A guide to Singapore’s Chinatown

Incredible smells, colourful streets, and bustling crowds: follow your senses to Singapore’s very own Chinatown. Home to a smorgasbord of unique markets, lively bars, and iconic architecture, there’s so much culture to soak up and sights to see.

Singapore’s Chinatown is split into five precincts, Kreta Ayer, Ann Siang, Telok Ayer, Tanjong Pagar, and Bukit Pasoh, each one as distinct as the last. Whether you’re just passing through or looking to spend a weekend exploring, we reveal some of our favourite things to see in Singapore’s Chinese district.

Only a short walk away from the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown is our luxury five-star hotel, The Capitol Kempinski Hotel. Make the most of massages and treatments at our blissful spa, fusing modern therapies and traditional methods to offer pure relaxation. Plus, spend an unforgettable evening at our 15 Stamford Restaurant. 

Amoy Street Food Centre

For mouthwatering food, be sure to visit Singapore’s culinary hotspot known as Amoy Street Food Centre. Located in the central business district, it’s a delight for all of the senses. Inside, you’ll find a medley of food stalls serving classic dishes, from Char Kway Teow and ramen to fish soup and the famous crispy curry puff. It’s fresh, vibrant, and completely authentic.

Thian Hock Keng Temple

Away from the hustle and bustle of the Amoy Street Food Centre lies a real treat for sightseers: the Thian Hock Keng Temple. Built in 1821 to honour the Chinese goddess of the sea, Ma Zu Po, it’s packed with intricate sculptures, fabulous carvings of phoenixes, and sinuous flowery patterns.

Literally translated as 'Temple of Heavenly Happiness,' Thian Hock Keng is one of the most important temples for the Chinese Hoklo people, who still worship here today. You'll immediately see why it earns its divine name.

Evenings in Ann Siang Hill

You’ve been on your feet all day, hopped from one historic landmark to the next, bought a few trinkets, and now it’s already evening. What next? Why not explore the quirky district of Ann Siang Hill. From intimate restaurants to stunning rooftop bars with beautiful views, it’s a place where you can let your hair down, relax, and enjoy a refreshing tipple or two while you reflect on your Singapore adventures.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Another temple that will not disappoint is the iconic Buddha Tooth Relix Temple. The first thing you notice is an extraordinary 15-foot Maitreya Buddha that sits outside the main hall. As you enter, the temple is filled with priceless artefacts, a magnificent library, and a peaceful garden. Plus, you’ll even find a hidden vegetarian food court – it’s delicious.

Yixing Xuan Teahouse

Found yourself in the Tanjong Pagar district of Singapore’s famous Chinatown? Go for the perfect cup of tea in Yixing Xuan Teahouse. It’s a wonderful opportunity to dive deeper into Chinese culture, the history of tea, and the ancient techniques used to brew it. Light, fragrant, and full of flavour, it’s a great way to unwind. 

Singapore Cable Car

Only a stone’s throw away from Singapore’s Chinatown is the famous Singapore Cable Car. Connecting Mount Faber, HarbourFront, and Sentosa Island, enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Singapore. Rides usually last just under 30 minutes, giving you enough time to absorb the island’s breathtaking horizon.

Maxwell Food Centre

Embark on a food tour and taste adventure in one of Singapore’s Maxwell Food Centres. Brimming with extraordinary hawker street food, from chicken rice and Laksa to prawn mee and dim sum.

Opening its doors early in the morning and staying open way after midnight, these food centres are a street food heaven. Affordable, flavourful, and authentic, you won’t find many dishes this delicious in Singapore.