … …

You hear bargains!

“Cheap sale, Cheap sale! Boss not here, anyhow sell! Cheap Sale…”

You hear “sales pitch”!

“Shhuurrp…” “Mmmmm…” “Woww…”

You hear chewing, crunching, and food moistening in the mouth.

Street of Chinatown

This is Singapore Chinatown!

The Chinese population in Singapore numbered more than 70% of the total population. But not all of Singapore Chinese live in the Chinatown. Back in the 19th century, Sir Stamford Raffles designated this 0.9 square km place to the Chinese immigrants. The rich Chinese cultural heritage has earned the historical district a conservation status by the Singapore government in July 1989.

Better known as “Bull-Cart Water” (牛车水) locally, Singapore Chinatown is now a paradise for good bargains, and heaven for delicious cuisine.

Shopping in Chinatown is one of the favourite itineraries for the tourists and a great place for “unusual” shopping. As you stroll along the various Chinatown streets, you will find lots of shops. Whether you are looking for “good bargain” souvenirs (lots of Merlion and orchid merchandise), traditional handicrafts, Chinese or Asian antiques or affordable silk textile, you are certain to find something you like.

Chinese New Year in Chinatown

However, the best time of the year to stop by Chinatown is during the Chinese New Year festive season (around January to February, depending on the Chinese Lunar calendar). Throughout this festive period, many local Chinese congregate here to buy decorations, goodies and clothing to welcome the New Year..

It is this time, this place, that the entire street of Chinatown is painted in RED. The streets are decorated with huge lanterns that resemble the Chinese animal zodiac of the coming year, and the god of wealth.

The celebration usually begins with a light-up ceremony that marks the start of the festive season coupled with lion and dragon dances, fireworks and fire crackers parade (only allow on this special occasion) to further inject a celebration dose to the shoppers. This strong atmospheric presence of the Chinese New Year festive mood can be felt even on the non-Chinese community.

Long queue in front of BBQ shop

This is also the time where Chinese from all corners of Singapore flow in here to do their last minute Chinese New Year shopping. You can easily spot a 50m human line formed up in front of a famous Bak-Gua (BBQ Pork) shop. It is the busiest and most crowded period of the year in Chinatown.

In order to have a more pleasant shopping experience in the Singapore ChinaTown, you should avoid the afternoon sun. It can be quite hot and humid in the narrow streets. So my advice is, do your outdoor shopping in the evening.

Nevertheless, if the weather gets too hot and humid, or wet; and the shopping bugs are itching you; no worries – the solution – indoor shopping!

Chinatown Point Festive Decoration

The Chinatown Point, an air-conditioned shopping plaza located just next to the exit of the Chinatown MRT station, has a unique design where the shops are laid out in a spiral manner, from one level to another seamlessly. So, you should begin your shopping from the top floor, and slowly stroll to the lower levels.

Apart from the regular shops selling antiques, paintings, calligraphies and art collections, you can also spot some gift shops and specialty shops (Hello Kitty shop for e.g.) in Chinatown Point.

For me, my primary purpose of visting Chinatown is not really to shop, but to satisfy my appetite.

My craving always leads me to those award-winning cuisines at the Peoples’ Park Complex…the exotic claypot frog-leg porridge along Smith Street…the fragrant Hainanese Chicken Rice along Outram Road. It is here in Chinatown Singapore that many of the best local food can be found!

You MUST try them all!

Besides shopping and eating, there are also many places of interest in Singapore Chinatown.

Famous Sri Mariamman Temple

There are many rich heritage architecture buildings for good photo taking. Along Telok Ayer Street, you will find Singapore’s first Chinese Methodist Church and Singapore oldest temple, Thian Hock Keng Temple. These conserved master art pieces were built between 1839 – 1842.

Walking down South Bridge Road, look out for the Sri Mariamman Temple (built in 1843) and the Jamae Mosque (built in 1835).

There is also a Chinatown Heritage Center at Pagoda Street for visitors who are interested to find out more about the rich history of Chinatown.

Oh…last but not least, the money changers in Peoples Park Complex are well-known in offering good rates!!!

Change more money, do more shopping!!!