Culture

Chinatown Sydney's humble beginnings as a fruit market has grown and developed through the years to a lively shopping and dining hub. Let us introduce you to some of the history and tradition of Chinatown as you tour through this iconic precinct.

Dixon Street Ceremonial Arch. At each end of the Dixon Street mall, these ceremonial archways were erected in 1980 on ground that originally   housed sprawling timber and grain yards. Jostling horse and carts off loaded cargo from nearby Cockle Bay. The street is named after landowner     John Dickson and it quickly became a bustling centre of commerce.

Kwong Wah Chong, 84 Dixon Street. Chinatown’s oldest remaining shopfront, established in 1912 after the Australian Government allowed Chinese immigrants to purchase property. Around this time, many Chinese merchants took the opportunity to purchase property, setting up private banks, mail houses, tearooms and food businesses. The area became renowned for its noodle cafes and gambling dens.

Sydney Entertainment Centre. Providores of fruit and vegetables occupied the area where the Sydney Entertainment Centre now stands. A stone’s throw away, the waters of Cockle Bay submerged the land until it was reclaimed from the harbour, making it possible for the vibrant Darling Harbour to be built.

Market City Complex. In the early 1820s this area accommodated ship chandlers, steam power mills, iron forgers, grain providores and market gardeners. The site later evolved into a produce market and by 1842, a weekend market operation was well established. Paddy’s Market as it is known today has grown into a world famous tourist venue housing over 200 stalls. Its façade still retains the original Fruit Market heritage of the 1920s.

Golden Tree, Sussex Street. Sussex Street is bustling commercial hub with many Asian traders. Fine jewellers are nestled amongst herbalists and shops of dried seafood. Further south you will find a special donation to Chinatown from the City of Sydney, a gift that is said to bring good fortune to the local community. It is the Golden Water Mouth Tree. Made from a dead yellow box gumtree, its symbolism of dripping water and golden treads represents “money and life”.

Leung Wai Kee Buddist Centre, 764 George Street. A visit to this store is an insight into the 3000 years of Buddhist culture. Be amazed at the immense range of joss sticks, incense, temple offerings, crafts, charms, souvenirs, books, CDs and feng shui fountains. Learn about the age old shrine rituals.

Campbell Street / Capitol Theatre. Campbell Street was the previous centre of Chinatown from the 1920s to 1980. It was a bustling street of cafes and BBQ meat shops some of which still exist today. If you look carefully at the building facades you will see hints of the old Chinatown. Eventually most traders outgrew the street but the magnificent Capitol Theatre remained in all its Florentine glory and 3000 seating capacity. From 1980, Dixon Street strengthened its foothold as the focus for trading in Chinatown.