Nankin-machi, Chinese commercial district in Chuo-ku, Kobe, Japan.
Nankin-machi is a densely packed Chinese commercial district in Kobe built around two main streets that intersect at a central plaza. The area contains more than one hundred restaurants and specialty shops offering food and goods from various regions of China.
The district emerged in 1868 when Chinese merchants from Guangdong and Fujian provinces settled near Kobe Port following its opening to foreign trade. The community grew as more traders arrived and established families in this commercial hub.
The entrance gates and Guan Temple define the visual character of this district, where Chinese traditions are clearly visible in the streets. Visitors encounter red lanterns and Chinese characters everywhere, creating a distinctly foreign atmosphere that sets the place apart.
The district is located a short five-minute walk south of Motomachi Station and is easily accessible on foot. Shops and restaurants operate during daytime and early evening hours, making it convenient for visitors to explore at their own pace.
A central pavilion features stone carvings of all twelve Chinese zodiac animals, representing the traditional calendar system used for centuries. These sculptures offer visitors a visual reference to a cultural system that remains important in Chinese cosmology.
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