Utterly Art🏛 museum
An independent exhibition space focusing on eclectic contemporary works in the Chinatown district.
🕒 || By appointments. Call Keng Hock +65 94872006
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Chinatown
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ℹ️Practical info — Chinatown
▾
🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the temples early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience a more authentic atmosphere.
- Take the MRT to Chinatown Station; driving or taking a taxi is often hampered by heavy traffic and limited parking.
- Bring a reusable water bottle; the humidity is intense, and you'll need to stay hydrated while walking.
- Don't be afraid to eat at the hawker centres-they have strict hygiene ratings and offer some of the best food.
🍽 Food
🍽
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Available at almost any hawker centre like Maxwell Food Centre.
🍽
Chili Crab
Head to a seafood restaurant along Smith Street.
🍽
Char Kway Teow
A classic stir-fried noodle dish found in Chinatown Complex Food Centre.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
🛍
Pagoda Street
Great for souvenirs, traditional clothing, and trinkets.
🛍
Traditional Medicine Shops
Fascinating places to see dried herbs and traditional remedies along South Bridge Road.
🧘
Ann Siang Hill Park
A quiet green oasis amidst the bustling shop houses.
🧘
Rooftop Garden of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
A serene spot for reflection.
Water temperature…
Chinatown is a historic district in Singapore that preserves the cultural roots of the early Chinese immigrant community. The area was originally designated as a settlement for the Chinese population in Sir Stamford Raffles' 1822 Town Plan. Today, the district is characterized by intricately restored Baroque-style shophouses, traditional wet markets, and significant religious landmarks such as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. The neighborhood is divided into several sub-districts, including Kreta Ayer and Telok Ayer, each showcasing its own unique history and architectural heritage. Beyond its historical significance, Chinatown has evolved into a spirited lifestyle destination featuring upscale restaurants, boutique shops, and bustling night markets. During the Lunar New Year, the area is transformed by spectacular light displays and traditional decorations. The preservation of this district is a cornerstone of Singapore's national identity, demonstrating the integration of heritage within a modern metropolitan landscape.
- Location: Singapore
- Top sights: Utterly Art · The Fluxus House · Pearl's Hill
- Nearby: Geylang (4 km)
- Population: ~18.340 (2024)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 26 | 27 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 27 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 235 | 102 | 168 | 193 | 199 | 164 | 174 | 173 | 167 | 210 | 283 | 300 |
Geography
Facts
- The district was formally designated in the 1822 Raffles Town Plan.
- The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple was completed and opened in 2007.
- The Thian Hock Keng Temple is one of the oldest, dating to 1839.
- Chinatown was granted official conservation status in the year 1989.
- The Chinatown Heritage Centre is housed in three restored shophouses.
- Smith Street is famous for its vibrant outdoor night food market.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Chinatown (7)
The Fluxus House🏛 museum
A contemporary art venue showcasing experimental and avant-garde installations.
🌐 fluxushouse.com🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-20:00
Sri Mariamman Temple⛪ religious
Dating back to 1843, this lively Hindu temple features a highly ornate gopuram tower adorned with deities.
🕒 Mo-Su 06:00-12:00; Mo-Su 18:00-21:00
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple⛪ religious
Consecrated in 2007, this massive Tang-style Buddhist complex houses what is believed to be a sacred tooth of the Buddha.
🕒 07:00-17:00♿
Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple📍 landmark
Established in 1925, this Hindu temple in Chinatown is dedicated to the elephant-headed deity Ganesha.
Frequently asked questions
What is special in Chinatown?
Historical culture and street food.
How much time to plan?
A full day.
Highlight?
Temples and markets.
Family-friendly?
Yes, very educational.
How accessible?
Via MRT (Chinatown station).
Chinatown: where is it located?
Chinatown is located in Singapore.
Chinatown: what is there to see?
Highlights include Utterly Art, The Fluxus House, Pearl's Hill.
Chinatown: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Sep.
Chinatown: why is it worth visiting?
Chinatown is a historic district in Singapore that preserves the cultural roots of the early Chinese immigrant community.
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