District of Manila, Metro Manila, Philippines
Photo: Judgefloro, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Binondo is the "Chinatown" district of Manila. It is the oldest Chinatown in the world and was the country's center of commerce during the American occupation. Many of Binondo's commercial establishments were destroyed after World War II, with companies moving to Makati, the financial capital of the Philippines.
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built in 1596, it is one of the oldest places of Christian Worship. The Church is home to the Our Lady of China and in-front of the church, Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz lies; it is named after a Filipino-Chinese saint, St. Lorenzo Ruiz. Next to the side entrance is the Santo Cristo de Longos, an image of the Crucified Christ, known to be found by one deaf and mute Chinese in an old well in the barrio of Longos, the image now is displayed in a niche with a glass cover.
Buddhist temple open to the public and is worth visiting as it shows the roots of the Chinese-Filipino, you can burn incense sticks and utter your prayers. There is also these red wooden half moons you can use to have your fortunes told. Couch your questions in such a way that they're answerable by "YES" or "NO". Swirl a pair of these wooden half disks over your incense sticks so they catch the smoke and then throw them to the floor. Identical faces means "NO" while opposing figures means "YES". Kuang Kong is the patron of Scholars and Martial arts as well as the God of War; it is known as the protector of Quan Yin; the Goddess of Mercy.
Another Chinese temple worth seeing, located along Narra Street, it is usually jam-packed with people burning incense and offering food and fruits to Buddha during celebrations of the lunar calendar.
Binondo's Chinatown landmark
See the old art deco style buildings in Escolta Street, this used to be the home of many luxurious fashion brands and slowly declined in the 1970s after the growth of malls.
is a home to many Chinese herbal stores, restaurants and groceries.
Visit the wet market of Arranque Market, here fresh seafood and exotic food such as snakes, pigeons, rabbits, frogs etc. is found, it is often seen crowded like most wet markets are.
Along Caravajal Street vendors selling fruits and Chinese delicacies can be seen from Black Chicken and Sea Cucumber, along it is also Chinese groceries, Noodle Houses and Snack houses.
Try their dumplings and fried dumplings.
Egg tart and other Chinese, Filipino delicasies.
Taste their Mami, Dumplings and Hakaw and many other Chinese dishes.
Serves authentic Chinese cuisine like dim sum as well as exotic Chinese cuisine such as shark's fin. This restaurant is usually filled with Chinese people speaking Chinese, in a way you might feel that you are in China.
This teahouse is a smaller version of President's Restaurant however it is affordable and the food is OK. They serve food from Dumplings and authentic Chinese Cuisine.
A modern hotel tower with buffet/restaurant and gym. Might be able to look down on Saint Lorenzo Ruiz - Binondo Church from your room.
A new hotel with a sharp image. Wifi, a/c, and breakfast available.
This sleek hotel has the looks of class which is kind of a rarity among the aging edifices of much of Manila. It has Chinese accents in its design, too, such as red paper lanterns. It also has a restaurant/bar, fitness center, spa, wifi, a/c, and.
Formerly Dela Chambre Hotel, has wifi and a/c.
Chinatown is best explored with Calesas or horse driven carriage. Taxis and jeepneys are also available.
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Manila (Pasay) · International · MNL
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