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Chinatown
Walking Trail

Experience the best of Singapore's Chinatown with this comprehensive self-guided walking tour

5 Amazing Stops
2-3 hours Duration
Self-Guided Tour

Discover 牛车水 (Niu Che Shui)

Also known as 牛车水 Niu Che Shui, or "bullock water cart" in Mandarin, Chinatown was named after the ox-drawn carts that transported water to the area. Rich in history, heritage and culture, it's the only Chinatown with Chinese and Hindu temples, as well as Muslim mosques and Christian churches, interspersed with cool bars, chic eateries and hidden gems.

Sacred Temples

Visit historic Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic places of worship

Local Delicacies

Taste traditional foods and visit century-old establishments

Heritage Sites

Explore museums, murals, and preserved historical buildings

5 Amazing Stops

Follow this carefully curated route through Chinatown's most significant landmarks

1

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

288 South Bridge Road
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Open
30 mins
Temple

A magnificent Buddhist temple housing the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, featuring stunning Tang Dynasty architecture and intricate artifacts.

2

Chinatown Heritage Centre

48 Pagoda Street
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Open
45 mins
Heritage site

Step back in time to experience the living conditions of early Chinese immigrants in Singapore through authentic recreated shophouses.

3

Thian Hock Keng Temple

158 Telok Ayer Street
7:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Open
30 mins
Temple

Singapore's oldest Hokkien temple dedicated to Mazu, the goddess of the sea, built by grateful immigrants who survived the treacherous sea journey.

4

Maxwell Food Centre

1 Kadayanallur Street
8:00 AM - 2:00 AM
Open
60 mins
Food centre

One of Singapore's most famous hawker centres, serving authentic local delicacies including the legendary Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.

5

Chinatown Street Market

Pagoda Street & Temple Street
10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Open
45 mins
Market

A vibrant street market offering traditional Chinese souvenirs, antiques, and local street food in a bustling atmosphere.

Walking Trail Tips

Make the most of your Chinatown adventure

Best Time to Visit

  • • Early morning (9-11 AM) for cooler weather
  • • Late afternoon (4-6 PM) for golden hour photos
  • • Avoid peak lunch hours (12-2 PM) for crowded areas
  • • Check temple hours before visiting

What to Bring

  • • Comfortable walking shoes
  • • Water bottle and small snacks
  • • Camera for heritage sites and murals
  • • Umbrella or hat for sun protection

Cultural Etiquette

  • • Remove shoes when entering temples
  • • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites
  • • Ask permission before photographing people
  • • Be respectful of prayer times and ceremonies

Getting Around

  • • Start at Chinatown MRT Station (Exit A)
  • • Most stops are within walking distance
  • • Use Telok Ayer MRT for the final stops
  • • Free walking maps at Visitor Centre

Start Your Walking Trail Adventure

Ready to explore Singapore's most culturally rich district? Begin your journey at the Chinatown MRT Station and follow our carefully planned route through centuries of history and tradition.