Your ultimate guide to Liverpool’s Chinatown
Liverpool has the oldest established Chinese communities in Europe. The trade links between China and Britain via the ports of Shanghai and Liverpool were instrumental in the establishment of a Chinese community within the city. We've got your ultimate guide to the city's Chinatown.
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00:00 Liverpool is home to the longest established Chinese community in Europe.
00:05 The trade links between Shanghai and the city's port in the mid-1800s were instrumental in this.
00:11 Almost 200 years later, we can see the impact of this immigration on the city's Chinatown.
00:17 Home to the largest Chinese arch outside of China, it stands at 13.5 metres high.
00:23 Spanning Nelson Street, the Imperial Arch features 200 dragons and five roofs, protected by two bronze lions and placed with the principles of feng shui.
00:32 The arch was a gift from Shanghai, a city twinned with Liverpool, and was shipped over piece by piece.
00:38 It was assembled in 2000 and erected just in time for the annual Chinese New Year celebrations, which are held in Chinatown each year.
00:46 Of course, you can't mention Chinatown without talking about the food.
00:51 As well as well-established restaurants, it's great to see some new additions popping up here.
00:57 And its influence goes well beyond the gates.
01:00 Though far from traditional, it's believed to have been created in a Liverpool chip shop.
01:04 Salt and pepper seasoning can be added to chips, just about anything else, to create a spicy umami taste sensation, firmly becoming a Scout staple.
01:13 For those who prefer home-cooked delights, Chung Wah is an Asian supermarket that has fresh, frozen and dried ingredients to inspire a plethora of fakery dishes you might want to rustle up at home.
01:25 Pagoda Arts aims to introduce Chinese culture to a wide and diverse community, and is home to a unique youth orchestra.
01:34 The centre organises both educational and cultural classes, teaching English, Tai Chi, traditional dance classes and more.
01:41 Learners will travel from much further afield to improve their understanding of the culture.
01:46 Though no visit to the city is complete without visiting Chinatown, you can feel the influence throughout the city,
01:52 whether it's in the cuisine which has found a place in our hearts, or the impact it's had on Liverpool's history as a major port.