SHARE PHILADELPHIA’S ASIAN HERITAGE
In 1870, the first Chinese business in Philadelphia, a small laundry on Race Street, paved the way for the Asian colors and flavors that brighten Philadelphia today. Visitors can find influences throughout the city from China, Tibet, Korea, Cambodia, Vietnam, the Philippines, and more.
SHARE IN THE CULTURE
“Philadelphia. City. China. Town.” These symbols adorn the top of the vibrant and ornate Friendship Gate at 10th and Arch streets, considered the entrance to Chinatown. This is the first authentic Chinese gate built in America by artisans from China. In 1982, Philadelphia commissioned artisans from sister city Tianjin to create the structure. Beyond it lies a Chinatown with bustling streets lined with more than 50 restaurants, 15 grocery stores, and rows of shops. Local chef Joseph Poon offers the Wok N Walk Tour where you can get hands-on cultural experience and hear about the preservation of many Chinatown traditions. Such an Asian influence is not limited to Chinatown, but is also woven into restaurants and shopping centers east of 12th Street along Washington Avenue.
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