Many of the traditions that the Chinese community share in Singapore came from Cantonese practice and beliefs. An estimated 15% of Chinese in Singapore are Cantonese, whose forefathers came from the Guangdong province as craftsmen and artisans in the early 1800s. The Cantonese women who came to Singapore worked as Samsui women who are remembered …
The forefathers of many Teochew Chinese in Singapore settled down here as plantation owners. They came to Singapore looking for business opportunities to start gambier or pepper plantations. Their traditions and language are still a part of the larger Singaporean society. The north-west region of Singapore, where the plantations used to be, still bears the …
With a Chinese majority in Singapore, it’s easy to spot the similarities in cultural practices and traditions with Southern China. Most of the ethnic Chinese in Singapore today have families that settled down here between the founding of Singapore and WWII. The first wave of Chinese migrants were Peranakans from Malacca or Penang, or from …
Guangzhou is truly one of China’s most exciting cities. With its roots as a trading port during the Silk Trade and currently being one of China’s largest metropolises, there’s always been a bustle and hustle to Guangzhou. The population and space of the city have mushroomed over the last few years bringing an intriguing contrast between …
There’s more than Chinese dumplings in Shanghai, the city that has always had a reputation for it classy citizens and fancy party scene. Coupled with China’s rising economic prosperity and higher standards of living, a visitor can expect a burgeoning food scene that goes beyond Chinese dumplings. There are many places to eat in Shanghai, …
Little did I know Shanghai was about to become one of my absolute favourite destinations when I first landed to Pudong International Airport. There’s something nearly magical about this metropolis. It has this way of making you feel right at home. Shanghai itself is like the best tourist guide you can have, because the city is …
Beijing is not a city known for its peace and quiet. So when I heard about Mountainyoga – which has a retreat centre just a few kilometres from the teeming city centre – I was intrigued. Would it be possible to find a sanctuary in one of the word’s busiest, noisiest, most traffic-jammed cities? There …
I walk out the railway station and find myself surrounded by the hustle and bustle that is called Shenzen. I feel exactly the same as the day I first walked out of the airport in Delhi. Lost. Far from home. I look around the street signs and realise that no matter how much I’ve practised Chinese in …
The Chinese capital is not just about politics, smog and bad traffic. Anyone who’s lived there knows that it is one of the most dynamic, culturally rich cities in the world. And for the canny tourist, there’s much to explore and enjoy.
