Singapore, Chinatown - Welcoming Chinese New Year

Chinatown is a busy and colourful part of Singapore. More so during the Chinese New Year Periods. This article highlights the sights and sounds of Chinatown getting ready for the annual spring festival!

Lion Heads of the types used in traditional Lion Dances, Chinatown, Singapore (2017)

History and Geography

Singapore's Chinatown is located in a very central location. Its local name is loosely based on its historical past where bullock carts were used to transport water to residences and businesses in the area back in the days of colonial Singapore.

A Hindu Temple in the area highlights Singapore's multi-cultural diversity, Chinatown, Singapore (2017)

Getting There

The area is well-served by public transport. The local subway (a.k.a. metro) systems include several different stations in and around the area from at least 3 different service lines. These are the East-West Line (Outram Park Station of the Green-colored Line), Downtown Line (Chinatown Station of the Blue-colored Line) and North-East Line (Chinatown Station of the Purple-coloured Line)

What to Expect

Lots of colours, buzz, people and noise all year round! Yes, this place is all about energy and activities. Come prepared to brave the heat and humidity of the local climate all year round. Lots of food can be found in the area and many shops selling souvenirs to locals and tourists can also be found in the area.

There is no single architectural style in Chinatown. Some historically conserved buildings looked to be influenced by Victorian-era architecture while a hint of baroque in other buildings may also be evident to those with a keen eye.

Such is the diversity of Chinatown that makes it a worthwhile place to spend at least half or one day if one is visiting Singapore for the first time.

During Chinese New Year, the whole area will be transformed into an even more colourful, crowded and louder entity. The annual Chinese New Year buzzer adds more variety, sights and sounds to Chinatown, making it a hotpot of activities!

A shopping street, Chinatown, Singapore (2017)

Crowds at the annual Chinese New Year bazzar, Chinatown, Singapore (2017)

Decorations for the New Year, Chinatown, Singapore (2017)

Shopper at a stall, Chinatown, Singapore (2017)

Chinese New Year good luck charms, Chinatown, Singapore (2017)

Paper bags for carrying red packets and oranges during visits on Chinese New Year, Chinatown, Singapore (2017)

Chinese New Year-themed decorative items, Chinatown, Singapore (2017)

Intricate paper designs for Chinese New Year, Chinatown, Singapore (2017)

Many items not usually seen during most time of the year suddenly make their appearances amongst the many stores and stalls of Chinatown.

Speciality stall selling Pomelos are usually only seen during the Chinese New Year period, Chinatown, Singapore (2017)

Traffic almost at a standstill on Chinese New Year's eve which is one of the busiest period in the area, Chinatown, Singapore (2017)

Advices and Tips

If you are a tourist, look around before you settle on where to shop and eat. Despite Singapore being a metropolitan city with lots of foreigners living and working here does not mean that the folks in Chinatown can't differentiate between a tourist and a bona fide localised foreigner. Prices can be different for different folks!

Generally, shops that are further away from the main walking streets tend to be more cost competitive. Smaller shops may accept only cash so it is advisable to have some local currencies with you if you intend to patronise the smaller businesses in the area. The larger establishments do accept all major credit cards including American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Union Pay and JCB.

Buyer and Seller, Chinatown, Singapore (2017)