Chinatown - History, Timings & Entry Fee

At a distance of 1 km from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station, 1.5 km from Merlion Park, 3 km from Little India, and 20 km from Changi Airport, Chinatown is a subzone and ethnic enclave located within the Outram district in the Central Area of Singapore. Featuring distinctly Chinese cultural elements, it is one of the most popular neighborhoods of Singapore and among the top historic places to visit in Singapore as part of Singapore - Malaysia Tour Packages.

Singapore's Chinatown is the place where people from all walks of ethnicities live together in harmony. This well-planned town is the largest township in Singapore and is divided into streets like the famous Pagoda Street and Sago Lane, each one famous for its unique offerings and architecture. Large sections of it have been declared national heritage sites officially designated for conservation by the Urban Redevelopment Authority.

A good mix of hawker fare and swish eateries, history, and architecture, Chinatown is a riot of colour and things to see and do. The first and foremost stop in Chinatown in Singapore should be the Chinatown Food Street, a place where you can enjoy street-style dining and gorge on authentic dishes of Singapore and Chinese dialects with alfresco dining. From street hawker stalls, kiosks, to best Chinatown restaurants in Singapore, one will find everything under one roof. This place is a haven for tourists and foodies. Enjoy mouthwatering Satays or a tantalizing plate of Char Kway Teow. While in Chinatown, don't forget to visit the Chinatown Complex Food Centre, one of the best hawker centers in Singapore. The Shanghai-style steamed dumplings at China La Mian Xiao Long Bao, the wonton noodles at Lao Ren Jia Roasted, or the Katong laksa at Terry Katong Laksa are of some of the best foods to try here. Maxwell Food Centre is another recommendation for foodies.

Clinging to the edge of Chinatown, the eye-popping five-storey Buddha Tooth Relic Temple truly stands out as one of the top things to see in Singapore's Chinatown. Founded in 2002 by Venerable Shi Fazhao, the Tang Dynasty-styled temple houses a massive 3,500 kg stupa made with 320 kg of gold. The roof garden and the prayer wheel on the terrace are your sources for blessings and tranquility. It also houses two museums, both of which highlight and showcase Asian Buddhist artifacts, arts and culture. One can also visit Singapore's first Hindu temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, in Chinatown. The architecture of Sri Mariamman temple is typical of Dravidian temples, featuring an ornate six-tiered entrance tower (gopuram) adorned with colorful figures drawn from Hindu culture.

If you're intrigued by history, you simply need to include the Chinatown Heritage Centre into your Singapore itinerary. Located on Pagoda Street, this museum occupies several floors of a former Chinese merchant house in the heart of Chinatown. In the museum, visitors will discover exhibits that detail the history of Singapore's first Chinese immigrants and the district's journey from one of the city's most ill-reputed areas to one of its most vibrant.

Chinatown Street Market is a great place to indulge in some street shopping. The street market is bustling with visitors and tourists. From silk robes to lucky cats, there is everything you will find in here. This is the best place to buy gifts for friends and relatives. Chinatown Point, a Chinatown mall in Singapore, is another great place for shopping.

Timings:

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: 5.30 AM - 12 PM & 6 PM - 9 PM

Sri Mariamman Temple: 5.30 AM - 12 PM & 6 PM - 9 PM

Chinatown Heritage Center: 9 AM - 8 PM, Closed every first Monday of each Month

Entry: Free