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What was originally meant as a settlement area for people arriving from mainland China in the 1800’s Singapore has undergone many changes and to a large extent has lost a lot of its original character. As Singapore continues its race for economic fulfilment with it goes much of its original charm as traditional shophouses are converted into boutique hotels and the country’s financial district creeps ever closer into the heart of the city. Yet traditions are still maintained, Chinese herbalists and other providores still exist under a backdrop of skyscrapers, high-rise banks and shopping malls and generational restaurants continue to thrive serving traditional regional classic dishes.
Chinese Musician Part of Singapore’s appeal is its ability to live harmoniously in a multi cultural society and one of the most striking examples of this would be the Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple in the heart of Chinatown. Situated on South Bridge Road it is an explosion of colour with images of Hindu deities adorning the walls and roof. During the Thimithi festival hundreds of followers line up outside the temple to run across the four- metre pit of burning coals as a symbol of their devotion. Despite the modern developments there are still many fine examples of traditional Chinese architecture such as the Wak Hai Cheng Bio Temple with its intricate roof design or the Thian Hock Keng Temple complete with imposing stone lions guarding the entrance. The celebration of Chinese New Year is quite spectacular, from early January everyone is busy making preparations for the forthcoming festivities. The streets of Chinatown showcase traditional dragon dances, fireworks and parades and there is a wealth of fabulous foods to sample. |