Sunday, January 12, 2014

Chinatown Chinese New Year Walking Trail 2014



The Chinatown Chinese New Year Walking Trail is back by popular demand. This free walking trail brings its participants to explore the Kreta Ayer Road, Sago Street, Pagoda Street and New Bridge Road. During the tour, participants can catch glimpses of the many Chinese New Year decorations in the area and feast our eyes with the many festive goodies at the Festive Street Bazaar and Carnival. The wonderful volunteer guides also shared with us anecdotes of the history of 'Chinatown' area.

Tai Chong Kok.

I was lucky to get myself a place for the walking trail on the very first day of the Chinatown Chinese New Year Walking Trail. It helped that I arrived at the meeting point, Kreta Ayer Square (at the back of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple), ten minutes before the start of the walking trail. Time was needed to queue to complete the registration. This tour seemed very popular!



During the tour, I was given an introduction to how Chinese in Singapore celebrates the Chinese New Year. We learnt about heritage brands such as Tai Chong Kok. We also saw many Chinese New Year festive food such as nian-gao, melon seeds and more. Our guide shared with us the significances behind some of these festive food.




Participants taking part in this tour have to be prepared to mingle with the crowd and walk extensively for an hour.

Special thanks to our volunteer guide for spending the weekend with us to share with us the interesting aspects of Chinese New Year celebrations in the Chinatown area.




Chinatown Chinese New Year Walking Trail
Meeting Point: Information Booth in front of the stage at Kreta Ayer Square
Free.
Date:
12 Jan 2014 (Sun),
18 Jan 2014 (Sat),
19 Jan 2014 (Sun),
25 Jan 2014 (Sat),
26 Jan 2014 (Sun).
3.00 p.m. - 4.30 p.m.
7.00 p.m. - 8.30 p.m.
Registration is needed. For more information, please visit: http://chinatownfestivals.sg/chinatown-walking-trail/