Explore Chinatown in Singapore

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[{"address":"Smith Street","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":1.28248930035552,"longitude":103.84390859999999},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Smith Street"},{"type":"text","content":"I was surprised at how cute this area is. I wandered the side streets and saw brightly colored buildings that were more alluring than a prince. The streets are lined with Chinese lanterns, and on the ground floor are countless affordable places to buy souvenirs. A street dedicated only to eateries (aka street vendors). A street that makes any foodie jealous"},{"metadata":{"width":1400,"height":1000},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FXlT3nkCKtWSDn1NMp5ae%2Fchinatown-singapore.webp?alt=media&token=a5d5f7ad-62cd-4274-a176-b02897a417b3"},{"type":"text","content":"Smith Street (Chinese: 史密斯街 shǐ mì sī jiē) is a small street running through the heart of the Chinatown district in Singapore. The only road in the area to be named after a European, it commemorates the hugely popular Sir Cecil Clementi Smith, then Governor of the Straits Settlements and High Commissioner in 1887 to 1893, who was a Chinese scholar and responsible for most of the work to combat the problems of secret societies.\n\nAs is common for roads with English names, it has an informal Chinese name, hei yuen kai, meaning Theatre Street in reference to the Lai Chun Yuen Theatre then located at unit 36 and the centre of entertainment in the Kreta Ayer area. The theatre existed sometime in the 1880s and staged Cantonese operas until 1927. With the advent of cinemas, the theatre was converted into a cinema theatre, Sun Seng Cinema, just before World War II, when it was damaged in a bomb attack in 1942.\n\nIts red-light reputation contributed character to the street, which was also known for hawker stalls crowding into the street during its heyday reputation as the main \"Food Street\". There are attempts to recreate the ambiance today by closing parts of the road and turning it into an outdoor eating area.\n\nA local joke has it that the road got its English name when the British asked Chinese locals the name of the road, they given clueless answers \"Si mi?\" (Hokkien for What?) as they could not understand English. Thus they duly recorded the name as \"Smith\" instead."},{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":666},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FXlT3nkCKtWSDn1NMp5ae%2Fc2b9fe79-ef05-449a-b5fc-d3c9b9d7f5ba.jpg?alt=media&token=ffa12ab0-2abb-4ac4-8fd4-66aef1d3f88c"},{"type":"text","content":"# 335 Smith Street, Chinatown, Singapore\n\nThis alley is known as the food street of Chinatown in Singapore"},{"type":"text","content":"Chinatown Food Street has succeeded in retaining the authentic flavors, as well as serving up generous portions all in some rather quaint (though mostly touristy) environments. Expect to pay a few dollars more than an average 'local' hawker center in Singapore, although it's well worth it for the convenience of the location - right in the heart of Chinatown - as well as the quality Fast and friendly service and food.\n\nYou can find Chinatown Food Street in the famous Chinatown Market. This collection of shops, restaurants and galleries is scattered across various streets but just head straight for Smith Street if you're looking for the main food court."},{"type":"text","content":"To make the most of the huge selection, it's best to order multiple dishes and share them together. I've narrowed down the choice to five must-try dishes here:\n\n* Stingray at Boon Tat Street BBQ Seafood (counters 1 and 3) - simply a 'must try' Singapore, you can order a generous plate of tenderloin for around S$10 or double for 15 Singapore dollars.\n* Satay Skewers at Old Airport Road Satay Bee Hoon & BBQ Steamboat (Stall No.2) - juicy sticks of chicken or beef grilled to perfection with a rich peanut sauce. You'll pay just over S$0.50 for a stick - but you'll probably want more than 10!\n* Kway Teow at Food Street Fried Kway Teow Mee (Stand #8) - a good choice if you're coming alone or just want something quick and filling for lunch, this thick plate of fried noodles will make you back about 5 Singapore dollars .\n* Roast Duck at Tiong Bahru Meng Kee (Stand No. 7) - perfect for large groups, the duck here is tender, juicy and served with a traditional sweet and sticky sauce that makes things even more enjoyable (10-20 Singapore dollars).