Chinatown

Singapore's Chinatown evolved around 1821 when the first Chinese junk arrived from Xiamen, Fujian province in China. The passengers, all men, set up home around the south of the Singapore River which is known today as Telok Ayer. Chinatown’s local name - Niu Che Shui (Bullock Cart Water) arose from the fact each household at that time had to collect fresh water from the wells in Ann Siang Hill and Spring Street, using bullock-drawn carts.

Not all parts of Chinatown are Chinese though. The Al Abrar Mosque along Telok Ayer Street, and the Jamae Mosque and Sri Mariamman Temple along South Bridge Road lay witness to the harmonious racial and religious atmosphere in Singapore.

Chinatown can be divided into four main districts - Kreta Ayer, Telok Ayer, Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Pasoh - each with its own distinctive flavour. The heart of activity is in the Trengganu/Smith Streets area.

The streets of Chinatown will be exceptionally crowded during the Lunar New Year period, mostly during February. With exception for this year (2009) which Lunar New Year falls in late January.

Getting There
A short walk from Outram Park (EW16/NE3) or Chinatown (NE4) MRT Stations.

Ratings :
Fun Stuffs : 4.5/5 (There's some interesting museums which you can visit)
Transports : 4.5/5 (MRT and buses can reached there)
Overall : 4.5/5 (If you visit Chinatown during the Chinese New Year period, then would you be able to feel the great Chinese New Year atmosphere!)

Information taken from : Uniquely Singapore website
Photo taken from : Flickr justmeandeu's photostream