ChinaTravel.net joined Korean, Japanese, Chinese, Thai and Indonesian media for a tour of the Marina Bay Sands construction site, a project which represents nothing less than the re-authoring of Singapore’s “downtown” landscape. And why are we covering Singapore? Two reasons.

First, the majority of Singaporeans are of Chinese descent, with their15th and 16th century ancestors hailing from China’s southern provinces, and it’s a Chinese population that’s been subject to a fascinatingly diverse number of influences since its arrival. Not only did Singapore’s Hakka, Hokkien and other Chinese adopt aspects of Indian, Malay and Indonesian cultures, but complemented these with borrowings from Dutch, Portuguese, British and Thai cultures as well.

The result is a delicious fusion that’s produced everything from reinterpretations of traditional festivals and world-famous delicacies like Char Kuay Teow, Bak Kut and Hainanese Chicken Rice to the ornate, baroque architectural styles of Peranakan-style architecture. Anyone interested in Chinese culture, especially in its overseas manifestations (the Chinese have been doing "globalization" for centuries, a fact to which Chinese restaurants worldwide attest) would certainly find Singapore to be a top destination.

Secondly, the Marina Bay Sands is the Venetian Macau’s sister hotel. We highly enjoyed our tour of the Venetian, so when LVS invited us to its newest property, we leapt on the first plane over (not hard to do, as Singapore flights from Mainland China are plentiful and, if you know where to find the best Singapore flight deals, affordable). If you’re considering a trip to the Venetian, you might also consider the Marina Bay Sands, especially if you’re mixing business with pleasure. The Venetian might have more gaming and better mini-golf, but the Sands is an integrated resort offering everything from entertainment to the very best and biggest MICE facilities in South East Asia. It’s a tourism project on a truly ambitious scale.

Besides, Singapore’s vibrant culture, cleanliness and wonderfully mature service industry make it a definite travel destination contender, especially when considering all of Singapore's attractions. If a taste of overseas Chinese culture sounds appealing to you, here are a few big events and festivals you might want to factor in to your plans.

From January to February, it’s Singaporean Chinese New Year “Chun Jie” (Spring Festival). Among Asia’s most vibrant and exciting celebrations, festivities include the colorful Chingay Parade Singapore, traditional feasts featuring Chinese fusion cuisine, and a few different customs shared ‘round the table to boot.

The Asia Fashion Exchange (AFX) from 27 April to 2 May 2010, includes events for both trade professionals as well as consumers, featuring events such as Blueprint, trade shows, the Asia Fashion Summit, the Audi Fashion Festival, a showcase of world-class collections by top international designers and labels, as wel as a fashion design competition for the up-and-coming couturiers in attendance. 

The World Gourmet Summit brings a constellation of stars from the culinary world to Singaporean shores. Going into its 14th year, delectable cuisines, fine wines and unique dining experiences are a certainty.

Come May, Singapore goes into a shopping frenzy for two whole months with the Great Singapore Sale. Singapore is known for being fashion forward and electronics enlightened. From Orchard Road and Marina Bay mega malls to neighborhood centers, shoppers enjoy great prices on just about everything, from apparel to watches, jewelry and more.

The Singapore Food Festival, takes place in July each year. This month-long event is a showcase of local ethnic delights and features food carnivals, culinary workshops, cooking demos as well as special events in colorful ethnic enclaves across the island.

In September, the Marina Bay city circuit plays host to the FORMULA 1 Singapore Grand Prix, the only night race on the Formula One calendar. Singapore really goes off during the Grand Prix, so visitors enjoy parties, race-themed events, as well as great shopping and dining promotions.

The Singapore Sun Festival (Oct to Nov), is all about the “Art of Living Well” and showcases an exclusive program of acclaimed experts in the fields of music, film, literature, art, cuisine, wine and wellness.

If you’re in China and don’t want to miss out on Christmas festivities, Singapore’s Christmas in the Tropics celebration sees Orchard Road and Marina Bay transformed into wonderlands of lights and decorations. Of course, Christmas shop-a-holics will find great sales and promotions in Orchard Road and Marina Bay malls.
 

Continue to Singapore hits the jackpot with the Marina Bay Sands part 2, where we take a tour of the Marina Bay Sands construction site and talk to CEO Thomas Arasi.

Photos 1, 2 and 5 by Stephan Larose; others courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board