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The largest ethnic group that contributes to the cultural diversity of Singapore is the Chinese. Chinese immigrants make up more than seventy five percent of the local population. Thus, Chinatown in Singapore. This area, once an enclosed enclave consisting of those only from China started to evolve close to 1821 upon the arrival of the immigrants from the Chinese province of Fujian. Every one of the travelers at this time were men, who congregated and set up their homes along the river in Singapore, Telok Ayer . At that time, all the water for the households was carried up from the river. Many did relocate to various other neighborhoods in Singapore as the city grew, most maintained their residence in Chinatown. During the 1960′s this area became over populated and many were relocated during the initial stages of the Housing Development Program created by the Singaporean government. All urban development during this time was under strict supervision and was required to adhere to various requirements.

Chinatown remains to this day, quite culturally diverse, from the restaurants to the luxury Singapore hotels, it is divided into sections that are still based upon the regions of China the different immigrants originated from. Even the names of the streets reflect the origins of the cultures, and businesses and merchants offering services and products are located within these sections. The architecture of the shops and buildings are hard to classify, as elements of Victorian and Baroque styles are often combined. Many are painted quite delicately and intricately and in the process of restoration, that is being respected, the pastel colors being restored to their original hues. And while most of the architecture show evidence of European influence, most are still baffled as to how this came to be given the times in which the buildings were originally constructed. In all it is a blend of tradition that is becoming very common to the island of Singapore and brings many visitors wishing to experience the flavors and the sights and sounds of an area so incredibly rich with history and culture.

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