Chinatown was first marked on the map around 1821 when the first migrant Chinese arrived from Xiamen, the Fujian province in China. The first Chinese junk that came in to the South of the Singapore River known today as Telok Ayer were solely men who came to set up homes. Chinatown’s local name is Niu Che Shui which means ‘bullock cart water’ was given because each household had to collect fresh water from wells using bullock drawn carts.

Chinatown can be divided in to 4 districts namely Kreta Ayer, Telok Ayer, Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Pashoh. Each of the districts offers its own unique tempo, rhythm and soul. Dotted with little shops and vendors selling just about anything and everything, also offers some of the Singapore’s best hawker food and entertaining night life. Tea connoisseurs would delight in a visit to one of Chinatown’s traditional tea houses where the flavour of Chinese tea can only be relished and to see the art of traditional tea-brewing can be done every day.

Within its narrow walk ways and treaded paths lie many historical attractions. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple towering above the south part of Chinatown where stands a 27 foot statue of Maitreya Buddha and the sacred relic itself on the fourth floor of this imposing temple. The Chinatown Heritage Centre is a museum dedicated to early Chinese migrants who traveled to Singapore and the trials they endured.

To watch the streets come alive in festivities and a host of colours, make way for the Chinese New Year, which falls between January and February. Where you will be entertained to the drums of lion dancers and entertainment shows that go on past midnight.