Chinese Culture Club and ELD students recently joined the high school Chinese 1 class for an exciting cultural field trip to Chinatown in Philadelphia. Traveling by train, we explored the vibrant community, identified cultural practices, traditions, and foods, and learned about the rich heritage that makes Chinatown unique. Students had the opportunity to compare their own cultural experiences with those observed during the visit, fostering meaningful connections and understanding. The highlight of the day was sharing an amazing lunch together! It was a wonderful experience filled with learning, discovery, and fun.
From: Unami Weekly Warrior November 26, 2025
Philadelphia Chinatown History:
Philadelphia's Chinatown is a predominantly Asian American community located in downtown Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation manages and develops the area. The community is bordered by Vine Street to the north, Arch Street to the south, North Franklin Street and N. 7th Street to the east, and North Broad Street to the west.
Unlike some traditional Chinatowns, Philadelphia's Chinatown has seen continuous growth in size and Chinese population. As of 2018, Philadelphia itself attracted a significant number of Chinese immigrants, primarily from New York City, 95 miles (153 kilometers) to the north, and (as of 2019) from China—Philadelphia's second-largest source of immigrants. Since the 1980s, Chinatown's Asian population has become increasingly diverse, including immigrants and businesses from countries such as Vietnam, Cambodia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, and Indonesia.
19th Century
The Chinese Cultural Community Center of Philadelphia's Chinatown
The formation of Philadelphia's Chinatown stemmed from the forced migration of Chinese Americans to the western United States after the completion of the first transcontinental railroad in 1869. Due to a saturated labor market, violence and intimidation against Chinese laborers intensified, forcing many to migrate to eastern cities, including Philadelphia. The earliest Chinese immigrants to Philadelphia were mostly young men who left their families in China to earn a living. In Chinatown, they were able to establish communities and gain social support through relatives and cultural associations. The passage of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 further exacerbated the separation of Chinese laborers from their families, preventing them from reuniting with their loved ones. The act also deprived them of their right to naturalized citizenship, hindering their integration into American society.
Post-war Philadelphia was known for its manufacturing industry, but Chinese men were excluded from industrial work. They opened laundries and restaurants near the Philadelphia commercial docks. This contributed to the formation of Philadelphia's Chinatown. The first Chinatown shop was a laundry opened by Lee Fung at 913 Reece Street in 1871.
