October 30, 2008
Chinatown Friendship Gate: Lookin’ Like New!
Thanks to the skillful hands of five brilliant artisans from China, the Friendship Gate in Chinatown has found new life. For the last seven weeks, they have restored this crown jewel that has served as the gateway to the rich culture, heritage, and cuisine for the people of Chinatown for more than 23 years.
The emblazed dragons symbolize our protector, for they can breathe fire but also hold water, while the Phoenix represents prosperity. The four Chinese characters translate to We Love Tourists. Okay, not really, they really stand for Philadelphia’s Chinatown. We still do love tourists in our neighborhood though!
Although nowhere near the size of New York or the Bay Area, this has been the proud home of over 3,000 men and women from all across China and beyond. Come for the shops, stay for the food but be sure to start at the Gate!
Chinatown Arch
10th & Arch, Philadelphia, PA 19107
(no responses)
October 30, 2008, 9:32 am
matt says:
They need to fix the cool Asian looking tiles on the sidewalks, a lot of them are cracked or broken.
October 30, 2008, 9:32 am
Toddly Man says:
If you have kids, make sure to spend a good few minutes with them looking at the Chinatown Gate. It’s worth it!
Talk about materials and construction methods and colors and patterns. Once they really SEE the Chinatown Gate, they own it forever. They look for it whether on foot or in the car. They insist we turn south on 10th Street and drive through it, even when we don’t have to go that way.
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