Start
Start at the junction of Kadayanallur Street and Maxwell Street. Walk along Kadayanallur Street to ANN SIANG ROAD and spend about 40mins to explore this street.

Explore a living showcase of quaint and colourful shophouses blending Chinese and Peranakan (Straits-born Chinese) influences as you head along.

The Scarlet
Passing by, you’ll see just one of such traditional shophouses made stylishly new. Revitalized as a boutique hotel with 5-star ambience, this luxury oasis lies just around the corner from vibrant activity, where bistros, spas, advertising ad design firms, and more, operate from extensively refurbished premises.

Others, however, still retain their original flavour; although their glory may be a little faded – you’ll find old Clan Asssociations at quite a few of these, like No.21, 25 and 39. To feel transported to a different era, peep discreetly through open windows or doors, and glimpse ancestral portraits running along the walls within. You may even see or hear the click-clack of mahjong game in progress.

Ann Siang Hill Park
Wander around and you’ll discover refreshing pockets of greenery too. At the top of the road, why not take a break at Ann Siang Hill Park? It’s an idyllic spot with a timber trellis, some swings and seating pavilions, and a well at the bottom of the staircase.

A Hui Guan; or clan association, connected the Chinese immigrant community to a kinship network. Rung along dialect groups and blood ties, this home away from home provided them immeasurable support. The building was used as a meeting hall and place of worship. Services were later extended to cover welfare, employment, housing and education.

Previously Ann Siang Hill was called Scott’s Hill (for Charles Scott who cultivated clove and nutmeg here), then Gemmill’s Hill (John Gemmill, merchant and auctioneer, had presented a marble drinking fountain to the area). It was sold to Chia Ann Siang in 1894, a rich Malacca-born landowner, for whom the hill is now named.

Turn right into Club Street, where many gourmet restaurants, trendy eateries, lively nightspots and avant garde shops fill the shophouses. They’ve replaced the social clubs and trade guilds of the past, although a few seem to have defied time.

Chinese Weekly Entertainment Club
At the T-Junction, detour to the large manor uphill. Currently housing private offices, No. 76 began life in 1891 as the Chinese Weekly Entertainment Club which, incidentally, gave Club Street its name. Founded by a Peranakan millionaire as an elitist gentlemen’s club, it held elaborate and extravagant social events. Admitting only English-speaking Straits-born Chinese, the powerful movers and shakers of the time mingled and networked here. An enterprising few went on to find great success and riches, establishing lucrative trading empires and even launching some of Singapore’s leading banking corporations.

Providing more than just light to the streets of Chinatown at night, specially designed street lamps seek to illuminate the area’s spirit and heritage.

Back on Club Street proper, you’ll witness a rich abundance of architectural detail. Traditional gate grills, intricate latticework above windows, third storey balconies that let occupants enjoy gentle breezes as well as look out at activity on the street. You’ll spot buildings awash in art-deco splendour, as well as wonderfully ethnic ones with fine detailing.

Green ceramic roof tiles resembling bamboo stems, like those at No .48, 50 and 54, are supposed to direct the flow of rainfall, a symbol of prosperity, over the front of the house.

On reaching the end of the street, look left along Cross Street, the karang guni or rag-and-bone men may have their wares spread out. If you’re lucky enough to catch them, browse through the offerings and you might discover untold treasure. It’s a quirky side-trip you’ll find unforgettable.

Fuk Tak Chi Museum
Step across Cross Street, and not far away, you’ll find the Fuk Tak Chi Museum midway along Telok Ayer Street. Originally a temple, it is now a museum, open from 10am to 10pm daily. On display are a treasure-trove of paintings, calligraphy, as well as models of an old Telok Ayer settlement and a Chinese junk. It is great way to transport yourself back to days of old.

Far East Square
A restored shophouse district with the aura of an intimate village is a restful place for tired travelers. Visit the numerous eating spots, laid-back pubs or cafes that line its alleys. If you want to go local, drop by YA KUN coffee shop for melt-in your-mouth kaya (egg jam) toast, which goes perfectly with a local cup of coffee or tea. A well-earned treat as you end your tour.

Congratulations, you have completed Tour 2a. Click to continue

Tour 1 of Chinatown
Tour 2a of Chinatown
Tour 2b of Chinatown