Philly’s first Chinatown business, a laundromat, opened at 913 Race St. The unsuccessful turned to major cities for work, gathering in soon-to-become-Chinatowns and running hand laundries and restaurants. A wave of immigrants came to America in the mid 1800s with the dream of finding gold. This home for Asian Americans has a long history of struggle, poverty and assimilation to the American way.Ĭhinese immigrants, most of them male, arrived to Philadelphia around 1845. “I like that it is a convenient place to live for Chinese people and that it feels like home for Chinese immigrants,” Tsang said. She chose to stay there during college because she enjoys the neighborhood. Lisa Tsang, a Temple freshman, grew up in Chinatown. Residents have their necessities covered – the area even has as funeral home. Insurance companies, nail and hair salons, tattoo parlors and one-hour photo shops are all found in Chinatown. A thriving community of Chinese and other Asian Americans reside there because the services they need are met within walking distance. This 40-foot tall structure built by artisans from China is a symbol of friendship and cultural exchange between Philadelphia and Tianjin, China.Ĭontrary to stereotypes, the neighborhood has more to offer than just restaurants and groceries. According to the Philadelphia Multicultural Affairs Congress, the borders of our Chinatown lie between Arch and Callowhill Streets and 8th and 12th Streets.Ĭhinatown’s most recognizable landmark is the Friendship Gate at 10th and Arch. Historically, most Chinatowns, including Philadelphia’s, grew from the edges of a commercial downtown like Center City. Philadelphia’s Chinatown is small in size, but what it lacks in city blocks, it makes up for in rich history, deliciously diverse foods and handfuls of surprises.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |