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Here’s a rundown of the world’s most well-known Chinatowns
Since ancient times, the Chinese people prove that they are proud of their rich culture and principles. They don’t fear bringing out their culture and traditions, which eventually become their tickets to put marks in wherever territories they go. A concrete evidence of this is the establishment of Chinatowns around the globe. We have put together a list of the world’s most well-known Chinatowns, and what to see in them, starting with…
San Francisco, USA
Outside Asia, San Francisco’s Chinatown is the oldest in the world and the largest in North America as it covers four subdivisions. It also one of the most impressive Chinatowns as it boasts old and artistic structures designed by notable American architects.
If you happen to be in San Francisco’s Chinatown, the places also worth checking include the Golden Gate Bridge, Grant Avenue, Bush Street, Donaldina Cameron House, Bank of Canton, Great Star Theater, Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, Portsmouth Square, and America’s oldest dim sum house Hang Ah Tea Room. Besides these, there are more interesting shops, fish markets, and restaurants like the Hunan Homes Restaurant to discover in this place.
Manila, Philippines
The oldest Chinatown in the world is in the heart of Manila, in an unassuming district called Binondo. It was established in the early 16th century when the Spanish government resettled Chinese immigrants here, just across the Pasig River and within the firing range of Intamuros’ cannons. Today, Binondo is a dynamic district full of commercial establishments, historical spots, and modern structures.
Among the most notable Binondo landmarks are the Philippine Chinese Buddhist Temple or Kuang Kong Temple, which is located along Kipuja Street, while food markets and restaurants are mostly nestled in Carvajal Street. On the other side of the district close to Pasig River is Binondo Church and Escolta Street, both of which are camera-worthy spots. Escolta Street is considered the Philippines’ first business district.
Fortunately, some of the old structures in Binondo are still standing like the Regina, El Hogar, and Calvo Buildings. Calvo Building is a beaux-arts-styled building built in 1938 and designed by Fernando Ocampo, the architect behind the historic Admiral Hotel in Roxas Boulevard.
One of the record-breaking modern structures here is Anchor Land Holdings Inc.’s Anchor Grandsuites. Considered the tallest building in all Chinatowns worldwide, this 63-story building is located along the historic Masangkay Street.
Melbourne, Australia
It was in the mid-19th century when a Chinese community from Hong Kong developed Little Bourke Street as their haven in Melbourne, Australia. In this Chinatown, almost all of the establishments like restaurants, herbal shops, museum, and grocery stores are confined in low-rise buildings. However, in special occasions, one will also see vendors and stalls in the streets selling unique products especially during night market. Restaurants in Melbourne’s Chinatown do not necessarily specialize in Chinese cuisine. There are also establishments here that offer Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, and other Asian cuisines. However, if you plan to visit Melbourne’s Chinatown, do so during the Chinese New Year when it is at its most festive.
Vancouver, Canada
There are Chinatowns in Victoria, Calgary, Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa. However, when it comes to population size and historical features, Vancouver is perhaps the best in Canada. It has many cultural heritage sites like the 88-year-old restaurant Sai Woo and the 100-year-old Modernize Tailors at the Chinese Freemasons Building in Pender corner Carrall Street. Another well-known spot here is Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden, which was built in 1986.
Most of the Chinese in Vancouver are immigrants from Hong Kong. They started to settle in this place around the 1890s, but it is only in the 1990s when a new wave of immigrants came over. The best times to visit are during the Chinese New Year and during the Vancouver Chinatown Festival, which is celebrated every August. Meantime, one of the prides of Toronto’s Chinatown is its annual Dragon Boat Race, which started in 1989.
Bangkok, Thailand
In terms of attractions, there may be only a few attractions to see in Yaowarat, the local name of this Chinatown in Bangkok. However, all these attractions—like Wat Traimit, Wat Mangkon Kamalawat, Wat Pho, and Trok Itsaranuphap—are worth a visit.
Wat Mangkon Kamalawat is the largest Chinese-Buddhist temple in Bangkok, while Wat Pho or Wat Phra Chetuphon is one of the largest wats in Thailand, which houses the 46-meter-long reclining Buddha. The Golden Buddha at Wat Traimit, on the other hand, is a large golden statue that weighs approximately five and a half tons and stands five meters. Like all Chinatowns, Yaowarat is known for its exotic and street foods. One interesting place to visit here is the always jam-packed Trok Itsaranuphap wet market.
London, England
From 1841 to 1997, Hong Kong is a British Overseas Territory, which led many Chinese to migrate to London. The British capital’s Chinatown, which is situated in Gerrard Street in Westminster, has been in existence since the 1880s. The area also covers Shaftesbury Avenue, Rupert Street, Charing Cross Road, and Leicester Square.
One of London Chinatown’s highlights is its celebration of Chinese New Year, when live performances, cultural dances, drumming, and demonstrations of tai chi are held. Meanwhile, foodies may find one-of-a-kind products like spices, dried ingredients, and more at New Loon Moon and SeeWoo supermarkets, while the place also teems with Chinese restaurants that offer fares from dim sum and Cantonese dishes to spicy Szechuan.
Johannesburg, South Africa
People from Guangdong, China, started migrating to South Africa in the 1870s for the gold rush in Transvaal. At present, the Chinese community in Johannesburg is the largest ethnic community in Africa. There are two Chinatowns in Johannesburg: the first is in Commissioner Street, where the first wave of Chinese immigrants settled, while the second is in Cyrildene at Derrick Avenue, which now has more establishments like massage parlors, electronic centers, tea shops, and many more. Restaurants that specialize in Shanghainese and Sichuan cuisines are commonly found here.
Singapore
Singapore’s Chinatown has treasures you will only find here, including the Thian Hock Temple, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, and Pinnacle@Duxton Skybridge. The four-story Tang-style Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is where the relic of Buddha’s left canine tooth is believed to nestle, which is stored inside the huge stupa. Meanwhile, Thian Hock Keng Temple, which was built in 1820, is one of the oldest temples in Singapore and is a Taoist-Buddhist sacred place devoted to Ma Su Po or the Mother of Heavenly Sages, who is the protector of sailors. Singapore’s Chinatown also boasts lively street market, restaurants, and museums. The famous Baba House is a heritage house turned museum that highlights Straits Chinese history and culture.
This article was sponsored by Anchor Land Holdings, Inc.
Anchor Land Holdings, Inc. is one of the fastest growing players in the Philippine real estate industry, specializing in the development of sophisticated and luxurious residential condominiums. Initially finding its niche within the affluent Filipino–Chinese community, Anchor Land has brought modern condo living to Old Manila through a fusion of current trends and traditional comforts and practices. ALHI has continued its dynamic and aggressive approach to take on even bigger and bolder challenges.
Main image via Deposit Photos
