Frames of Chinatown That Last Longer Than the Red Lanterns

Photos of Chinatown quickly become similar if you only focus on the red lanterns and the facade of the temples. Starting from the densely packed signs on Pagoda Street and moving on to the murals and local shops on Temple Street, and the steps and greenery of Ann Siang Hill, the height and colors of the frames continue to change. You can also see how shop houses on Club Street, Keong Saik Road, and Duxton Hill are currently repurposed as restaurants, hotels, and residential spaces.

There’s no need to try to create alleys without people for good photos. Embrace the fact that this is a living area with merchants, residents, and delivery vehicles and wait for a moment when traffic takes a brief pause. When capturing the entire building with a wide-angle lens, don't step back into the road, and avoid taking pictures of diners inside the windows. After it rains, be cautious of the steps and the ground in front of stores.

If you need your first scene, Pagoda Street is great; if you want to see layers of murals and shops, Temple Street is ideal. Ann Siang Hill showcases greenery and stairs, while Club Street presents well-maintained shop house facades. As you descend to Keong Saik and Duxton Hill, the vibe shifts from a tourist area to a living and dining alley, and People’s Park Complex creates a contrast between preserved architecture and other modern urban histories.

In the morning, shop preparations and soft light create a unique atmosphere, while late afternoon highlights the colors of buildings and long shadows. Festival decorations are temporary, so distinguish them from everyday scenery. Rather than blocking traffic with tripods or large equipment, it’s more efficient to decide on the desired light and walk through the same locations both day and night in one go.