There Are Many "Chinatowns," but Singapore Chinatown Stands Apart

If you’re going to Singapore and want to feel like you’re actually in Asia and not Manhattan, New York or downtown Los Angeles head to Chinatown. It is a great place to get a feel for the Chinese culture of the city.

One of the first things you’ll notice is that the buildings dating back to early Chinese settlements are surprisingly well preserved. In addition, there are many authentic Chinese stores selling an assortment of inexpensive souvenirs you may like to take home with you to delight those waiting for your return.

A variety of higher-priced trinkets are available too, but there are also a number of mass produced souvenirs like fridge magnets and postcards that are both cheap and easy to pack by the dozens. I found something that really caught my eye: there are an array of parasols available, too. It came in handy because I needed to buy 30 quick souvenirs for friends — this definitely made shopping much easier (and easier on my wallet).

The Singapore Chinatown doesn’t take up a lot of space. Honestly, it’s not much more than a couple of short streets. But it is quite picturesque. You can take photos of vintage shop houses, shopping carts, alomg with street food and food pictures as well. Of course, many major cities around the world boast of having a “Chinatown,” but Singapore’s is probably among the cleanest and safest in the world. Not only that, but it’s really a paradise for strolling, between the food, the shops and the other visual elements, Singapore’s Chinatown is truly a feast for the eyes

Enjoy new highlights of travel photographer Edwin Santiago’s journeys each week.