Chinatown is a place rich in history and culture. Its Hindu and Chinese temples and Muslim mosques are among its many attractions.
The old Chinatown complex and Maxwell Food Center contrast with the modern cafes and restaurants of Telok Ayer.
Sir Stamford Raffle designated Chinatown in 1822 primarily to accommodate the numerous Chinese immigrants arriving in Singapore. However, many small communities of Indian traders also settled in this area.
In Telok Ayer, previously located on the old coast of Singapore, the first immigrants landed after long journeys.
About this itinerary
This is a self-guided itinerary. On the map above in “Details,” you can download the route in KML or GPX and use it in Maps.me or another application. You can use it without the Internet while you walk. If you want to use Google Maps, you have to search for each address.
I am covering 16 places with interesting information to make your tour more exciting. If you are in Singapore, take the time to visit Chinatown. It is a place worth discovering!
Where to start?
When leaving the Chinatown subway through exit A, the first impression can be overwhelming due to the number of tourists, kiosks, and shops selling souvenirs and trinkets.
Still, it is a picturesque area with an exciting history, which we will explore during this Walking Itinerary through Chinatown in Singapore.
1. Pagoda Street
Exiting the subway through exit A, we find Pagoda Street, once filled with opium taverns and Coolie laborers.
Number 34 hosts a typical shophouse, and number 37 houses Kwong Hup Yuen, the largest employment agency for Coolies, who endured harsh working conditions in various sectors during Singapore’s colonial period.
2. Sri Mariamman Temple
Sri Mariamman, Singapore’s first temple, now hosts worship and celebrations. It once accommodated Indian emigrants.
The beautiful “Gopuram” tower is striking and adorned with vibrant sculptures of Hindu gods and flowers. If you’re lucky, you might witness a ceremony. This temple is worth visiting; remember to leave your shoes outside. 244 South Bridge Rd
3. The Jamae Mosque (Chulia)
Built between 1830 and 1835, this mosque is one of Singapore’s oldest and largest. It is located near Sri Mariamman Temple and reflects the Chulia community from southern India, mainly merchants and money changers.
Though small outside, it’s spacious and well-maintained inside, recalling the vibrant Chulia presence in Chinatown. 218 South Bridge Rd
4. Old Trades Mural
Local artist Yip Yew Chong, who grew up in Chinatown, has murals across Singapore.
His “Old Trades Mural” depicts scenes of ancient trades once common in the city. Inspired by real characters, it includes figures like the paper mask and puppet seller from Sago Lane, bringing history to life. 3 Mohammed Ali Lane
5. Temple Street
Parallel to Pagoda and Smith Streets, this street was once popular with Cantonese Opera lovers. The nearby Lai Chun Yuen Theater was famous for its operas.
The street’s name honors the area’s many temples. You can see the iconic yellow People’s Park Complex building at the end of the street.
6. Chinatown Complex
Built-in 1981, this complex united thousands of street food vendors, improving hygiene. At the entrance is a market with clothes, amulets, and various souvenirs.
Traditional food stalls offer dishes like Chicken Rice. The underground “wet market” sells vegetables, fruits, meat, fish, and frogs and is bustling with people, especially on weekends. 335 Smith Street
7. Sago Street
Sago Street leads to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple near the Chinatown complex. Once home to Sagú factories, it was known as “the street of the dead.”
The upper floors of houses were final resting places for evicted Chinese immigrants, while the lower floors were used for funerals.
8. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Don’t miss visiting one of Singapore’s most beautiful temples. Start with the top-floor garden, then explore each level to learn its history.
The first floor hosts religious activities, and the underground “food court” serves vegetarian food, Chinese coffee, and desserts. The temple is accessible by stairs and elevators. 288 South Bridge Rd
9. Jinrikisha Station
Built-in 1903, Jinrikisha Station served as the rickshaw administration center. Chinese immigrants, known as “Coolies,” faced harsh conditions as rickshaw drivers here.
This historical site reflects their struggles and contributions. Nearby, behind the Thian Hock Keng temple, you can see part of Yip Yew Chong’s mural depicting scenes from this challenging period. 1 Neil Rd, #01-01
10. Maxwell Food Centre
This food center, which has existed since the 1980s and is next to the Singapore City Gallery, is one of the best-known Hawker Centers.
In the small food stalls, traditional dishes of Chinese, Indian, and Malay cuisine are prepared. They also sell juices, beers, and Chinese coffee called “Kopi,” which is sweetened with condensed milk. 1 Kadayanallur St
11. The Statues of the Sansui Women
It is a sculpture to remember the strong and hard-working “Samsui” women who came from the Samsui province in China and emigrated to Singapore between the 1920s and 1940s in search of work to support their families.
These strong women worked long hours on construction sites to transport materials and clear debris. 45 Maxwell Rd
Next to the Singapore Gallery entrance and across the street from Maxwell Food Center.
12. Singapore City Gallery
You can’t miss visiting the gallery, where you can find a variety of interactive and multimedia exhibits that showcase Singapore’s urban planning and development over time.
The most impressive is the large model, which shows Singapore and how it has been developed and planned. 45 Maxwell Road
13. Nagore Dargah Indian Muslim Heritage Centre
This center next to the Thian Hock Keng temple is an important place for the Indians.
The Muslim community in Singapore. It was built between 1827 and 1830 in memory of a Muslim saint buried in Nagore in southern India.
Its architecture blends Palladian and Islamic styles, reflecting Singapore’s cultural and religious diversity. 140 Telok Ayer Street
14. Thian Hock Keng Temple
Hokkien immigrants, who risked their lives on dangerous sea voyages from China to Singapore in search of better opportunities, erected this temple as a symbol of gratitude and devotion to Mazu, to whom they attributed their safety and protection during the sea voyage. 158 Telok Ayer St.
15. Thian Hock Keng Mural
Be sure to visit the back of the temple. There, you will find an amazing 44-meter mural created by Yip Yew Chong.
The mural visually tells the story of the first Chinese immigrants to Singapore. Read it from right to left like the Chinese.
Yip Yew murals add color and life to our Chinatown Walking Itinerary in Singapore. 158 Telok Ayer St
16. My Awesome Cafe
In 1952, this site was home to the Telok Ayer Chung Hwa Free Clinic, founded by Chinese volunteer doctors to provide medical care to the uninsured.
Now, there is the popular and cozy My Awesome Cafe that still retains its original facade.
It is a good place to take a break; the cafe has a varied and international menu. 202 Telok Ayer Street
End of the Walk
Now, we head towards the Telok Ayer metro station, the blue line where the Chinatown Walking Itinerary in Singapore ends.
I hope you enjoyed this walk and were able to learn more about the origins of Singapore.
This article shows you: Discover the History of Chinatown with This Self Guided Itinerary With Map.
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