Known among its denizens for the name Ongpin but is known elsewhere as Manila’s Chinatown and, historically, the world’s oldest Chinatown, Binondo has kept for itself a reputation as a hub for many things that are clearly reminiscent of Chinese. From its extensive history drawing as far back as 1594, its rich and exotic culture, as well as its sumptuous foods, Binondo literally feels like a unique place on its own.
If you happen to be in the country’s capital city and is seeking an exciting excursion filled with marvelous encounters, you are better off traversing Binondo and see its many landmark places:
1. Jones Bridge
The Jones Bridge links Binondo and Intramuros, two of Manila’s significant districts. Following recent renovation, the bridge is restored to its full glory, visible with golden paint and ornamented road lights lining its rails.
2. Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch
Often symbolic of the entry to the world’s most ancient Chinese community outside of China, the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch also stands to represent the harmonious assimilation between two Asian cultures.
3. New Chinatown Arch
There is more than one arches in the place now, aside from the aforementioned. The new Chinatown arch, having been established in 2015, is a tall landmark just a block away at the foot of the bridge.
4. Binondo Church
Officially, the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz and Our Lady of the Most Holy Rosary Parish, this church is not only historical for being one of the country’s oldest, it’s also the place where the first Filipino saint, San Lorenzo Ruiz, once served as a sacristan.
5. Carriedo Fountain
Moved three times across different locations, the Carriedo Fountain now sees the Plaza Santa Cruz as its home. Symbolically, the structure was built as tribute to the figure who brought pipe water system to Manila, Don Francisco Carriedo y Peredo.
6. Santa Cruz Church
A growing population of Binondo inhabitants were historically converted to Christianity and the Santa Cruz Church plays critical role in that. Originally constructed in the 1600’s, it eventually saw completion in the 1950’s.
7. Old Streets of Escolta
Located in the old downtown district, the Escolta street is the place to be for a sight of old Manila because of its many ancient structures, contrasting the more modern establishments in the area.
8. SM Store Along Carriedo Street
Not many would travel to Binondo to do shopping at a complex mall, like the Shoe Mart or SM. But if you’re in the area and feel like buying, the SM Store perched along the Carriedo Street is the place to go to.
9. Pasalubong
A visit to Binondo is not all about seeing places, it can also be about experiencing things as you encounter them. What better way to live on the idea than through the region’s wide assortment of foods that you can consume as well as a myriad of delicacies you can bring home as souvenir.
4 comments On 9 Interesting Things To See and Do in Binondo, The World’s Oldest Chinatown
Marami din Intsik dito…kahit saan ang mga iyon
Everywhere ang Chinatown and I love their foods.
Paborito din ng asawa ko ang pagkain ng mga Intsik…. ngayon dito sa Roma halos lahat ng sari-sari ay hawak nila
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