Chinatown
| Type | Neighborhood |
|---|---|
| Location | Center City |
| ZIP code(s) | 19107 |
| Established | 1871 |
| Boundaries | North: Vine Street, South: Arch Street, East: 8th Street, West: 12th Street |
| Adjacent | Old City, Market East, Callowhill, Washington Square West |
| Major streets | Race Street, 10th Street, Arch Street |
| Transit | Market-Frankford Line (8th Street Station, 11th Street Station) |
| Landmarks | Friendship Gate, Reading Terminal Market |
Chinatown is a neighborhood in Center City, Philadelphia, centered around 10th and Race Streets. It is one of the oldest and most vibrant Chinatowns in the United States, featuring the iconic Friendship Gate, dozens of restaurants serving authentic Asian cuisines, and specialty shops. The neighborhood has expanded beyond its Chinese origins to include Vietnamese, Thai, Malaysian, Korean, and other Asian communities.[1]
Philadelphia's Chinatown has faced significant challenges from urban development, including the construction of the Vine Street Expressway and ongoing proposals for a new arena, but remains a resilient cultural center.
History
Origins
Philadelphia's Chinatown was established in the 1870s when Chinese immigrants, many of whom had worked on the transcontinental railroad, settled in the area around 9th and Race Streets. The first business was a laundry opened by Lee Fong in 1871.
Growth
The neighborhood grew slowly through the late 19th and early 20th centuries, concentrated around Race Street. Chinese Exclusion Acts limited immigration, keeping the community small. After exclusion was repealed in 1943, and particularly after the Immigration Act of 1965, the neighborhood expanded significantly.
Threats and Resilience
Chinatown has repeatedly faced development pressures:
- Vine Street Expressway (1980s): The elevated highway (later covered) destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses, bisecting the neighborhood
- Convention Center Expansion (1990s): Required demolition of some Chinatown properties
- Gallery/Fashion District: Development encroached on southern edge
- Proposed Arena (2020s): Controversial proposal to build a 76ers arena in Chinatown drew significant community opposition
Despite these challenges, the community has organized effectively to preserve the neighborhood's character and cultural significance.
The Friendship Gate
The Friendship Gate (Paifang) at 10th and Arch Streets is Philadelphia Chinatown's iconic landmark. Built in 1984, it was a gift from Philadelphia's sister city, Tianjin, China.
The gate features:
- Traditional Chinese architectural design
- Colorful tiles and ornate decorations
- Four-post, three-bay structure
- Dragons and phoenixes symbolism
- Inscriptions in Chinese and English
The Friendship Gate is the largest authentic Chinese gate in the United States and marks the ceremonial entrance to Chinatown.
Dining
Chinatown is Philadelphia's premier destination for Asian cuisine:
Chinese
- Dim Sum Garden - Hand-pulled noodles and soup dumplings
- Sang Kee Peking Duck House - Roast duck specialty
- Ocean City - Dim sum and seafood
- Nan Zhou Hand Drawn Noodle House - Handmade noodles
Vietnamese
- Vietnam Restaurant - One of Philly's first Vietnamese restaurants
- Pho 75 - Pho specialty
- Vietnam Palace - Comprehensive Vietnamese menu
- Pho Xe Lua - Late-night pho
Other Asian Cuisines
- Rangoon - Burmese restaurant
- Thai Kuu - Thai cuisine
- Han Dynasty - Sichuan (multiple locations)
- Terakawa Ramen - Japanese ramen
- H Mart Food Court - Korean and Asian food court
Bakeries and Shops
- Asian bakeries with buns and pastries
- Bubble tea shops
- Asian supermarkets
- Specialty ingredients and cookware
Shopping
Chinatown offers specialty shopping:
- Asian grocery stores - Fresh produce, seafood, specialty items
- Chinese medicine shops - Traditional herbs and treatments
- Gift shops - Asian goods and souvenirs
- Bookstores - Chinese-language materials
Cultural Institutions
- Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation - Advocacy and development organization
- Chinese Christian Church and Center - Community hub
- Holy Redeemer Chinese Catholic Church and School - Historic parish
- Seybert Street Playground - Community gathering space
Events
Chinese New Year
Philadelphia's Chinese New Year celebration is one of the largest on the East Coast, typically held in late January or February. Festivities include:
- Lion and dragon dances
- Parade along 10th Street
- Firecrackers (when permitted)
- Traditional performances
- Food festival
Mid-Autumn Festival
The Mid-Autumn Festival (Moon Festival) in September/October features:
- Mooncakes and traditional foods
- Lantern displays
- Cultural performances
Getting There
Public Transit
- Market-Frankford Line (The L): 8th Street Station, 11th Street Station
- Broad Street Line: City Hall Station (2 blocks)
- SEPTA Bus Routes: Multiple routes along Market Street
Walking
Chinatown is easily walkable from most of Center City, particularly:
- Reading Terminal Market (adjacent)
- Pennsylvania Convention Center (adjacent)
- Old City (4 blocks east)
Parking
Limited street parking available. Several parking garages nearby, including the Convention Center garage.
Boundaries and Identity
Chinatown's boundaries have shifted over time due to development pressures. The core remains the area around 10th and Race Streets, roughly bounded by:
- Vine Street (north)
- Arch Street (south)
- 8th Street (east)
- 12th Street (west)
The neighborhood is smaller than Chinatowns in New York, San Francisco, or Los Angeles, but maintains a concentrated cultural identity.