Chinatown is centre located in an area south of Singapore River, mostly clustered around South Bridge road. The Centre of these is Pagoda street, which is now closed to traffic. The rest of the street is lined with antique shops and souvenir stalls. Trengganu street, which joins Pagoda and Temple Streets, is lined with restaurants. At the foot of Pagoda Street on South Bridge road is the Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple. The area is an official conservation area, where all buildings have been beautifully restored in their unique and colorful Chinese styles.

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

For other experience attraction around Chinatown you can go to Chinatown Night Market for a unique night market shopping experience! Delight yourself with an array of traditional and modern merchandise ranging from street opera masks to handmade ornaments, traditional clothing to unique fashion accessories, you will be spoilt for choice with the eclectic mix of merchandise on offer. And the Chinatown Food Street offers the best local hawker favorites! You would be able to savour the best of Singapore’s hawker food and rediscover the joys of al-fresco roadside dinning among the beautifully restoring shophouses of Chinatown.

To get to Chinatown by a short walk from Outram Park (Ew16) or take MRT to Chinatown station (NE4)