Dragons and phoenixes adorn this arch. These symbols of luck and prosperity watch over us. We are standing before the Chinatown Arch in Manchester.
The Chinatown Arch marks the entrance to a vibrant community. It stands on Faulkner Street as a gift from China. This arch is a unique landmark. Signposts direct visitors to it. Manchester’s Chinatown Arch is impressive.
Manchester’s Chinatown emerged in the 1970s. It quickly grew into a cultural hub. It became known as the Chinese Village for the north of England.
At its completion in 1987, the Chinatown Arch was the largest in the UK. Liverpool’s Chinatown later overtook it in 2000.
Manchester’s Chinatown is the second largest in the UK. It is also the third largest in Europe. It sits in the city centre between Piccadilly Gardens and St Peter’s Square.
The arch was built in China. It was shipped to Manchester in 1986 in three separate parts. Manchester City Council gifted it to the Chinese community.
In the early 20th century, Chinese settlers arrived in Manchester. Many worked in the laundry industry. After the Second World War, more Chinese people came from Hong Kong. They were taking advantage of the British Nationality Act.
Manchester Chinatown is bounded by York Street, Portland Street, Oxford Street, and Mosley Street. Here, you will find Chinese restaurants, supermarkets, shops, and physicians. Some shops sell newspapers from Hong Kong and China.
You can also find restaurants with other Asian cuisines. These include Thai, Japanese, and Nepali. Some offer cuisines from Singapore and Malaysia.
During Chinese festivals, especially Chinese New Year, thousands visit Chinatown. The car park next to the Chinatown Arch transforms into a performance area. Visitors enjoy performances, lion dances, and dragon dances. Firecrackers add magic to the New Year celebrations.
Manchester Chinatown is a living Chinatown. People work and run businesses here. It feels authentic. Tourists stroll through Chinatown, stopping to photograph the arch.
In the 1980s, community organizations were set up in Chinatown. The Chinese Imperial Arch was erected on Faulkner Street in 1987. It marked the area’s association with the Chinese community.
The arch has stood for over 30 years. It is painted in red and gold. These colours symbolize luck and prosperity.
Once, Cantonese cuisine dominated the area. Now, you can find Beijing, Shanghai, Hunan, and Szechuan cuisine. Manchester’s Chinatown has evolved. It offers a diverse culinary experience. The Chinatown Arch remains a symbol of this vibrant community.