Oldest Chinatown in the World? Manila’s Binondo!
Photography by Lawrence Biñas
Travellers know there is bound to be a Chinatown in almost every part of the world. The Philippines’ capital, Manila, is no exception to this. In its third district lies Binondo, better known as the “Chinatown” of the city.
Built in 1594, Binondo’s Chinatown is identified as the first and oldest Chinatown in the world. The name Binondo originated from “binundok” meaning mountain. It was then the center for trade and commerce in the Philippines. These days, more Filipinos live in Binondo but for a very long time, Binondo was home to the large Chinese-Filipino community.
Walking through the busy and lively streets of Binondo immerses one into an oriental cultural experience. Binondo encompasses a plethora of businesses, street vendors and fascinating churches. The Binondo Church is also known as the Minor Basilica of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, the first saint in the Philippines who was of Filipino-Chinese descent.
Photography by Michael Buillerey
Photography by John Aledia
Binondo has since become a melting pot of merchants with varying commercial endeavors. However, it will always score a historical first for some adventurous Chinese entrepreneurs who made it big and successfully blended into a new culture and lifestyle outside their own country.
Sources:
Eugenio, A. (2019, July 16). More Than Just Chinatown: See Manila’s History and Culture Through Binondo. Insidemanila.ph.
Soriano, E. (2017, February 11). Binondo: the oldest Chinatown. Business.Inquirer.net.
Dauz, C. (2014, April 23). Binondo, the World’s Oldest Chinatown, is a Classic Place. Wheninmanila.com.
