Singapore Chinatown

Singapore Chinatown has its beginnings in the 1820s when the first Chinese men from Fujian, China arrived in a junk and set up homes around the south of the Singapore River, which the Malays called Telok Ayer or "water bay". Then fresh water was not available from taps. Each household had to fetch fresh water from the bullock-drawn carts, hence the local name of Chinatown, Niu Che Shui or "Bullock Cart Water".

Today, the nostalgic streets of Singapore Chinatown are filled with drones of curious tourists seeking to learn more about the local Chinese culture. Foreigners love to capture in memory the colourful two-storey restored shophouses, be immersed in the sight and smell of the local Chinese food, shop for souvenirs and hand-made local craft, jade carvings, handicrafts, paintings, scrolls, antiques, tea leaves, Chinese medicines, silk clothing, and enjoy many other interesting Chinese elements. Trot into the not-to-be-missed Chinatown Heritage Centre and get yourself some pretty trinkets as gifts and souvenirs that tell about the rich history and heritage of the country. byRuth Tan