TheDavao Chinatown, also known asDavao China Street,Davao City Chinatown, or Mindanao Chinatown (Cebuano:Lungsod Tsina sa Dabaw;Tagalog:Bayang Tsina ng Dabaw), is aChinatown located inDavao City and the only one onMindanao island in thePhilippines. It is the primary residential and trading area of theChinese-Filipino community in the city. The area is bordered by Santa Ana Avenue, Monteverde Avenue, Ramón Magsaysay Street, and León García Street. Dubbed as the Philippines' largest Chinatown,[1] it has a total land area of 44 hectares, comprising fourbarangays.
In 2003, the city's then mayor,Rodrigo Duterte, issued anexecutive order declaring portions of Barangays 27-C and 30-C, where Chinese-Filipino residences and businesses were concentrated, to be the city's Chinatown.[2]
The Davao City Chinatown Development Council (DCCDC) was established to assist the conservation of the area's cultural heritage and the implementation of policies in that regard.[3] It is also charged with the management of commerce in the area.
The Chinese gate archways are inspired bypáilou (牌樓) orpáifāng (牌坊), a traditional style of architecturalarch inChina.[4][5] Archways also serves as main entry points, making them one of the main attractions, emphasising cultural significance and adding aesthetic value.
Faith and devotion have had a wide influence on moulding the country's culture and norms.Buddhist andTaoist temples define the rich cultural importance of the area. Additionally,Christian churches of different denominations are one of the city's destinations for devotees.
Long Hua Buddhist Temple[6][7] is the largest Buddhist temple on the island of Mindanao, it is located in J.P. Cabaguio Avenue, Agdao District. It is 3-4 kilometers northeast of the center of the city.
Polian Temple[8][9] is one of the oldest Buddhist Temples in Davao City, located in Quirino Avenue.
Santiago Temple[10] is situated on a property nearGaisano Mall of Davao. Built in 1957, it was once visible from J. P. Laurel Avenue, but a new building was built in front of it. Until now, it was hidden from direct view and accessible only by a narrow street alley.
Mindanao Taoist Temple[11][12] is located in Pearl Street, corner Emerald Street, RGA Village, J.P. Cabaguio Street, Agdao District.
Davao Chinese Baptist Church,[13][14] located in Guzman Street, Poblacion District, Davao City.
Santa Ana Shrine Parish[15][16] is aCatholic church located along Santa Ana Avenue, corner Lapu-Lapu Street.
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 inFujian,China.[17][18] Since then, it has served as one of Davao City's primary trading centers. Various affordable commodities are sold, such as home and office furniture, electronic gadgets and appliances, bicycles, apparels, accessories, and many more. Foods, drinks, fruits, vegetables, and flowers are available on sidewalks and put up for sale at cheaper prices. Other products are also available and displayed in kiosks and stalls.
New City Commercial Corporation Main Magsaysay
NCCC Main Magsaysay,[19][20] founded by Lim Tian Su, started as a textile store in Davao City during the 1950s. The establishment subsequently became a general retail product shop, providing essentials as well as footwear and jewellery. They launched their initial NCCC supermarket and department store within Ramon Magsaysay Avenue around 1978, and they introduced the New City Commercial Center.
DCLA Department Store,[21] along Ramon Magsaysay Avenue, is located in a bustling part of the area. Davao City Los Amigos, which was started in 2003, is a shopping center offering wide choices of retail goods, including clothing, garments, footwear, electronic devices, and several others, at an inexpensive cost.
New Davao Famous Restaurant,[22][23] established in 1970s, has been serving contemporary Chinese cuisine with an extensive variety of dishes for more than 40 years.
Davao Shanghai Restaurant,[24] has been serving Chinese and Filipino snacks and dishes for a number of decades, the restaurant's signature taste has already been part of every Dabawenyos' palate on any occasions.
Holy Cross of Davao College,[27][28] situated along Santa Ana Avenue corner Guzman Street, is aCatholic Church private basic and higher education institution run by theArchdiocese of Davao. The college was founded in 1951 by the Congregation of the Religious of the Virgin Mary Sisters and then acquired by the Foreign Mission Society of Quebec (PME Fathers) in 1956.
San Pedro College[29][30], erected along Guzman Street since 1956, is a private, Catholic, research, and coeducational basic and higher education institution run by theDominican Sisters of theTrinity in Davao City.
Asian International School Aeronautics and Technology[31][32], known as AISAT, established in Santa Ana Avenue, corner Leon Garcia Street, was initially founded in 2011 by an association of entrepreneurs and technical professionals who recognised a demand for outstanding aviation industry education in Davao City.
A sreet signage in Davao Chinatown in partnership withBanco de Oro
The common mode of transportation in the city is PUVs (public utility vehicles), likejeepneys and multicabs, that are accessible within the downtown area. In minor streets,Cycle rickshaw, also known to locals as apedicab, offers a ride along a short distance for a low fare cost. While meteredcabs reaching multiple landmarks are the alternative ride for convenient travel built with GPS, or theGlobal Positioning System.
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Media related toDavao Chinatown at Wikimedia Commons
