Chinatown!

For the complete list of Family oriented places you can visit in Singapore, click here!

So everybody's always talking about San Francisco's Chinatown. Well, why look across when you have one right in your backyard?!

Singapore's Chinatown evolved around 1821 when the first Chinese junk arrived from Xiamen, Fujian province in China. The passengers, all men, set up home around the south of the Singapore River which is known today as Telok Ayer. Chinatown’s local name - Niu Che Shui (Bullock Cart Water) arose from the fact each household at that time had to collect fresh water from the wells in Ann Siang Hill and Spring Street, using bullock-drawn carts.

Not all parts of Chinatown are Chinese though. The Al Abrar Mosque along Telok Ayer Street, and the Jamae Mosque and Sri Mariamman Temple along South Bridge Road lay witness to the harmonious racial and religious atmosphere in Singapore.

Chinatown can be divided into four main districts - Kreta Ayer, Telok Ayer, Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Pasoh - each with its own distinctive flavour. The heart of activity is in the Trengganu/Smith Streets area.

Tips to enjoy

The best way to see and enjoy Singapore's Chinatown is to walk its streets.

You will find many places here on the main couple streets of Chinatown to buy postcards and other small gifts. As long as it's not pouring rain or too late at night there are several blocks where you will find a street market. This is where you want to buy your cheap souveniers.

Chinatown can be very hot due to its narrow streets, so make sure you drink plenty of water.

Chinatown can be divided into four main districts - Kreta Ayer , Telok Ayer , Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Pasoh - each with a distinctive flavour of its own. The heart of activity is in the Trengganu/Smith Streets area.

Getting There: A short walk from Outram Park (EW16) or Chinatown (NE4) MRT Stations.

• Chinatown Heritage Centre. 48 Pagoda St, [1] (www.chinatownheritage.com.sg/). An excellent museum chronicling how Chinatown came to be and the privation suffered by early migrants. Admission charges S$8 (adult) S$4.80 (child); the centre is on the left if you walk straight from the Pagoda St MRT exit.
• Sri Mariamman Temple. 244 South Bridge Rd. Singapore's oldest and most important Hindu temple and worth a visit for the intricately carved gopuram (statuary above the entrance). Entrance is free, just take off your shoes and don't disturb the worshipers.

Wander at random and see what you can find!

For the complete list of Family oriented places you can visit in Singapore, click here!