History of Chinatown in Singapore

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Chinatown in Singapore is one of the rich pockets of culture found in this small nation. Visitors can still grasp the colonial past through the different attractions found in Chinatown, rendering that timeless quality in this historical section of the city. Different parts of Chinatown sprouted through the years to accommodate the many Chinese immigrants coming from the mainland.

Town Plan of 1822
When Singapore was founded in 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles had come upon Chinese settlers in Pearl's Hill, also known as Mount Stamford Hill. To establish a more organized layout of the new British colony, he segregated them into their own dedicated enclaves to avoid conflicts and uprisings. Believing that the Chinese would always comprise the majority of the population, Raffles allotted the southwest side of the Singapore River as their districts.

Different Quarters
The large Chinese population came from various provinces of the Chinese mainland and was separated into three main groups that were to live in different clusters. The Hokkien-speaking group was assigned to set up houses in Havelock Road, China, Telok Ayer and Chulia streets. Native Teochews occupied Boat Quay, Circular Road and South Bridge Road. The areas of Bukit Pasoh, New Bridge Road and a portion of the South Bridge Road were offered to the Cantonese sector.

Notable Sections
As the number of Chinese people grew in Singapore, Chinatown expanded and flourished into a thriving community. The central hub is Telok Ayer, which is the landing dock for immigrants from different parts of China. The area is chock full of temples, shrines and, later on, mosques catering to the many religions practiced in Chinatown. The more colorful part of town can be found in Kreta Ayer, home to opium dens, gambling pits, brothels, restaurants and theaters.

Modern Chinatown
When the 1900s came, Chinatown grew further to extend to Bukit Pasoh Road. This area was known as the street of clans, referring to the numerous cultural clans that inhabited Bukit Pasoh. In the fringes of Chinatown, one can also find Tanjong Pagar, famed for its pubs, bars and karaoke lounges, as well as shophouses dating back to before the Second World War.

Chinatown Attractions
Today, Chinatown in Singapore remains a rich repository of major heritage landmarks, food showcases and quaint shops. Famous attractions include the food street, night market, Heritage Center and museums. The host of popular temples also imparts a diversity that is characteristic of Singapore's culture as a whole. Some of these are Fu Tak Chi, Yueh Hai Ching and Tian Hock Keng temples. Al Abrar Mosque and Nagore Durga Shrine are also part of Chinatown's important religious landmarks.

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