Chinese New Year 2017: Explore Davao’s Chinatown

(Flickr / ran pagh)

One of the most awaited festivities in Davao is the Chinese New Year which falls on the 28th of January for this year.

Before the rise of condominiums for sale in Davao, there was the construction of this primary residential area for the Filipino-Chinese community. This 2017, let’s get to know more about Davao’s Chinatown.

A brief history

The colorful town came into being when then-Mayor Rodrigo Duterte issued an Executive Order; declaring that the streets occupied by the Filipino-Chinese will be named as the Davao Chinatown. The Davao City Chinatown Development Council (DCCDC) was also constituted with the aim to keep an eye on the implementation of policies in the area.

Davao Chinatown’s bounds include the areas of Ramon Magsaysay Avenue, Monteverde Avenue, Sta. Ana Avenue and Leon Garcia where businessmen mostly reside. It’s also the sole Chinatown in Mindanao. Davao is said to have the largest Chinatown in the world in terms of land area which approximately covers 44 hectares.

The Archways

The archways are four distinct creations that serve as symbols of Davao’s rich history and culture.

(wikipedia.org)

The Arch of Friendship

The Arch of Friendship was the first among the four erected archways. Inaugurated in August 2008, the symbolic arch of the Filipino and Chinese ties was inspired by the 400-year-old architectural masterpiece like the Yuyuan Garden of China.

(davaobase.com)

The Arch of Unity and Friendship

The long-standing bond between the Filipino and Chinese are evident through The Arch of Unity and Friendship. The Arch of Unity and Friendship was established on January 31, 2009. The archway was made possible because of the donations of the members of Dabaw Kaisa Foundation.

(enterdavao.com)

The Arch of Peace

Several months after the foundation of The Arch of Unity and Friendship, The Arch of Peace was built on July, 2009. This was donated by Yuchengco Group of Companies spearheaded by Alfonso Yuchengco, the former Philippine Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China. 

(escapemanila.com)

The Arch of Prosperity

The lone archway with the predominant colors of blue and yellow is the most recently founded Arch of Prosperity located towards the end of Sta. Ana Avenue.

In order to travel around these archways, jeepneys and multicabs are accessible within the city.

Prominent Chinese Temples   

Near the festive town in Davao are several establishments such as hotels, condominiums for sale, inns, malls and temples among many others.

Speaking of temples, Davao Chinatown is home to several well-known ones.

(Facebook / @MindanaosCrownJewel)

Polian Temple

Polian is one of the first Buddhist Temples in Davao. The temple is open for people who practice different types of Buddhism but it is open for visitors and tourists as well.

(bit.ly/2iiIjJl)

Mindanao Taoist Temple

This temple shelters several religious icons of Taoism. The goal of philosophy in terms of Taoism is to gain balance in life. The place does not require an entrance fee but you could give offerings to the caretaker as a sign of gratitude.

(lakawero.com)

Longhua Temple

The Longhua or Lon Wa Temple is the biggest shrine in the island of Mindanao. Chinese and Filipino scriptures can be found at the main’s hall wall. The Buddhist temple is also open to the public and to other religions but it’s most known for its astounding architectural features.

These sacred places are ideal for those who would like to learn more about Taoism and Buddhism. They can also be a haven for those who are looking for peace and serenity this 2017.

Celebrating Chinese New Year in Davao is something that Dabawenyos and tourists look forward to. Grab that condominium for sale in Davao and get to experience the center of business and tourism at the heart of the city.