The Boat Quay in Singapore was a historic quay that was turned into a busy inland shipping port by the Chinese. It was a busy port handling up to three quarters of all shipping during the 1860′s. Many shop houses and store fronts were built in the area because the south bank of the river resembled the belly of a carp, which according to traditional Chinese belief is an indication of wealth.

Though shipping and trade is not what the Boat Quay is known for now, the shop houses in the area have been carefully preserved and now they house various bars, pubs and restaurants. Since the beginning of the 90′s the Boat Quay has been transformed into a pedestrian mall with restaurants, pubs, cafes and clubs. Thus it is apparent how the Quay’s socio-economic role in Singapore has shifted away from one of commerce to one of recreation. Many consider Boat Quay to be one of the hippest and most happening areas of Singapore with it’s plethora of chic cafes and restaurants and also the plentiful bars and clubs that are frequented by locals and tourists alike.

Today Boat Quay is the centre of Singapore’s entertainment and nightlife district. Between 7 PM and midnight the area swells with people strolling along the pleasant quay. At the end of Boat Quay and named after Lord Elgin, a British governor-general of India is Elgin Bridge that links Chinatown to the old colonial quarter of Singapore. The original rickety wooden structure was replaced in 1863 with an iron bridge imported from Calcutta; the current ferroconcrete bridge was installed in 1926.