Chinatown

After centuries of suppression by the Spanish, Manila's Chinese population quickly rose on the economic and social ladder under more liberal administrations. Today the centre of the vibrant Chinese community is Chinatown , which straddles Santa Cruz and Binondo.

Chinatown is demarcated by Goodwill Arches. The main street is Ongpin St; walking its length - this is recommended - will take perhaps 10 minutes, but exploring the neighbourhood can take hours. As in any other Chinese enclave around the world, here you'll find dozens of goldsmiths, herbalists, teahouses and shops selling mooncakes, incense, paper money to burn for ancestors, trinkets and all kinds of curios. There are numerous places for a snack or a meal.