A sneak preview of Chinatown

Walking down the street of Chinatown, I was enchanted by its architectures. Most of these shop houses are painted with pastel, illustrating designs that blend in with combinations of the
western style and ancient Chinese style. Each has its own unique characteristics. Fortunately,
Singapore Tourism Board implemented the restoration programmes in the 1980s, these
shop houses are not torn down. Now, most of the shop houses are converted to souvenir shops.

Going to the Chinatown Heritage Centre had been a fruitful learning trip for me. I like the ambience of the centre. Once I entered the shop houses, it was as if I was brought back in time. I was surprised that our forefathers actually squeezed themselves into tiny cubicles. For each rented cubicles, it can live up to 10 or more people. Due to the harsh living condition, there is
a widespread of diseases .To lighten the emotional burden, our ancestors could only depend on opium smoking, prostitution, gambling and secret societies.

Getting there
8 Pagoda Street Singapore 059207
Guest Helpline: 6-338-6877 (TOURS)
Email: chc@ducktours.com.sg
Admission Charges: $10 Adults / $6 Child (3-12 years)
Free Guided Tour
Opening Hours: 9am to 8pm daily (last admission at 7pm)
Hippo Bus Stop: H12 & H13

Check out what’s in for you!

Are you at a loss about what souvenirs to get for your loved ones? Fret not, walk along the street of Chinatown, you will be surprised to find some treasures. Before you even go hunting down the street, make sure that you are equipped with sufficient amount of water, an umbrella or a cap to shield yourself from the scorching hot sun.


If I am a tourist, I will get myself a Qipao which is a traditional classic dress for the Chinese. The high-necked, collared Qipao, with unique attractive slits enhances the specific features of a beauty. It is simple and beautiful. Some tips though, when dressed up in a Qipao, do not wear too much accessories. Keep it neat and tidy! For the guys, the traditional Chinese costume is the Tang Zhuang. As Chinese like to have prosperity and happiness, the design of the tang suit tends to use the Chinese characters Fu or Shou to spread the good luck. . In the modern days, this clothing had been viewed as a national costumes for men. So guys get yourselves one of those Tang Zhuang and wear it to the office.

If you want to know about your Chinese Characters, head down towards the stores where there is a master to help you to write your names in calligraphy forms or inside painted crystal balls. Personally, I have a liking for big fans that is painted with vibrant colours. However, as it is hand-made, the price of one such fan can even exceed a hundred dollars.

Thian Hock Keng Temple is one of the oldest Hokkien temples in Singapore, situated near Telok Ayer. This temple is quite difficult to find for it is located in the middle of a street and it is quite far away from the centre of Chinatown. Because Patricia and I were too tired to walk there so we took taxi there. We then realised a shorter way to walk to Thian Hock Keng Temple is walk behind the street of Chinatown centre point. The attached map below will help to illustrate what I have mentioned earlier.

That’s Patricia!

Have you ever heard of a temple that is air-conditioned? Frankly speaking, I have never heard or seen before any temple that is air-conditioned till I had been to Chinatown. It is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. This new temple was founded in 2002 by Venerable Shi Fazhao. The exterior of the temple is magnificent and the whole temple stood about four storeys tall near the main road. The temple designs takes the looks of the traditional Tang Dynasty, however the design of the roof was incorporated with specially crafted traditional Japanese roof tiles.



We offered the joss sticks before entering, as joss sticks are not allowed into the temple. One thing to note is that the appropriate dress code is sleeve shirt/blouse and pants or skirts that are at least ¾ long. I was wearing a short, so I got a sarong which is located at the side of the door, and I wrap my waist up. I was pretty amazed by the structure when I entered the temple. There are more than a thousand of golden statues, and the pillar to support the infrastructure is in bright red. The contrast of colours helps to create a sense of solemnity. I have never felt that peaceful when entering a temple, this was by no means the first one. For that, I would say that this temple is very unique in this sense.


My amazement does not just end here. At the 3rd storey, there is a Buddhist culture Museum which collects and preserves certain prestigious Asian Buddhist artefacts. Patricia and I spent quite a long time to learn to appreciate and gain more knowledge of the Buddhist cultures .The signboards had been very useful in providing information of the deity came about. This museum is very interesting and definitely worth going to take a look. Things to note :certain place within the museum prohibit photo taking. Do look out for signboards that says so.




