The Chinatown Friendship Gate (1984)
“The Chinatown Friendship Gate” is Philly’s most iconic entryway. It's right in front of the entry to Chinatown neighborhood, an international Asian neighborhood with different shops, food spots, and events with ethnic groups like Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Burmese, and Japanese. In the 1870s, many Chinese laborers in the western states migrated to the east. This move was driven by the wanting of escape from violence and racism. Many people found their new home in Philadelphia by the 1900s Chinatown was created in Philadelphia now more than 30,000 residents of Chinese descent live in this nook of this city.
The gate was commissioned by the department of courtesy and the department of public property.The “Chinatown Friendship Gate” was built in Philadelphia, twin sister city Tianjin, China then shipped across the Pacific Ocean in pieces, then assembled by a team of Chinese artisans from Tianjin and Beijing. The unveiling of the gate was in 1984. From this cultural exchange, it is seen as an international symbol of cultural friendship. This gate is not only for the purpose of decoration. It is a symbolism of community power and strength.
It is also a power of resist in July 2022 the 76ers had planned to build a $1.3 billion arena right on top of Chinatown while elected officials and the real estate experts applaud the proposal for its potential help of helping the financial commercial struggles within Philadelphia the residence of Chinatown quickly denounce the development, saying that it was it would destroy the long 150 year occupation of the people who worked served and lived in the community. This backlash worked in Chinatown’s favor where the 76ers negated this plan. The Chinatown friendship gate is an example of what it means to have a strong community. It is the entryway to a community that fought back for their homes and history.
The design of the Chinatown friendship gate was by a woman named Sabrina Soong (there is no information on her anywhere); this design was then put together by Chinese engineers and artists who built the pieces of the arch. Most of the team members who worked on the arch were from Beijing ancient architectural construction corporation, which were known for being in charge of maintaining historical monuments in and around China’s capital including the Great Wall of China It stands at a height of 41 feet and a weight of 88 tons.
. The style is based on traditional Chinese architectural style of the Qing Dynasty. The gate is a darn with dragon motifs representing control over the weather, small animals, statues, oriental roof tiles, and a phoenix symbolizing good luck. It is handpainted, adorning, beautiful colors like green, red, ultramarine, and gold with Chinese calligraphy with the middle panel of the art translating to “Philadelphia Chinatown”.
