Singapore Ethnic Districts
The ethnic districts of Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India are
testimonies to the island-nation's rich ethnic, cultural and historical
heritage. The districts are home to religious monuments as well as quaint
shophouses (stores on the first level, residencies on the second level)
selling ethnic goods and cuisine. They provide an insight into the cultural
fabric of Singapore and are perhaps the country's truest attractions,
having stood the test of time.
:: Origin
Just behind the soaring skyscrapers of Singapore's financial
district lies Chinatown. Bound by Upper Pickering Street, Cantonment Road,
New Bridge Road and South Bridge Road, this crowded and colorful network
of streets and alleyways has changed little over the decades. Here, Chinese
merchants engage in business from the ground floor of quaint pre-war shophouses
much as they have for generations.
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 is also known as "Niu Che Shui" in Chinese. The literal
translation means "bullock cart water". In the past, conditions
were harsh and the only source of fresh water was from the many wells
in Ann Siang Hill and at Spring Street. Each household had to collect
fresh water in bullock-drawn carts, hence Chinatown's local name - Niu
Che Shui - which locals still refer to today.
:: Chinatown Today
Chinatown can be divided into four main districts - Kreta
Ayer, Telok Ayer, Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Pasoh - each with a distinctive
flavor of its own. The heart of activity is in the Trengganu / Smith Streets
area. Experience the sights and sounds of Chinatown: medicine stores mix
snake skin, herbs and spices and other exotic ingredients into potions
for all ailments; traditional delicacies like sea cucumbers lie drying
in the street; fruit sellers squat near mounds of rambutan, strong-smelling
durian, mangosteen and other seasonal fruits; fortune-tellers sit at make-shift
tables waiting for eager customers to know their future; hawkers grill
thin slices of pork for passers-by over home-made barbecues. Here, bargains
abound from beautifully embroidered kimonos, gold jewelry and T-shirts
to pottery and traditional crafts at delightfully hard-to-believe prices.
Try the Tanjong Pagar area for traditional teashops, clog and kite makers,
painted masks, waxed paper umbrellas, lacquerware from China, handicrafts
and artifacts from all over Asia. Then wander over to Smith Street, Trengganu
Street, Temple Street and Pagoda Street where the streets are at their
narrowest and you'll find some of the best bargains. The modern face of
Chinatown shopping can be found in the area around the junction of Cross
Street with New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Seng Street. The large shopping
complexes here, such as Chinatown Point, Yue Hwa, People's Park Complex
and Chinatown Complex, are not only good sources for Chinese products
but also offer bargains galore in their extensive ranges of more conventional
products. Look here for everything from electrical and electronic goods,
luggage and textiles to bargain-priced clothes and cosmetics. A wide selection
of local crafts is available at the Singapore Handicraft Centre in Chinatown
Point.
Singapore's Chinatown is full of contrasts and fascinating details. Parts
of Chinatown aren't even Chinese! Witness, for example, the Nagore Durgha
Shrine and Al Abrar Mosque along Telok Ayer Street, and the Jamae Mosque
and Sri Mariamman Temple along South Bridge Road. The peaceful co-existence
of the worshipping places of different religions in the same area reflects
the racial and religious harmony in Singapore.
:: Best Time To Visit
One of the best times to visit Chinatown is just before Chinese New Year,
when the streets come alive with special festive decorations and illuminations,
and throb with drumbeats of lion dances and Chinese opera performances.
Colorful stands sell everything from Barbecued Pork to hong baos, red
envelopes used to give money away as presents during this time of celebration.
:: Getting There
A short walk from Outram Park MRT Station.
(c) Provided by Tourism
Authority of Singapore
|
