What is striking about Chinatown is that it is not all Chinese. Here you will find, for instance, Chinese, Malay and Indian places of worship sitting cheek by jowl in blissful harmony, making it possible for tourists to soak up the essence of three cultures in one go.
The current character of Chinatown is partly the result of heeding the call of early conservationists like architects from the early 60s, and the work of United Nations seconded experts on urban renewal. The messy sights, sounds and smells of old Chinatown are gone, replaced by a somewhat sterile environment packed with swanky shops, homes and offices, and the ubiquitous tourist joints.
Many age-old businesses have been edged out of town due to, understandably, the higher rents for restored premises, but enough remain to make this a vibrant stop for medicinal herbs, dried foods, preserves, antiques and other buys.
Also thriving are restaurants and street food vendors who are holding their own against the influx of upstarts offering ethnic taste sensations from around the world.
Despite its changed character, diehard fans swear by Chinatown when it comes to certain street foods and traditional medicine for authenticity and value.
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| Temple Street corner packed with tourist souvenir stalls fronting a grand old dame with long balconies where residents of yore relaxed watching the world go by, occasionally dropping a basket on a string to fish up some noodle or dim sum from the hawkers plying the street below. |
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| The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum draws devotees and other crowds to view its Buddha tooth relic and sacred objects on display. |
Video: Temple ceremony
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| Sri Mariamman Temple is one of the oldest and largest Hindu temples in Singapore. |
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A statue of a rickshaw puller in the concourse of China Square mall, a repurposed property housing shops, eateries and offices.    
Maxwell Food Centre offers a wide variety of popular local fare at affordable prices.
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