Background Knowledge of Chinatown

Chinatown (Singapore) is located in the Outram area in Singapore. It was started up by Sir Stamford Raffles, who envisioned the Chinese to make up the majority of locals in Singapore, therefore allocating the west area of the Singapore River for a Chinese settlement. Singapore then attracted many immigrants from China, and this enlarged the area of the vibrant town. It became the home of many Chinese immigrants, with visiting traders seeking accommodation, eventually settling down too.

The houses were planned to have a uniformed front, a verandah of a certain depth. This led to the creation of the famous five-foot way in the shophouses that are still preserved.

Chinatown is a place where our forefathers first called home. Chinatown has been renovated recently, though some old transitions are still preserved. This is especially so during Chinese New Year, where it is often busy with festive goods.

The old structure of the shophouses that are still maintained and kept through the renovations. 

Shophouses lining the streets, selling various goods.