\n* Indian Curries at Serangoon Raju Indian Cuisine (Stand 17) - proof that Chinatown Food Street is reaching far beyond the Chinese influence, this delicious Indian stall serves delicious Indian dishes. Authentic South Indian curries, sandwiches and biriyanis from around S$7"},{"metadata":{"width":576,"height":1024},"type":"video","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FXlT3nkCKtWSDn1NMp5ae%2FSnaptik_6905748385001704706_firandzal.mp4?alt=media&token=71721f88-e1b4-44c9-af76-f40d937918d6"}]},{"address":"Chinatown Heritage Centre","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":1.283726550355851,"longitude":103.84387650000002},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Chinatown Heritage Centre"},{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":662},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FXlT3nkCKtWSDn1NMp5ae%2F100h1f000001grvae6DB5.jpg?alt=media&token=509efe08-558e-43b0-bca2-aff5ea856eed"},{"type":"text","content":"Housed in three beautifully restored shophouses on Pagoda Street, Chinatown Heritage Center is a timeless place filled with stories of Singapore's past.\n\nA venue dedicated to documenting and recreating the lives of Chinatown's early residents, this space features six galleries, preserved residences, and a range of cultural immersion experiences.\n\nVisitors will play as iconic characters of Chinatown in the 1950s, participate in seasonal craft workshops and explore the center through a multimedia guide, available in English, Mandarin, and Chinese. French and Japanese.\n\nThe scent gallery featuring the strong scent of opium and aromatic spices will give you a hint of the past, while the vivid photographs are put up to provide explorers with a complete experience. Immerse yourself in the old atmosphere.\n\nIn addition to the exhibits, the space also features a variety of workshops and story-telling sessions for visitors on their own journey of discovery. Those looking for a few memorabilia to take home can choose from a selection of books, postcards and prints by local artists such as Patrick Yee and Francis Wong Hooe Wai."},{"metadata":{"width":540,"height":960},"type":"video","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FXlT3nkCKtWSDn1NMp5ae%2FSnaptik_6641837339494583553_sherry.mp4?alt=media&token=0ebf6171-3239-44e9-888c-4032b0039328"}]},{"address":"Eu Yan Sang","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":1.2840661503559572,"longitude":103.84527630000001},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Eu Yan Sang"},{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":750},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FXlT3nkCKtWSDn1NMp5ae%2F46472731.jpg?alt=media&token=b77f1b04-ea09-41bc-99d3-99d55ec6aed4"},{"metadata":{"width":424,"height":283},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FXlT3nkCKtWSDn1NMp5ae%2FB1-Eu-Yan-Sang.jpg?alt=media&token=3c124baf-1113-4bed-9a74-ddc7f9cc47f2"},{"type":"text","content":"This is where Singapore's first Eu Yan Sang Oriental Medicine pharmacy was located, built in 1910.\nThis is definitely a Chinese medical hall where you can get some really good Chinese herbs and medications at a very reasonable pricing. Good staff, good management and very comfortable and well-kept property. The staff here speaks very good English and they are able to recommend to you the things that are needed by you."},{"type":"link","content":"https://www.euyansang.com.sg/"}]},{"address":"Thian Hock Keng Temple","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":1.2809189503550702,"longitude":103.84767130000002},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Thian Hock Keng Temple"},{"type":"text","content":"Thian Hock Keng, is a temple built to worship Mazu, a Chinese sea goddess, located in Singapore. This is the oldest and most important Fujian temple in the country. Another temple in the back is Buddhist dedicated to Guanyin, the Mahayana Buddhist Bodhisattva of Mercy."},{"metadata":{"width":740,"height":416},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FXlT3nkCKtWSDn1NMp5ae%2Fitem_1.thumbnail.carousel-img.740.416.jpg?alt=media&token=076d7d4e-d4cd-4df4-9292-daa4177737f1"},{"type":"text","content":"When you come here, admire the typical traditional architecture of Southern China.\n\nNotice the intricate carvings and statues of dragons, phoenixes and gods, as well as the multi-colored broken porcelain on the roof ledge, a typical Hokkien decorative technique.\n\nThe amazing thing is, not a single nail was used when the temple was built in the past, it is now classified as a national monument and is looked after by Huay Kuan, a Singaporean of Hokkien origin."},{"metadata":{"width":540,"height":960},"type":"video","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FXlT3nkCKtWSDn1NMp5ae%2FSnaptik_6895937308386692353_christinaoh.mp4?alt=media&token=c1b2884b-c40e-4295-b706-b1f37910137e"}]},{"address":"Sri Mariamman Temple","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":1.282756350355595,"longitude":103.84530644999998},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Sri Mariamman Temple"},{"metadata":{"width":645,"height":430},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FXlT3nkCKtWSDn1NMp5ae%2Fsri-mariamman-temple-01.png?alt=media&token=a67090fe-7afb-4719-9bcb-26919e4c5ef9"},{"type":"text","content":"Going back in time to 1827, this temple was known as Mariamman Kovil or Kling Street Temple, and was built by immigrants from the Nagapatnam and Cuddalorre districts of South India.