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Chinatown's history dates back to 1819, when Sir Stamford
Raffles founded Singapore. The Chinese, who Raffles anticipated
would compose the single largest group, were given the entire
area southwest of the Singapore River. The Hokkiens concentrated
their trading efforts along Telok Ayer Street, China Street
and Chulia Street. The Teochews continued their farmer-fishermen
tradition, occupying Circular Road and South Bridge Road
(near present-day Boat Quay). The Cantonese, traditionally
goldsmiths, tailors and restauranteurs, constructed their
shophouses along Temple Street, Pagoda Street and Mosque
Street. Today, Chinatown is the venue of lovingly conserved
buildings, century-old beliefs and intriguing contrasts.
For instance, Singapore's oldest Hindu temple is right smack
in the middle of Chinatown.
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