Chinatowns are often portrayed as gritty underworlds riddled with prostitution, gambling and drug trafficking. Some of this is rooted in truth, but that unfair depiction is largely the result of rampant xenophobia and cultural ignorance, especially in the West.
The worldโs oldest Chinatown and a rich mix of Chinese and Filipino culture, Binondo is found in the heart of the Philippine capital Manila.
It was established in 1594 by Spanish colonisers as a permanent settlement for Chinese traders who had converted to Christianity, many of whom married Filipino locals.
While Binondo today is known as a foodieโs paradise, it was once better known as a financial hub. Before World War II, banking institutions dominated Binondoโs Escolta Street, an area once known as the โWall Street of the Philippinesโ.