Hello everyone!
The last time I visited Chinatown was a month ago. It had been one of my first few times since my early childhood. I had been spurred by essays in my Chinese textbook about Chinatown in the 1950s, and was also curious about the conservation efforts going on that were supposed to bring back the Chinatown of the past.
To my immense disappointment, I realised that the current Chinatown is nothing like what I had expected. Unlike the textbook descriptions, the food carts had all but gone, the crowds were nowhere to be seen, and most of the items sold were tourist souvenirs instead of spices and textiles. Apart from the old shophouses still standing, there was little to the place that brought back a nostalgic feel.
Pagoda Street, lined with tourist shops
As far as I know, large parts of Chinatown are designated as heritage sites by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) of Singapore. And while I do concede that the restored shophouses somewhat give off a feeling of “old” and “traditional”, I do wonder when the need to attract tourists overtook the need for conservation.
Thus, I going to research about the changes Chinatown has gone through, and how it has affected the culture and identity of the area.
Until next time!
Kimberly
