August 4, 2008
Restoring the Chinatown Friendship Gate
The Friendship Gate at 10th and Arch is arguably the most recognized symbol of Chinatown–that is if you exclude me. Just kidding!
Erected in 1984, the gate was a gift from our sister city Tianjin, China and is the first authentic Chinese gate built in America by artisans from China. Standing over 40 feet high and weighing over 80 tons, this ornate gate has seen better days. But with patience and three hundred thousand dollars, anythingʼs possible!
With the combined effort of the IVC, the State Department, and Temple University, the gate is getting a facelift with the help of five artists who were flown here from Tianjin. For the next seven weeks, they will use everything from pigʼs blood to pure tung oil to restore this priceless landmark that represents the connection between our community and all of Philadelphia.
Chinatown has gone through countless changes and numerous struggles, but they have persevered, and with patience comes virtue. Time to get paid!
Chinatown Friendship Gate
10th Street, just north of Arch
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August 4, 2008, 10:45 am
Eric says:
That’s great! Instead of using typical wood and metal I’m glad they are actually flying in people from Tianjin and using pig’s blood! Sounds cool.
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