With its high-ceiling glass roofs and built-in cooling systems, the Chinatown Street Market is specifically designed to accommodate large groups of visitors in Singapore’s hot and humid climate. These modern adaptations enable shoppers and diners to comfortably wander the market’s 200 stalls, while also helping to protect the facades of the Baroque- and Victorian- style shophouses. Throughout the year, the market buzzes with activity as it hosts numerous  traditional Chinese celebrations like the dumpling festival, hungry ghost festival, mid-autumn festival, and dong zhi (winter solstice). These festivities, often accompanied by lantern lights, are popular with Singaporeans of all ages and ethnicities. Aside from major holidays, the crowds are easily manageable and the market is navigable by distinct wayfinding indicators.

Chinatown Street Market is easily accessible by train and bus, and it is within walking distance to the busy financial district. A popular lunch spot for office workers in the area, the market is a well known hotspot for local cuisine--prepared by hawkers who have been in the area for more than 80 years. The market also provides a welcome change of environment from the abundant shopping malls and skyscrapers that can seem to dominate Singapore’s  urban landscape.

Located in the heart of the ethnic Chinese district of Singapore, the Chinatown Street Market is a pedestrianized mall that sits between two national monuments, the Jamae Mosque and the Sri Mariamman Temple. The market is open daily on Pagoda Street and it extends to Trengganu Street, Sago Street, and Smith Street. Each of these thoroughfares offers their own range of goods such as electronics, local delicacies, and traditional Chinese trinkets. Carrying a vast selection of affordable goods, the market is popular amongst both locals and tourists who are seeking anything from medicinal herbs to souvenirs. When the Lunar New Year rolls around, Singapore’s Chinatown Street Market becomes the epicenter of the city’s celebrations and activity--offering a range of free food and street performances.

Image credits: William Cho via Wikimedia Commons, Uwe Schwarzbach via Flickr, Prime Tambayong via Flickr, Choo Yut Shing via Flickr, Chinatown Singapore, [Jim] via Flickr, Zane Selvans via Flickr, Josh Montague via Flickr

Website: http://www.chinatown.org.sg/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chinatownsg