Kreta Ayer Road

In the early days of Singapore, locals drawn water from a well near Ann Siang Hill and transported them using bullock carts and drove down the street.

Similarly, the Hokkiens called the area gu chia chui while the Cantonese call it ngow chay shui (Chinese: 牛車水; Jyutping: ngau4 ce1 seoi2), both meaning "bullock water cart" (the word "road" is elided).

For the Chinese, the Chinatown area is referred also as tua poh or "greater town" district.

[citation needed] The Chinese traveller, Li Zhongjue, observed in 1887 that the street was a place of restaurants, theatres and brothels and where "filth and dirt are hidden".

[citation needed] Hok San Association (新加坡鶴山會館) has the oldest lion dance troupe in Singapore, it was established in 1920 and located at No.