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“TANGS” was the first of the stores to open on Orchard Road. It opened its doors back in the 1950s. Gradually, all the world's most famous brands gathered around it: boutiques of Gucci, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Dolce&Gabbana, and others. To keep up with its neighbors, “TANGS” underwent renovation, and now it is one of the most modern shopping complexes in Singapore.

The Tangs+Co department, which brings together all the current collections of international fashion houses, is especially popular with visitors. But shops alone are not enough to attract customers, so the “TANGS” department store constantly hosts a variety of cultural events, promotions, and show programs.

In addition, this shopping center has cosmetics stores carrying products unavailable in other cities, only in Singapore. This is especially appreciated by so-called beauty shopaholics, who buy goods at “TANGS” by the box. Products from such brands as NARS, Shu Uemura, Burberry, Tom Ford, Sulwhasoo, Cle de Peau, and Shiseido Maquillage are also available here. These stores constantly host various master classes, makeup lessons, and seminars. The schedule can be viewed on the department store's official website. By the way, for lovers of various kitchen accessories and designer home goods, a visit to “TANGS” is absolutely mandatory.

As for the architecture, the entrance to “TANGS” is designed in the style of a Chinese pagoda. The department store is especially beautiful in the evening, when the lighting turns on and the entire facade is illuminated by a pleasant glow.

Panoramio, aigapin

“ION Orchard” is a vivid example of a successful combination of creative thinking and modern technology. It differs radically from all its counterparts in the retail industry. And all this thanks to the incredible appearance of the building.

Its facade is made entirely of liquid-crystal displays, which make it possible to broadcast video advertisements for the stores directly from the building's wall. As a result, the entire shopping center has perhaps become the largest video banner in Asia.

Because the facade has a three-dimensional structure of glass and metal, all its shapes are smooth and streamlined; it seems as though it has come to us from an alien civilization. The work of the engineers and architects received due recognition, and the project won numerous awards.

In the “ION Orchard” complex, the first 8 floors are occupied by stores, including flagship boutiques of Dior, Giorgio Armani, Dolce&Gabbana, etc. Also located here are the head office of Singapore's airline, an art gallery, and on the 56th floor there is a magnificent observation deck. From here, a stunning view of the city opens up at any time of day and in any weather. Telescopes are also installed here, allowing visitors to get a better look at the stars and clouds.

In addition, part of the building is residential, but real estate prices here are off the charts even by European standards.

Flickr, AlfonsT

Orchard Road (Chinese 乌节路, English Orchard Road, literally “road to the fruit orchard”) is a street in Singapore, a center of shopping and entertainment, and the main tourist attraction. The street and its surroundings are often called simply “Orchard” (“fruit orchard”)[1], partly because of the metro station of the same name located here. The street begins at the intersection of Stamford Road, Bencoolen Street, and Fort Canning Road and continues for 2.2 km to the northwest up to the intersection with Orange Grove Road and Tanglin Road. Since 1974, traffic on the street has been one-way, from Orange Grove Road toward Stamford Road[2]. The street has a developed underground infrastructure, including many pedestrian tunnels connecting shopping centers and neighboring streets.

Panoramio, Hoang Viet Quan

“Centrepoint” is one of the most popular shopping centers in Singapore. You can buy almost everything here, from accessories, clothing, and shoes to bedding, household appliances, and home comfort items. There are also hair salons, beauty salons, nail studios, and even yoga centers.

Singapore is considered a Mecca for shopaholics because you can buy things here at the best prices. But in fairness, it is worth noting that goods from global brands such as Artioli, Stefano Ricci, Brioni, etc., cost the same here, and sometimes even more than in Milan or any other major city in the world. Therefore, it makes sense to visit the shops of local manufacturers. The quality of their goods is quite decent, and the prices are pleasantly appealing.

In addition, most visitors, both locals and tourists, come to “Centrepoint” because of the home goods store “Robinsons & Co”. It has repeatedly become the winner of prestigious competitions as the most popular and affordable retail department store. It sells interior items, appliances, household cleaning products, textiles, tableware, and many other useful goods for the home.

Panoramio, ...framed...

“Bugis+” is a huge 10-story mall that opened in mid-2012 after a major renovation that cost its owners 38 million dollars. The facade of the shopping center is covered with giant crystals that resemble sparkling snowdrifts from the outside. Inside there are more than 150 stores, including branded clothing boutiques: Calvin Klein, Adidas, Mango, Bershka, and many others. There are also various cafes, restaurants, a beauty salon, a karaoke bar, and a large cinema here.

This shopping center is mostly aimed at young people. It was here that the first video game cafe in Singapore opened, and among the fast-food restaurants, McDonalds and Subway are the most popular with visitors. But if you suddenly crave something exotic, it is worth stopping by the Asian fast-food spots as well, for example to try the dishes offered by Thai Express, Asian Kitchen, Ramen Champion, and Crystal Jade.

While the adults go shopping, children can have endless fun in the playrooms. During this time, parents will have time to buy everything they need and pick out souvenirs as gifts for all their friends.

Flickr, metamidi

The shopping complex “Suntec City” is not accidentally called “City”; it really does look like a mini-city. Here you will find not only shopping arcades, but also a congress center, an exhibition hall, and an entertainment complex.

“Suntec City” is not one building but five at once. From a bird's-eye view, they look like a hand: four tall towers (45 floors each) and one small one (18 floors) — the thumb of the “hand.” In the middle, on the “palm,” there is a huge fountain, which is considered the largest in the world and is called the “Fountain of Wealth.” The point is that the entire “Suntec City Mall” was built in strict accordance with the rules of feng shui. And the fountain, according to the ancient teaching, is a symbol of well-being and prosperity.

In addition, the architects richly decorated it with all kinds of symbols that attract good luck. An interesting structure has been created at the top: a giant ring (creates unity and preserves peace) rests on four supports (there are four main religions on Earth), and the overall combination of water and metal helps pave the way to success. Three times a day, the large jets of water are turned off, leaving only a small fountain in the middle so that tourists can perform the “good luck” ritual. To do this, you need to lower your right hand into the water and walk around the fountain three times.

“Suntec City” constantly hosts events of international importance, ranging from economic summits to the reality show “The Amazing Race,” which has become incredibly popular in the USA and other countries around the world.

Panoramio, PALLYCH72

“Vivo City” is one of the largest multiplexes in Singapore. It has 97000 sq.m of retail space occupied by dozens of stores selling men's, women's, and children's clothing. Here you can buy goods for the home, household appliances, groceries, and also watch films in a huge 15-screen cinema. By the way, this is where the hall with the widest screen in Asia is located.

You can have lunch right in the open air. The 300-meter waterfront promenade offers beautiful views of the sea and the nearby island of Sentosa. You will find, perhaps, all the cuisines of the world here, so you definitely won't stay hungry.

A large amphitheater has been placed on the roof, serving as a venue for all kinds of exhibitions and show programs. Though you can also simply sit on the comfortable benches here, taking photos with local actors.

On the second level there is an open-air amusement park. Children simply squeal with delight when they get to this play paradise. Only the rooftop water park can evoke even more emotion. These are 4 huge Olympic-size pools. Both young people and retirees come here with pleasure. Honestly, you could spend an entire day here without even noticing how time flies.

All this magnificence was created by the Japanese architect Toyo Ito. “Vivo City” became his first project outside Japan. And it undoubtedly made him famous. Because the resulting shopping center clearly stands out from the row of monotonous “boxes.” There is not a single straight line in it. The design is borrowed from the depths of the sea. It seems that some kind of “miracle monster” is about to peek out from around the corner—just as unusual as everything around it.