It’s unfortunate that the retail staff displayed a cold attitude. While I wasn’t expecting theme-park-level enthusiasm, their role is to create a positive shopping experience. Instead, I felt like my presence disrupted their peace, which was disappointing as a customer.
Geraldine Gordon
Called into Chinatown Visitor Centre on Friday 6 Dec with a simple enquiry. Two people behind the desk, one was on her phone and ignored us completely, the other, a young man, continued to use his PC keyboard while asking us what we needed and giving a three word reply without even looking up. Lack of interest was obvious.
Will C
BEWARE: THE DRINK VENDING MACHINE WILL EAT YOUR CHANGE. Otherwise, the services inside are very good but will not provide any refunds as they do not own the machine despite providing power to it. If the machine eats your change you will need to call the number for support. Good luck on that! If you are thirsty it's cheaper to go to a nearby store to buy a drink.
Positive Reviews
Maciek Goralski
There is a special treat for all the visitors if you collect like 8 stamps or something, shame I wasn’t much into Starbucks and similar. Could be better if you had to say collect stamps from heritage places, but first try to find them! The square nearby is always alive and at night turns into something totally amazing
Annie Chow
Their cultural and art activities are good past times during the holidays. Look out for their activities that tie with Chinese festivals. Their talks on Chinese wedding customs, and The Hungry Ghost Festival in the previous years were especially intrigued. Hope they would sustain.
Emad AL-Manthari
Chinatown is a vibrant, bustling neighborhood that immerses you in Singapore’s Chinese heritage. Highlights include the stunning Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the historic Sri Mariamman Temple, which add a unique cultural blend to the area. Wander through the Chinatown Street Market to find souvenirs, handicrafts, and street food like dim sum and satay, or stop by Chinatown Complex for a hawker experience with iconic dishes like chicken rice and chili crab. Pagoda and Trengganu Streets offer traditional shops, heritage buildings, and colorful murals, making it a lively area for exploration and photos. It’s perfect for soaking in Singapore’s cultural diversity, sampling local delicacies, and picking up unique souvenirs.
Sushma
Visited Chinatown visitor centre during the hungry ghost month to understand more about the 7th month.
The presenter has given detailed info on the festival, myths, various deities on different days, practices etc.,
They even showed us how the 7th month festivities used to be in the past vs now.
We even had the opportunity to see effigies made from paper which is a rare art craft by the artist himself.
Very insightful session.
Will recommend everyone to sign up for any events organised by Chinatown visitor centre should they be interested in knowing more about the culture and history.
Adam Lee
The Chinatown Visitor Centre (CVC) runs walking tours and heritage classes is a hit among visitors here. The Chinatown Business Association runs the CVC.
At Kreta Ayer Square just behind the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is the CVC offers detailed information about Chinatown’s shops, history and culture. Other than being an information resource base, there will also be daily themed walking tours available.
From Chinese myths and taboos to dialect clans and heritage brands, the tours - organised in partnership with travel agent Tour East - are designed to give visitors a taste of the real Chinatown complete with experiential elements, such as live demonstrations, food tasting and opportunities to interact with the locals.
The Clan and Association Walking Tour, for example, takes visitors on a tour of the organisations in Chinatown and includes lion dance and Cantonese opera performances.
Other tours like the Chinese Custom Walking Tour involves visits to medical halls and shops selling ceremonial items; while the Food Walking Tour lets visitors sample a traditional local breakfast and shop for fresh produce at a wet market.
The centre is an ideal anchor where people can get together and participate in activities to enjoy Chinatown the way they want to.
Drop by one of these centres in downtown Singapore to get more information about Singapore, purchase tickets to attractions and tours or pick up a souvenir.