And Chinatown is preparing to usher the new year of the Ox, which comes early in this coming year. Barely has the shopping been done in the Orchard Road area (a must go place for Christmas shopping) when shopping for the Chinese New Year will start.
Pre-Chinese New Year shopping is a must as there are gifts to be given to the in-laws, ingredients to be bought to make kueh-kueh (cakes, pastries and tidbits to entertain visiting relatives, friends and colleagues during Chinese New Year celebrations which span 15 days), food for Reunion dinner (many have opted for family reunion in restaurants, but it will never be the same) and there's drinks of all kinds - from soft to hard and yes, new clothings too!
Chinatown has been a traditional place for most of these shopping. Despite the changing landscape within Chinatown, it is still the place to come, at least once, to see what is available for Chinese New Year celebration preparation. With additional cultural activities planned by the Chinatown residents, it would be even more exciting.
I really would like to visit Chinatown again. But the thot of the crowds and the non-stop "Gongxi, gongxi" music is a real turn-off.
ReplyDeleteHaha, I agree that it can get overboard. Come during off-peak la .. and you might spot some nice niches here and there.
ReplyDeleteChinatown is constantly on the move, for the better or worse, I still do not know. (^^)