Singapore was founded in 1819 by Sir Stamford Raffles as a British trading outpost. In the 1820s, Indian Chettiars from Tamil Nadu established moneylending businesses along the Singapore River, providing banking services to early entrepreneurs. In the mid-1800s, secret societies thrived, offering Chinese immigrants friendship, identity, and job opportunities. By 1881, nearly half of the 73,000 Chinese immigrants in Singapore were members, involved in protection rackets, gambling dens, brothels, and opium houses. The colonial government outlawed these societies in 1889, but their influence persisted into the 20th century.
Singapore River’s economic role has shifted away from one that of trade, towards more a role accommodated for tourism and aesthetics for the commercial zone which encloses it. Served by Clarke Quay MRT and Raffles Place MRT, going to work in the heart of Singapore is never easier. Surrounded by Grade A office skyscrapers, this is the place where all the financial institutions and banks choose to be.
After work, bankers unwind at the bars along the riverfront, while tourists snap selfies with historic monuments and sites that pepper the area – all this against a backdrop of towering skyscrapers, and river taxis that cut colourful paths across the water. This is the picturesque Singapore River we know today.
From its humble beginning, the streets of Chinatown went through many trials and tribulations to be the jewel we know today.
From its humble beginning, the streets of Chinatown went through many trials and tribulations to be the jewel we know today. Chinatown is Singapore’s largest historic district. Its four sub-districts – Bukit Pasoh, Kreta Ayer, Telok Ayer, and Tanjong Pagar. Part of that district is Eu Tong Sen Street. Eu Tong Sen Street was formerly part of the former Wayang Street. It 1919, the street was renamed after Eu Tong Sen after he rebuilt the street and acquired two Chinese opera theatres, Heng Seng Peng and Heng Wai Sun.
Almost 60 years later, designated as a World Heritage Site, Chinatown has developed into a captivating enclave where the past meets the present. Embraces a rich tapestry of traditions, rich heritage cultures, and culinary delights. With an array of street and hawker food, restaurants, trendy pubs, cafes, and eateries.
During Chinese New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, Chinatown is transformed into a festive wonderland. Streets are adorned with bright red lanterns, banners, and intricate decorations, symbolizing good fortune, happiness, and prosperity. The vibrant street light-ups are a highlight, creating a mesmerizing spectacle after sunset.
Exciting developments are to be unveiled in the future with the introduction of CBD Incentive Scheme (CBDI). We will see more Mixed-use developments and rejuvenation of older areas in the Central Business District. We will no longer be confined to specific spaces or time periods of the day. As we want to have more choice in shaping how we live, work and play. Be part of the rejuvenation of Singapore’s heritage. Witness it’s transformation into a lifestyle hub where every night is a Friday night at Union Square Residences