Why You Should Explore Chinatown When Visiting Singapore – A Carnival of Colours, Smells, and Traditions

The Southeast Asian city-state of Singapore is among the top destinations to visit. It’s a place where different cultures meld together alongside technology. When visiting, there’s one place you should not miss: Chinatown. It’s a neighbourhood full of character and serves as a strong example of Singapore’s multicultural identity. Here’s why you should explore Chinatown when visiting Singapore.

Tradition and Modernity 

Singapore likes to embrace the future while holding onto its traditions. Nowhere is this clearer than in Chinatown. When you walk around, you’ll clearly see tokens of Chinese heritage, but there are unmistakable signs of modern times too. This neighbourhood is well-kept, with old shophouses that look like they belong to a different era. These buildings are well taken care of, with brightly coloured storefronts that make it look like a model village. At the same time, Chinatown is very modern. Nearly every shop sells traditional Chinese things, but now they all come in modern packaging. Classic Chinese eateries known for their tze-char dishes share the street with trendy BBQ places and German brew bars. What’s more, some of the old herbal drink sellers have now been replaced by vending machines, showcasing how things have changed while staying connected to the past.

A Blend of Cultures 

Another fascinating reason to visit Chinatown is its blend of cultures. The moment you step out of the MRT, you smell roasted pork and hear Asian pop music. The narrow streets are alive with activity. Not too far away are shopping malls giving you a taste of modern life. And then you experience the delightful opposite.One of the most interesting sights is the Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple, found right near the entrance of Chinatown. You’ll be blown away by the contrast: on one side is the fast-paced city life, and on the other is a peaceful temple inviting you to take a break. It’s a quiet spot that welcomes you with intricate architectural detail and religious artwork. You know what would really help? Staying close to Chinatown. You’re in luck because the list of hotels in Chinatown, Singapore, includes the four-star Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre.

Past and Present 

The neighbourhood has been cleaned up and modernised over the years, but what’s incredible is that you can still sense its past. Many shops and businesses manage to find a balance between traditional and modern lifestyles. A great example of this blend is the stores that sell treats like Tau Sah Piah, bean-filled pastries, and Bak Kwa, sweet BBQ meat. These places have been around for decades, but they cater to modern tastes by adopting new recipes and packaging.

Architecture 

As you walk around Chinatown, you’ll notice that the buildings feature different architectural styles. Wherever you look, there’ll be a traditional shophouse reminding you of Chinatown’s heritage. Then you have older housing blocks and malls like Chinatown Point, which have been part of the area since the 1960s. Everything in Chinatown is well preserved, but some of these buildings have aged slightly, which makes them look more alluring. In contrast, there’s a set of futuristic buildings built in modern architectural styles. Some of these buildings feature high-rise gardens and eco-friendly touches. These new-world buildings stand side by side with old shophouses, clearly showcasing the diversity of cultures and time periods. This makes Chinatown sound like a living museum, doesn’t it? It’s part of its charm — this coming together of different times.

Maksym Kozlenko, Chinatown at night, Singapore, CC BY-SA 4.0

Chinese Operas 

Murals adorn Chinatown. One of these shows a Wayang performance, which is a traditional Chinese opera performed by actors wearing elaborate costumes. Once upon a time, these shows were a common sight in Singapore. Anyone passing by could stop, sit on the grass, and enjoy the performance for free. Wayang was often performed in Hokkien, the dialect that the early settlers spoke. These performances are rare today, but they’ve definitely left an indelible mark on Singapore’s cultural identity.