Van Wesenbekestraat, Chinatown street in Antwerp, Belgium
Rue Van-Wesenbeke is a street in central Antwerp and the only official Chinatown in Belgium. Both sides of the street are lined with Asian restaurants, shops, and supermarkets, with Chinese-language signs covering most storefronts.
After World War II, Chinese families settled in this part of Antwerp and opened shops and restaurants. Over time, people from other Asian countries also moved to the area, which is why some now refer to the street as 'Asiatown'.
The street is known for its Chinese New Year celebrations, when a dragon dance takes place and draws crowds from across the city. Stone lions stand at both ends of the street, a traditional symbol of protection in Chinese culture.
The street is a short walk from Antwerpen-Centraal station, making it easy to reach on foot from the city center. There are no entrance fees, and the area can be visited at any time of year at your own pace.
The Sun Wah supermarket on this street is considered the largest Asian grocery store in the country, stocking products from dozens of countries. A Buddhist temple and a kung fu school are also found nearby, both open to curious visitors.
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