Exploring Singapore’s Chinatown, Singapore, Singapore (B)

Singapore’s Chinatown dates back to 1819, when Sir Stamford Raffles established a British colony on Singapore and decided that separate areas should be set aside for each of the ethnic communities who moved onto the island. In the early days Chinatown was full of brothels and opium dens and densely packed housing. In recent years it has been renovated so that, although still teeming with life, it has a clean and freshly-painted feel. Visitors and locals wander the vibrant streets to buy household goods, souvenirs or food, or simply to soak up the atmosphere.

To access the main tourist area leave the Chinatown MRT station by Exit A; this will take you to the middle of Pagoda Street.

The area between Sago Street and Mosque Street is packed with shops and eating places, and the streets are hung overhead with the trademark red lanterns. Here you will find all manner of goods on sale from cheap clothes to food and incense. Souvenir hunters can buy chopsticks, brightly coloured fans and good luck charms. There are many bespoke tailoring shops and as you pass you are likely to be entreated to buy a made to measure suit or silk gown. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).