Although largely scarred by redevelopment, Chinatown today still contains pockets of genuinely old shophouses where age-old trades like clog-making and calligraphy continue to be practiced. Paper effigies of cars, houses and other material objects are still being made for the deceased; these are then burnt, in the belief that they will raise the standard of living of the deceased in the next world. The many tea houses are a wonderland for the tea connoisseurs, as they do not just enable one to taste the authenticity of Chinese tea, but also promises an insightful escape into the the traditional art of tea-brewing. A stirring nexus of pleasant sights and aromas, Chinatown, at once, strikes as a bright scarlet canvas which is a soulful amalgam of history, culture and ancient architecture. Sheltering a treasure trove of religious places of worship including the Thian Hock Keng temple and Sri Marriaman Temple, Chinatown is embellished with various winding thoroughfares adorned with vibrant, historic establishments which have captured the imaginations of many. This teeming quarter also hosts a hive of hawkers, markets and restaurants serving up delectable, traditional cuisine. Its buildings awash in an amalgam of traditional, Victorian and Baroque architectural styles, Chinatown is especially enlivened with a million lights and fiery hues of red and golden during the Chinese New Year.
Bugis Street is steeped in history for its night scene in the 1950s. After much refurbishment over the years, it has been redefined as a top shopping destination among locals and tourists alike. Explore this retail labyrinth for its plethora of items and souvenirs. Over 800 stores feature designer clothing, accessories, electronics and local handicrafts, as well as beauty salons and the famous Bugis Junction. It is one of the largest street markets in Singapore.
Here is a department store, supermarket, pharmacy, jeweler, travel agency and post office all rolled into one. From its early days in 1971 when it only sold garments, Mustafa Centre has definitely come a long way. Within its modest blue glass exterior, you can get almost anything: more than 90,000 items are sold on a total retail space of 400,000 square feet (37,000 square meters). With some of the lowest prices in Singapore, this center plays host to tourists and locals looking for bargains.