Chinatown - Singapore, Singapore

South Bridge Road

It might seem strange that Singapore has a Chinatown, given that it's a city with a 70% Chinese population. The answer goes back to the early colonial days, when Sir Stamford Raffles implemented an urban plan that involved separating the city into ethnic neighbourhoods. Today Chinatown is a colourful cultural hub that's packed with markets, temples, traditional medicine shops, local food stalls, preserved shophouses, trendy bars and a new wave of hip hotels and restaurants. Top attractions include the Thian Hock Keng Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple and the Jamae Mosque - only in Singapore could you find three different religions represented in a Chinatown! If you want to learn more about the history of the area, the Chinatown Heritage Centre (48 Pagoda Street) is well worth a visit. Avoid the touristy markets along Temple and Pagoda Streets, unless you're after cheap souvenirs. For a more authentic local shopping experience, pop into the wet market in the Chinatown Complex on Smith Street (be sure to check in your Western sensibilities at the door). Style-conscious shoppers should check out the boutiques along Club Street, Ann Siang Hill and Erskine Street. Hungry? Try hawker food at the Maxwell Food Centre, eat al fresco at the night market on Smith Street or pop into one of the trendy restaurants on Club Street (we like Spizza, Da Paolo and My Dining Room).

Photos of Chinatown

Above: The Thian Hock Keng Temple is one of Singapore's oldest and largest temples.

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