Chinatown in Singapore

Chinatown, is one of our main attractions in Singapore. It does not only cater to tourism but also cater to education as well. Why? It is because it is the place where Sir Stamford Raffles allocated for the Chinese community in his 1828 town plan.


Bullock Carts (Niu Che 牛车) which is used for water transportation during the old times is the reason for the Chinatown's Mandarin name "Niu Che Shui" (Bullock Cart Water). The name have long been replaced, but Singaporeans still hold the name "Niu Che Shui" close to their hearts. Even though many street names have been changed, many older Chinese still refer to these streets by their nicknames derived from the street traders, famous landmarks and personalities.




In the research about Chinatown's history and culture, we came about this place called Chinatown Heritage Centre. In chinese, the name is called "Niu Che Shui Yuan Mao Guan", which means the original state of Chinatown.

In their brochure, they wrote :"Every face has a story to tell and every story seeks to be heard. Take a step into the past, look beyond these pictures and experience the everyday struggles that the early settlers faced to make ends meet. I was amazed by how my forefathers used to live and how i might have taken things for granted.

Discover the secrets and chronicles of the migrants who made the perilous journey from their homeland to Singapore. If these shophouses and their rooms could speak, what tales would they have told? Come on in, to a time where migrants braved the unknown and who dared to explore the opportunities and secrets of Chinatown."

In the Heritage Centre, they display the cultural tradition life where you can see the contrast between the past and now. You can also find out about the bustling activities and trades that were prevalent in Chinatown and experience life through the eyes of its early residents.

If you are a drifter like me, you have come to the right place. During the journey in heritage centre, you can actually experience the dismal the early migrants led. You can take a peek through the eyes of shophouse dwellers through dismal and cramped living quarters that have been painstakingly recreated, lending a rare insight into the life that they had once lived in. I have learnt alot by just admiring these ancient relics. Pictures of how my ancestors lived started racing through my imagination.


So, what are you waiting for?
Visit Chinatown Heritage Centre now at a affordable price!

Location: 48 Pagoda Street
Singapore 059207
http://www.chinatownheritagecentre.sg/

Centre Admission Rate:
Adult $10/ Children(3-12years) $6

Opening Hours: 9am-8pm daily (last entry before 7pm)

See you there!