Before you even go off, head up to the top of the roof. There in the centre lies a small pagoda which holds smaller Ten Thousands Buddhas. Right in the centre, there is a Buddhist prayer wheel which is a revolving scripture. To wish for good health and good academicals results, I went to spin the wheel three times. So next time you want to make a wish, you can be like me, head down to the temple and spin the wheel! More information about the temple can be found at http://www.btrts.org.sg/

Sri Mariamman Temple

Situated near the end road of Pagoda Street, there is the Sri Mariamman Temple- Singapore’s oldest Hindu Temple. It was first built in 1827; however slight constructions were made in 1834. The elaborated gopuram (sculptured tower of gods) is visible from far. This is so that devotees can offer their prayers without the need to enter the temple. Coconuts leaves, fresh mango leaves are found on the doors which symbolises purity. Currently, the temple is under construction but I believe the end results will be beautiful for the arts on the walls are neatly hand-drawn. We managed to catch a glimpse of a worker who patiently draws on the ceilings of the temple. This goes to show the amount of effort put in to complete the work.

Tips: Entrance to the temple is free but you will be required to purchase a ticket if you want to take photos or video. Remove your shoes before entering. Visitors are advised to dress conservative after all it is a place of worship.


Flavours of Chinatown




The mention of foods simply makes me drools! A place that you must go is the traditional desserts shop (味香圆) which is located at the street along Temple Street. That shop was famous for desserts such as Mango Ice Mountain. Patricia and I ordered one Mango Ice Mountain and a steamed yam cake. After I start eating these desserts, I urged to have more. It was simply delicious. The ice is different from the hawkers’ one. Start eating your ice mountain from the middle, so that the ice will melt and mixed with your mangoes, giving it a sweeter taste. For the yam cakes, add some home-made chillies. I am one who never eat chilli for I dislike spicy food. However, this food is an exception; the chilli is not as spicy as I thought it would be. Instead, it helps to enhance the flavours of the yam cakes. I would give a rating of 4.5/ 5 for the desserts. The shop also offers hot desserts like the red bean soup.It is worth trying the food there.

Operating Hours of 味香圆
Mon- Fri: 10.30 am – 8 pm
Sat- Sun: 10.30 am – 10 pm





Alternatively, you may choose to head downwards to the Smith Street which is formerly a red light district but is now known as the Chinatown food street. The stalls offers a wide variety of delicacies such as Hainanese chicken rice, Char Kway Tiow, Carrot Cake, Laksa etc at an affordable price, Do not miss out the signature dishes that offer a fusion of the different dialect groups in Singapore. For once think nothing about going fat and have a good day trying out the local delicacies.

Operating Time Of The Food Street
Mondays to Thursdays 3pm – 11pm
Fridays, Weekends and Public Holidays 12pm- 1pm.





Patricia and I went around looking out for a shop Tong Heng Confectionery which offers famous and tantalizing egg tarts. Indeed the pastries offered are delicious! I ordered a Char Siew Pastries while Patricia ordered a chicken curry puff. The outer layer of the pastry is crispy while the inside is stuffed with sweet Char Siew. I think that the combination is just nice and for that I will rate it as 4/5 stars. Patricia’s views differ from mine for she felt the pastries are too sweet. These pastries are generally sweet tasting, sold at a reasonable price. Hence, for people with a sweet tooth, you are in luck! This humble shop operates daily from 9am to 10pm.

To gain a deeper insight of the culture of Chinese tea, make your way to Neil Road no 9-11 whereby Tea Chapter offers you a unique experience. I went there once before when I was a secondary school student. We were taught the proper technique of brewing, pouring and serving the Chinese tea. The teachers are very patient and they even allow us to taste food that complement with the right type of tea. I still remembered after the lesson, I came out of the tea house feeling amazed that tea actually do wonders for human beings. You can purchase the different types of premium tea that are beneficial to your health. It operates daily from 11am to 11pm. For more information, visit http://www.tea-chapter.com.sg/franchise.asp

Chinatown is a fascinating place with rich amount of history. Patricia and I have an enriching yet tiring trip down to Chinatown. I have learnt a lot of things about Chinatown, and I hope you can do come down to explore this heart-warming town now!More information about Chinatown is available at:http://www.visitsingapore.com/publish/stbportal/en/home/what_to_see/ethnic_quarters/chinatown.html