COMMUNITY
Welcome to the Community Hub of the Chinatown Heritage Centre! This space is dedicated to celebrating the vibrant history and illustrious stories of Chinatown, shaped by the diverse voices and contributions of our diverse community.
Here, you will find a comprehensive overview of Chinatown’s development over the years, enriched by informative articles and blogs that reflect the experiences and insights of our local partners. We believe in the power of collaboration and community engagement, and this hub serves as a resource for sharing stories, preserving heritage, and fostering connections among residents, visitors, and stakeholders.
Join us in our mission to be a collaborative centre for Chinatown, where every contribution helps us honor our past and inspire future generations. Explore, learn, and engage with us as we collectively celebrate the rich tapestry of our beloved Chinatown.
CHINATOWN
Master Town Plan (1822)
In 1822, Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of modern Singapore, introduced the Master Town Plan, which laid the foundation for the city’s urban development. This plan strategically designated areas for various communities, including the Chinese population, leading to the establishment of Chinatown. Raffles envisioned a multi-racial society where different ethnic groups could thrive in their designated zones, promoting trade and cultural exchange.
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Over the years, Chinatown has evolved into a vibrant cultural enclave composed of four main areas: Telok Ayer, Kreta Ayer, Bukit Pasoh and Tanjong Pagar. Each area has its unique character and history, reflecting the diverse heritage of the community in Chinatown. Click on the respective areas in the timeline below and discover how they have developed and transformed over the years.
1820s
Telok Ayer
Meaning "bay water" in Malay, Telok Ayer was located by the shoreline where early immigrants disembarked from their long voyages. Designated a Chinese district by Stamford Raffles in 1822, this is the oldest neighbourhood in Chinatown.
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Spanning Ann Siang and Club Street, this vibrant area is now filled with trendy bars and hip cafes, housed in beautifully conserved shophouses.
1830s
Kreta Ayer
Kreta Ayer translates to "water cart" in Malay, named after the ox-drawn carts that delivered water to the district from the wells at Ann Siang Hill in the 19th and 20th centuries.
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In the past, this area was known for its clusters of teahouses and opera theatres, alongside notorious brothels, gambling houses, and opium dens. While much of its gritty history has been transformed, echoes of its vibrant past linger, especially during festive periods like Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn celebrations. Today, it is home to many vibrant F&B and retail businesses, and it is also where Chinatown Heritage Centre is located at.
Early 1900s
Bukit Pasoh
Located on a hill, Bukit Pasoh is lined with award-winning restaurants, boutique hotels, and conserved Art Deco shophouses. Once a hub for earthen pot production - “pasoh” meaning “pot” in Malay - this area has evolved significantly. The most vibrant street, Keong Saik Road was once a red-light district where gangs and vice once thrived. Today, it is an upscale enclave featuring stylish hotels, trendy bars and exceptional dining options.
1920s
Tanjong Pagar
Tanjong Pagar, meaning "cape of stakes" in Malay, emerged in the mid-19th century as a bustling port area where merchants and traders established a vibrant trading hub. This lively neighbourhood was once lined with warehouses and godowns, reflecting its significance in Singapore's growth as a major trading center. The diverse community, including Chinese, Malay, and Indian residents, enriched the area's cultural landscape.
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Now, Tanjong Pagar seamlessly blends modern skyscrapers with beautifully restored heritage buildings, housing an array of restaurants, bars, and galleries.
Today
Today, Chinatown stands as a testament to the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. The development of Telok Ayer, Kreta Ayer, Bukit Pasoh, and Tanjong Pagar has transformed these areas into thriving cultural and commercial hotspots. With their unique identities preserved through conservation efforts, they now attract both locals and tourists alike, celebrating the rich heritage while fostering innovation and creativity. Chinatown continues to be a vibrant hub where history and contemporary life coexist, inviting everyone to explore and engage with its storied past.
RESOURCES
PARTNERS
We're passionate custodians of Chinatown's history and take pride in collaborating with partners who share our commitment to celebrating its heritage.
If you'd like to collaborate with us, reach out to us at info@chinatownheritagecentre.com.sg! We'd love to hear from you.
STAKEHOLDERS
CONTRIBUTERS
MERCHANT PARTNERS
