The culture enclave of Chinatown may have lost its lustre for the younger generation, but it springs to life during Chinese New Year, and remains the go-to place for festive shopping for many.
Here's a pictorial walk through the historic street as the Chinese community in Singapore prepares for the most important period of the Lunar calendar:
For the older generation, Chinatown remains the default shopping space for Chinese New Year goods. Photo: Connected to India
An entire mountain of Chinese New Year snacks 😉 Photo: Connected to India
A variety of nuts and seeds. Photo: Connected to India
Taiwanese jellies are now popular Chinese New Year goodies in Singapore. Photo: Connected to India
Different flavours of peanuts. Photo: Connected to India
This open space is where the older folks gather daily for their chess games. Photo: Connected to India
Mandarin oranges are a must have as they are said to bring riches into your life. Photo: Connected to India
All smiles and festive vibes. Photo: Connected to India
Cute lion dance puppets are on sale too. Photo: Connected to India
Dried persimmon cake, said to represent a smooth year, is a popular treat for the Chinese New Year. Photo: Connected to India
It's the year of the rat, and the toy mills are in overdrive making different variations of rat plushies. Photo: Connected to India
Traditional clothing can be found along the streets of Chinatown too. Photo: Connected to India
This odd-looking fruit known as Buddha's Hand is commonly used as an offering for prayers, especially during Chinese New Year. Photo: Connected to India
It's always Christmas somewhere. At Chinatown, you can buy customised Christmas tree ornaments with a Chinese twist. Photo: Connected to India