\n\nThe temple was built to worship Goddess Mariamman - the goddess famous for her power to cure diseases.\n\n## Filled with activities\nThe temple is now a National Monument and it is thought that much of its present structure was built by Indian craftsmen between 1862-1863.\n\nIn addition to being a place of worship, the Sri Mariamman Temple was also an important site for community activities during the colonial period. It even served as the Marriage Registry for Hindus – at that time, only this temple was allowed to celebrate Hindu marriages.\n\nThe temple has been remodeled several times, most recently in 2010. This US$4 million remodeling project employs a team of 20 artisans from India, and includes including the repainting of all stone idols.\n\nAt the temple, notice the elaborately built and elaborate decorations. In particular, the magnificent \"Gopuram tower\" (the entrance to the large tower) is a symbolic work for many generations of Hindus as well as the people of Singapore.\n\nThe six floors of the tower are covered with sculptures of gods, mythical beasts and other beings. Try to see if you have a keen eye to spot Indian soldiers (Sepoy) in khaki uniforms derived from military traditions of the British colonial period.\n\nIf you're here in October or November, watch out for Theemithi (fire-walking ceremony), which is a major festival held annually at this temple."},{"metadata":{"width":576,"height":1024},"type":"video","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FXlT3nkCKtWSDn1NMp5ae%2FSnaptik_6975684812472323329_muralimurali.mp4?alt=media&token=05e156bf-e640-46d6-bae8-e63629e580e7"}]},{"address":"Buddha Tooth Relic Temple","location":{"longitudeDelta":0.14321712068773834,"latitudeDelta":0.09219986310369421,"latitude":1.2815002503552617,"longitude":103.84431769999999},"media":[{"type":"text","content":"# Buddha Tooth Relic Temple"},{"metadata":{"width":1000,"height":666},"type":"img","version":1,"content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FXlT3nkCKtWSDn1NMp5ae%2Ff677ce0a-3f97-42ac-89e8-2e44cacf59b5.jpg?alt=media&token=baa09e1d-f54a-4954-a487-3986d4a9746e"},{"type":"text","content":"Set in historic Chinatown, the meticulously designed interiors and comprehensive exhibits on Buddhist art and history at the Buddha Tooth Temple & Museum tell the stories of cultures transforming through the centuries. thousand years. Built in 2007, the temple is named after a treasure that Buddhists believe to be Buddha's left canine tooth, taken from his funeral pyre in Kushinagar, India, and is on display at ground floor of this temple.\n\n## Sophisticated design\nThis Tang-style Chinese Buddhist temple was conceptualized and designed by Abbot Shi Fa Zhao, with the help of domestic and foreign advisors. It cost S$75 million to build, and is based on many elements of Tang Dynasty architecture. The design of the building was inspired by the Buddhist mandala, a symbol of Buddhist culture that symbolizes the universe.\n\n## Sacred relics and giant Buddha stupa\nBuddha statues at Buddha Tooth Temple & Museum\nPhoto taken by Gregory Williams (Kasei) ©\n\nThe Buddhist Culture Museum on the third floor is where the Buddha's sacred relics are kept, such as the bone and tongue relics, while the Sacred Light Hall on the fourth floor is the place. has the most important treasure of the temple.\n\nThe Buddha Tooth Relic is housed in a giant stupa weighing 3,500 kg and made of 320 kg of gold, of which 234 kg were donated by devotees. Only monks are allowed to enter the stupa, but visitors can view the tooth relic from the public viewing area.\n\nSome other highlights here include the Eminent Sangha Museum, and a theater specializing in cultural performances, talks and film screenings. If you're looking for some quiet in the midst of the hustle and bustle of Chinatown, the rooftop garden, with its Ten Thousand Buddhas Pavilion and the Tathagata Buddha prayer wheel will give you a quiet respite.\n\n## Discover Buddhism\nBuddha Shakyamuni is believed to have mastered the truth about the true nature of existence, as well as perfecting the qualities of wisdom and compassion more than 2,500 years ago. Today, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple continues to spread his legacy teachings through 'Discovering Buddhism' talks. Visitors can delve deeper into Buddhism at this interactive seminar organized by temple scholars."},{"metadata":{"width":576,"height":1024},"type":"video","content":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/freeguides-prod.appspot.com/o/assets%2Ftours%2FXlT3nkCKtWSDn1NMp5ae%2FSnaptik_6937327588385836290_ng-eng-hock.mp4?alt=media&token=8b81258c-52d0-4c6c-b6e0-20d476b62893"}]}]