History of Chinatown

     Chinatown was an early settlement of Chinese immigrants whereby Chinese form the largest portion of the community. This was a town plan proposed by Sir Stamford Raffles which people of different ethnic groups settle in different places. Raffles also suggested that the streets in Chinatown run as far as practicable at right angles and artisans be concentrated in certain areas. For the sake of uniformity Raffles specified that the shophouses and houses be built in brick.  

     But, to what extent has all these been preserved by our government now? After visiting Pagoda Street, Smith Street and Temple Street in Chinatown, I personally think that the government has not been very effective in preserving the area.