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.