subject: Chinatown: An Insight Into The States Oriental Roots [print this page] Originating as a simple Malay fishing village, the region was colonised by the British in 1819. The regions unique location made it a prime trading hub with many countries sending envoys to do business on its shores.
Today it is considered a significant financial and business powerhouse in Asia. This republic state is known for it diverse array of cultures and ethnicities, some of which date to the 19th century. Many of these groups have formed their own mini communities in Singapore where visitors can find goods and services native to their place of origin.
Singapores Chinatown for example is one of the biggest and oldest of these communities. The mini town started with the arrival of the first Chinese trading junk. From this point onwards many more Chinese traders came to settle in Singapore forming a large community. Thus Chinatown was born.
Visitors to this district will find many cultural, historic and religious attractions to visit.
Singapores famed Buddha Tooth Relic Temple resides within Chinatown. A four storey elaborate temple devoted to the tooth of the Buddha Shakyamuni. The main hall is home to a stunning giant statue of Maitrya Buddha. Also within the temple complex lies a 10,000 Buddhas pagoda with a Tibetan style prayer wheel.
No community is complete without a centre depicting its origin and history, head to the Chinatown heritage centre to look at the history of Singapores Chinatown and gradual evolution into its modern incarnation.
Thian Hock Keng Temple is the oldest Hokkien temple in Singapore, centrally located in Chinatown the temples faade is a captivating array of intricate carvings and bright colours.
If art and design is more your thing, then walk over to the Red Dot Design. Formerly the head Quarters of the traffic police, the building has been re-imagined as a modern gallery featuring contemporary design.
Lining the street are shops and stalls selling everything from traditional oriental handicrafts to traditional Chinese delicacies. The Chinese New Year is an especially good time to visit Chinatown as the streets are adorned in lavish red decorations and many processions and ceremonies are performed during the New Year period.
Visitors looking for a luxury hotel Singapore will find they are in no short supply. One hotel that comes highly recommended for its warm service and luxurious rooms and suites is the Shangri-La Hotel Singapore. This exquisite 5 star hotel Singapore is centrally located on the popular Orchard Road nestled within lush tropical gardens.
by: Pushpitha Wijesinghe
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