Singapore I 

cctv.com 02-09-2006 16:12

Hello! Welcome to Singapore! This is Xiaolan. Well, before I even start my tour, I already fall for the city! Look at that, the air so clean, water so beautiful, and the architecture magnificent… Of course, that’s not what Singapore is all about. We’re gonna find out more. Let’s go!

Singapore, located in the heart of fascinating Southeast Asia and one of the crossroads of the world, is a dynamic, cosmopolitan city truly like no other. This city-state is a miracle happening on an island close to just 700 square kilometers. Here, different cultures, ethnic groups and religions blend harmoniously; time-honored traditions are celebrated alongside cutting edge innovations; local perspectives continue to embrace global outlook. Everyday life is bursting with exciting events.

The major ethnic groups in Singapore are Chinese, Malay, India, and Eurasians; and among which, Chinese takes up 77% of the total population.

So in order to understand the heritage of Singapore, you need to first know the Chinese society here. And that took me to Niu Che Shui, the China town of Singapore.

Although Singapore is not big, but you can find different vehicles to tour around different parts of the city. Of course there’s no better vehicle than a rickshaw to tour around Chinatown.

Interview with Rickshaw driver:

“What’s your name?”

“My name is Allen Ho.”

“Allen, are you of Chinese origin?”

“Yeah, I’m Chinese.”

“So, were you born here in Chinatown?”

“I was born in Chinatown, and lived here for 55 years.”

Up until today, a large part of Chinatown is still based on the layout of the 1828 Town Plan with most of the street names remaining unchanged.

Niu Che Shui, the nickname of Chinatown itself is very much part of the history. Meaning “bullock carts water” in Chinese, it came from the fact that in early days, people in the area had to rely on fresh water transported by bullock carts.

Rows of two-storey shophouses forming the streets and blocks in Niu Che Shui are carefully preserved from old days. Used to be mainly residential quarters up until 50 years ago, these shophouses now house anything from decades-old family businesses to CD stores, spas and high-tech companies.

Interview:

“What is it that you’re drinking? Soy sauce?”

“Coffee.”

“Coffee from a plastic bag?”

“Yes, very special in Singapore.”