Davao Chinatown

The Davao Chinatown, also known as Davao China Street, Davao City Chinatown, or Mindanao Chinatown (Cebuano: Lungsod Tsina sa Dabaw; Tagalog: Bayang Tsina ng Dabaw), is a Chinatown located in Davao City and the only one on Mindanao island in the Philippines. It is the primary residential and trading area of the Chinese-Filipino community in the city. The area is bordered by Santa Ana Avenue, Monteverde Avenue, Ramón Magsaysay Street, and León García Street.^[1]

History

In 2003, the city's then mayor, Rodrigo Duterte, issued an executive order declaring portions of Barangays 27-C and 30-C, where Chinese-Filipino residences and businesses were concentrated, to be the city's Chinatown.^[1]

Archways

The Chinese gate archways are inspired by páilou (牌樓) or páifāng (牌坊), a traditional style of architectural arch in China. Archways also serves as main entry points, making them one of the main attractions, emphasising cultural significance and adding aesthetic value.^[1]

Places of worship

Faith and devotion have had a wide influence on moulding the country's culture and norms. Buddhist and Taoist temples define the rich cultural importance of the area. Additionally, Christian churches of different denominations are one of the city's destinations for devotees.^[1]

Business establishments

A wide array of shopping malls, hardware stores, restaurants, retail outlets, and wholesale shops are usually found on every street in the area. Most of them are owned by Chinese Filipino families, whose majority originated in Fujian, China. Since then, it has served as one of Davao City's primary trading centers.^[1]

Academic institutions

Chinatown has been the home of learning institutions spanning from basic education programs to tertiary schools.^[1]

Transportation

The common mode of transportation in the city is PUVs (public utility vehicles), like jeepneys and multicabs, that are accessible within the downtown area. In minor streets, Cycle rickshaw, also known to locals as a pedicab, offers a ride along a short distance for a low fare cost. While metered cabs reaching multiple landmarks are the alternative ride for convenient travel built with GPS, or the Global Positioning System.^[1]