Chinese Arch, Liverpool

Like many major cities around the world, Liverpool has its own Chinatown, located at the southern edge of the city centre. Liverpool has had a large Chinese community since the first ships from the Orient began docking in the 1830s, trading silk and wool. Almost 2% of the city’s population are of full Chinese descent, whilst high estimates suggest that Liverpool is home to around thirty thousand Chinese people. Initially established in the docklands area, Chinatown was relocated after World War II and continued to expand. In 1992, a regeneration scheme commissioned a ceremonial arch to stand on Nelson Street, marking the entrance to the Chinatown area.

The arch was constructed by workers from Liverpool’s twin city of Shanghai. Designed with the guidance of the local community, the Chinese Arch was completed in 2000 and opened at the advent of Chinese New Year. Standing 44 feet high, the arch is the tallest in Europe and the second tallest in any Chinatown outside mainland China. The arch boasts 200 hand carved dragons of which 188 are ordinary and 12 are pregnant, the meaning of which is to symbolise good fortune between Liverpool and Shanghai. In 2010 multicoloured, low energy illuminating lights were added to the arch as a way to highlight one of Liverpool's significant structures.

Tip:
For those who are peckish, this is where you'll find Chinese food until the early morning hours on weekends.
Make sure to also check out 'Bon Bon Bakery' on Berry Street for delicious sweets and cakes.