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Despite the fact that Singapore has a thriving Chinese community, the city-state’s Chinatown district is still a very unique and fascinating place to visit. The area is filled with wonderful Chinese charm, from its various temples to its magnificent markets and restaurants. Not surprisingly, Chinatown is swarming with locals and tourists every day, thanks to its many shopping, dining and cultural attractions. It is within walking distance of Singapore’s central district.

Plenty of interesting attractions wait for tourists inside Chinatown.

Even though Chinatown is home to a range of landmarks, this intriguing little district is certainly an attraction in itself. It stands as one of Singapore’s most culturally-significant areas, boasting restored shophouses that sell an assortment of items. Taking a stroll through the streets of Chinatown is an absolute must.

There are several religious structures of note. The four-storey Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is found on Bridge Road, and offers various interesting attractions, including 1,000 Buddha statues on its roof, and a sacred Buddha tooth relic inside the complex’s main hall. The oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, Sri Mariamman, is just a short distance away, and the 19th century Hokkien temple, Thian Hock Keng, is worth a look too.

The district is home to many museums, some of which are well-established, while others are hideaways that need to be explored. Art lovers will adore the contemporary Red Dot Museum, while history buffs have to experience Chinatown’s Heritage Centre, which displays the history of this incredible district. Visitors can also look at the history of Singapore through models when visiting the Singapore City Gallery.

Cheap Chinese food is found all over the district. However, Korean cuisine is popular in the nearby Tanjong Pagar district too. Smith Street and Chinatown Complex’s second floor boast a variety of cheaper dishes that taste delightful. Visitors should try peanut soup, dim sum, and the range of Chinese desserts on offer here. There is a vibrant nightlife in Chinatown, including a large gay community. Karaoke and lounge bars are popular, but the area around Club Street boasts many new wine bars also.

Chinese trinkets and antiques are very popular along the streets and in the shophouses that dominate Chinatown’s cityscape. However, the shophouses around Club Street and Ann Siang Road are also famous for their hip clothing designs. Several shopping malls are found in the district. People’s Park Complex and Chinatown Point are two of the larger complexes selling handicrafts, electronics, clothes and a range of other goods.