Historic Chinatown Gate, Paifang gate in Chinatown-International District, Seattle, US.
The Historic Chinatown Gate is a 45-foot-tall (14 meters) red and gold steel structure that marks the western entrance to the neighborhood. The structure features ceramic ornaments and 8,000 decorative tiles manufactured in southern China.
The gate was completed in 2008 with construction overseen by specialists from China who brought expertise in traditional building methods. Funding came from the Historic Chinatown Gate Foundation, which was established in 1999 to support this community landmark.
The gate displays traditional phoenix and dragon motifs that hold deep meaning in Chinese symbolism, representing protection and prosperity. Visitors notice the red and gold coloring, which carries significance for luck, joy, and harmony in Chinese tradition.
The gate sits at the intersection of 5th Avenue South and South King Street, making it easy to find and visit. From this location, guests can easily explore nearby Chinese restaurants, shops, and other attractions in the surrounding neighborhood.
The construction blends modern steel engineering with traditional Chinese design principles in a way that honors both techniques. All 8,000 tiles were individually inspected before assembly, ensuring quality and attention to detail that connects visitors to distant craftsmanship.
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