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. Read the rest of this entry »