Manila Chinatown, Philippines
Many countries has a Chinatown area and this is Philippines Chinatown
In the northern parts of Manila City, you'll find an area named Binondo and is the home to Philippines Chinatown. It's the world's oldest Chinatown, established in 1594
Binondo Church
In Chinatown you'll find Binondo Church. Which is a Catholic church founded in 1596 by the Spanish, who ruled Philippines back then and was built for the Chinese people, who converted to Catholic
The building you see today, have been rebuilt a few times since it was founded
Ongpin Street
Along the side of Binondo Church, you'll find Ongpin Street. Where you'll find many jewelery stores, authentic Chinese restaurant, street vendors and heavy traffic
One thing that might strike you while you walk down Ongpin, especially if you have visited other countries Chinatowns. Is that most buildings here are more plain looking and not as heavy traditionally Chinese design inspired
Yes, there's a lot of Chinese decorations around the area. But if you take a close look at the building, most are not that old when you consider this is the oldest Chinatown in the world
Reason is most buildings are fairly new, as wars have completely destroy the city in the past and it had to be rebuilt
Squatters
When visiting Chinatown, you'll see many living on the street and especially street kids. Pickpocketing is common in this area, so be careful of your belongings
Chinatown has a lot of narrow streats and very few open ares. So the squatter areas have had to be more creative and you can find some of them built over the rivers
Divisoria
Around Tondo you'll find many huge buildings containing bazaars, being referred to as Divisoria (after another bazaar mall, also found in Chinatown)
Here you find 999 Shopping Mall, 11/88 and 168, which are three big complex full of baazars
When you are inside, you'll find small stalls (bazaars) that sells a bit of everything, very cheap and a good portion knockoffs
Chinatown Walk
A few blocks away you'll find Chinatown Walk, a walking street with no vehicles
On the sides you'll find Lucky Chinatown Mall. Which is a Chinese themed mall in design, but most stores are chain stores you'll find all over Manila
In addition to the restaurants facing Chinatown Walk from the mall, you'll also find many stalls on the street that sells mostly Chinese and other Asian dishes
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