Joanna James
Chinatown in Singapore is an unmissable destination in the city-state, known for its historical charm, diverse culinary delights, and, of course, incredible shopping experiences. From unique souvenirs to traditional crafts and delectable delights, you are spoilt for choice in the lively quarter.
For an authentic Chinatown shopping experience, the Chinatown Street Market is undoubtedly the place to be. Lining Pagoda Street, Trengganu Street, Sago Street, and Smith Street, the bustling marketplace offers an array of goods, with the most popular being silk robes, calligraphy art, jade jewellery, and handcrafted souvenirs. It is a fantastic destination for both finding affordable gifts and immersing yourself in the lively ambience of Chinatown.
For those looking for a more modern shopping experience, Chinatown Point never disappoints. It houses a mix of international and local brands, speciality stores, and a large selection of traditional Chinese medicine shops and cultural boutiques. For hungry shoppers, the mall features a range of in-house dining options. Some of the most popular stores housed in Chinatown Point include Books Kinokuniya, Challenger, and a myriad of beauty and wellness outlets.
If a good bargain is what you are looking for, People’s Park Complex in Chinatown is full of it. From travel agencies to electronic stores, apparel shops, and traditional Chinese medicine stores, a wide range of stores and other commercial establishments call this multi-level shopping centre home. It is particularly popular for budget-friendly fashion items and accessories, making it a must-visit for fashionistas.
Your visit to Chinatown wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some traditional Chinese pastries. Make your way to Tong Heng Confectionery and treat yourself to iconic egg tarts, almond cookies, and many other sweet treats. After satisfying your sweet tooth, retreat to one of the finest 4-star hotels in Singapore the likes of Mercure ICON Singapore City Centre.
While delectable delights and delicacies may draw the crowds to these markets, they also offer a variety of shopping options. The latter, Chinatown Complex Market, in particular, has numerous stalls selling fresh produce, dried goods, herbs, and traditional Chinese cooking ingredients. While may not be the highlight, visitors can also find stalls selling unique trinkets, fabrics, and household items.
Chinatown isn’t only about authentic shopping and bargain treasures. For some boutique finds, head over to Ann Siang Road and Club Street. A host of charming shophouses line the streets, offering an eclectic mix of fashion boutiques, artisanal goods, and speciality stores. Shoppers flock to the rather upmarket shopping joint for stylish home decor items, handcrafted accessories and other unique finds.
Wrapping up your tour of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, make your way to the temple’s in-house souvenir shop to get your hands on some Buddhist-themed souvenirs. From religious artefacts to books and unique cultural gifts, it is a great place to pick up meaningful keepsakes while also experiencing the spiritual side of Chinatown.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
