The annual festive markets are on full display in Singapore's Chinatown from Jan 26 to Feb 15, 2018, for this year's Chinese New Year.
Featuring distinctly Chinese cultural elements, Chinatown had a historically concentrated ethnic Chinese population. Many of the shops here carry traditional goods and spices that are hard to find (as well as more expensive) elsewhere.
Even though it features crazy crowds that you can barely navigate through especially on the weekends, the precinct is a shopping staple right before the Lunar New Year comes. Connected to India brings you some of the colourful candies seen along the streets last weekend 😉
People's Park Centre is better known as Zhen Zhu Fang, which is a literal translation of its Chinese name (as seen in red characters in the picture above), "Pearl's Centre."
According to the Chinese zodiac, it's dog year in 2018! Hence, decorations feature these pawsome creatures.
People often decorate their homes with auspicious and lucky plants. The ones seen above are lucky bamboos, which are decorated with red ribbons and ornaments. It is a Chinese symbol for strength.
Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, is located right in the heart of Chinatown.
The fingered citron is known as "Buddha's hand" in Chinese, and symbolises happiness and long life.
Pomelos symbolise prosperity and good luck, and hence are often presented as a gift in temples.
