China Town : - Nearest MRT China Town ( Downtown Link / North East Link )
Buddha Tooth Relic :
The Buddha Tooth Relic temple , one of the "must see" in China Town.
The temple was built recently in 2007 but the rich interior and exhibits of Buddhist art takes us back to century old stories.
The Five storey visual delight houses a Buddhist temple , antique gallery and extensive Buddhist Culture museum.
Right in time for the Chinese New Year , it was a visual treat to see the whole temple decorated with red lanterns. The smell of the incense sticks , soft sound of the chimes , mystic beauty of the architecture gives a sense of peace and tranquility.
No matter whether you are believer of Buddhism or not , a visit to this temple is an unique experience indeed.
As we enter we will be amazed by the rich interior of the temple , the walls adorned with thousands of small Buddha's in different mudras !! A sight to behold !!
The first Storey is the eminent Sangha museum , A dedicated museum for the eminent
The second storey is a collection of antiques discovered and collected from the streets of China town. A walk past into time of the China town , tons of history in here !!
The third storey is the Buddist cultural museum , here you can find relics of different body parts of Buddha !! and stories of Maitreya.
As you go on to the fourth storey of the temple , you will find yourself in a meditation hall surrounded by Buddhas.
The fifth storey which is more of a terrace , this place took me by surprise !!!
The terrace holds lush green garden , with ferns , bounsai's and orchids , the place is so calm and trance. All we hear is the sound of the flowing water gushing from the water bodies in the garden. The garden encloses a room holding the Vairocana Prayer wheel and thousands of small Buddhas adorning the wall in whichever direction you see.
The whole experience was mystic , that too in the middle of bustling busy streets of China Town.
Thian Hock Keng Temple :
"Temple of Heavenly Happiness" 19th Century Chinese temple dedicated to "Mazu" The Goddess of Sea. Built by the early Chinese immigrants to thank the Goddess of the Sea , the temple was formerly facing the waterfront but now sits in the bustling street of Telok Ayer in China Town !!
The temple is a visual treat , with Huge doorways ornated with murals of Dragons and intricately carved dragons and sculptures of pheonixes and deities.
Though both Buddha tooth relic temple and Thian Hock Keng temple are Chinese temples , they are unique in their own ways and amaze you with their beauty , history and intricate details.
Right next Thian Hock Keng is the "Musical box museum". It displays a collection of musical instruments used during different times , the place was closed for a private visit when I was here but the Lady who owns the place was kind enough to open up her shop downstairs and show some miniatures of the musical instruments which were actually placed in the museum upstairs.
Sri Mariamman Temple and Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple :
Not so chinese ?? one more example to the harmony of cultures , you can find two Dravidian style Hindu temples in China town , not very far from the Buddha tooth relic temple.
"Sri Mariamman Temple" built in 1827 sitting at the Pagoda street , is one of the oldest temples in Singapore which served not only as a place of worship but as an asylum to immigrants.
Midst the bustling junction of Keong Saik Road and Kreta Ayer Road is another dravidian Hindu temple "Sri Layan Sithi Vinayagar Temple" built in the honor of "Lord Vinayagar".
Both the temples outer sanctums are adorned by colorful statues of Hindu deities.
An experience of a Indian culture amidst of China Town.
China Town Food Street :
Not just the food !!! China town food street comes to life in the eve with the bustling crowd , vibrant colors , street side shops and of course the scrumptious Chinese food .
Being on time for the Chinese New Year , the streets in China town were lit up with lanterns , lined with road side shops selling food , souvenirs , New Year decorations.This was a very happening places as the sun sets.
Street Art :
As you walk down the lanes of the China Town , you are sure to encounter at least one of the many beautiful street art. Here art is not just confined with in the walls of the museums , if you have a keen eye you are sure to find the beautiful vibrant 3D murals at the streets of China town.
E street , Amoy street and Ann Siang hill :
A small walk from Buddha tooth relic temple to Thian hock keng took me through some of the most beautiful and artistic roads of the China town.
Opposite to the Buddha tooth relic temple across the South bridge road is E street , lined up with shop houses all in the same size and color with beautiful windows.
As you walk past the E street and reach the Ann Siang road to our surprise there is a park on a small hill "Ann Siang Hill" in this busy bustling China town , a nice place to take a rest and enjoy some shade and greenery during your walk.
Exiting the Ann Siang hill takes you to Amoy Street - Its all about shop houses mostly eateries , beautiful wall art and colorful windows , a blissful view.
Food , art , culture and heritage !!! China Town heritage walk surprises you with every aspect and keeps you yearning for more :)
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