Chinatown After Dark: A Photowalk Through Lights, Food, and Culture

There’s a side of Chinatown that many tourists don’t usually visit because they’re only introduced to its more "touristy" areas. This popular side is filled with souvenir shops and restaurants catering to international taste buds — a good experience, no doubt, but not the full picture. Personally, I prefer exploring the less commercialized side of Chinatown, where the experience feels more authentic — and in my opinion, far more satisfying.

From the city center or Orchard Road, it takes only about 20 minutes to reach Chinatown by MRT or bus. Its convenient location makes it easy to include in your itinerary. The best time to visit is during the Lunar New Year when the streets are adorned with festive decorations, and vibrant bazaars fill the area, creating an even livelier atmosphere.

For me, any time is a good time to visit Chinatown—whether for a simple photowalk or a nice dinner. So, I’m spending my TGIF night in Chinatown!

I logged off from work a bit earlier because I wanted to catch the blue hour in Chinatown. We have great weather tonight, and the sky is clear of clouds—perfect conditions for night photography. I feel like this kind of weather usually results in photos with better lighting and contrast. So, I didn’t want to let this opportunity go to waste.

First stop—the Park Royal building! This building definitely tops my list of the best-looking modern buildings of all time.

Next up is the Furama building!

What’s exciting about walking through the streets of Chinatown is the vibrant lights that bring this part of the city to life. The best time to explore is at night when the colorful lights shine brightly, and the air is filled with the inviting aroma of food from the many restaurants.

One of the best spots for photography that I checked out is the intersection of Upper Cross Street and New Bridge Road. In front of Chinatown Point, there’s a wide open space surrounded by a variety of buildings with different architectural styles. As I took a 360-degree video of the area, it felt like witnessing the transition of development from past to present.

https://youtube.com/shorts/lMdudjIMWtw?si=dmwQmV0dnsxqbPep

Finally, the People's Park Complex! This is the ultimate spot for shopping and food. All the best Mala Hotpot shops can be found here—it’s like an endless row of stalls serving authentic Sichuan cuisine!

Chinatown at night is a feast for the senses, from its dazzling lights to the irresistible aroma of street food. Whether you’re here for photography, shopping, or just a good meal, there’s always something to discover. I’ll definitely be back for another night stroll, ready to capture more of its timeless charm!