A Walk in Chinatown

The Chinese New Year is a couple of days away. In Chinatown, the month before the Chinese New Year is the busiest. The whole of Chinatown came alive buzzling with cultural activities and events, as people prepare for the biggest event in the Chinese Calendar.

Besides the shops, there are many festive bazaars set up to cash in on the occasion. The biggest bazaar being in the heart of Chinatown itself.

The makeshift stores will operate between 10am and 10pm. Towards the last few days of the New Year, some will extend operating hours to 11pm. On the Eve itself, they will operate until the early morning hours or until they have cleared their stocks.

Many people go shopping on the Eve of Chinese New Year, after their reunion dinner, to look for bargains – and very good bargains too, as well as to soak in the atmosphere, watch performances and to usher in the New Year.

I was down there last night with some friends to have a wander around. It was very busy, as expected. Throngs of people ambling along, stopping at almost every store to have a look, or to sample the goodies on sale.

This year, the economy hasn’t been in the best of shape, and store holders are saying that there are more window shoppers than buyers. The other reason business is lacklastrue is that this year, the Chinese New Year is in January, whereas it is usually in February. And with Christmas, and the New Year, and school has just reopened, these events has taken a toil on people's pockets. So, most people have spent a fair bit of money.

Some pictures from my adventures last night.

This is coming out from the train Station. The Singapore Police Force wishing all a Happy New Year and to advise people to be careful and vigilant, less they fall prey to pickpockets.

Stores selling all sorts of Chinese New Year decorative items. These shops are not too busy because most would have bought the decorations. You would also noticed that they are selling more or less the same things.

Stores selling sweets and goodies. Good bargains on the eve of Chinese New Year as the stores try to clear stock.

Exiting Chinatown after the walk.

It was nice to have a wander amongst the crowd, to feel the excitement and atmosphere, but it was good to get out of the crowd too.