2024 is a year of the Wood Dragon, starting from February 10th, 2024 (Chinese New Year) and ending on January 28th, 2025 (Chinese New Year's Eve).
Though many Asian cultures celebrate Lunar New Year (learn more in the "Lunar New Year Customs" tab), this guide takes the opportunity to explore the evolution of Philadelphia's Chinatown and Chinese culture. Since its founding in 1870, Chinatown has been an important influence. It's a place of belonging, a reflection of identity, and, in more recent times, a welcoming space for immigrants from other Asian countries--those who come to America with their own views, traditions, and dreams. Today's Chinatown is more diverse, dynamic, and visible. Yet, it is not without its controversies. A social space is, by nature, still political.
This guide pays tribute to our city, but also poses some broader questions, such as: How did Chinatowns form in America? Why was there a Save Chinatown movement in our own backyard?
We live in a time of change, and conversations continue to take shape around the function of ethnic neighborhoods. Before making blanket judgments, or deciding how these spaces will evolve, it's important to see these places in context. We hope these resources will help you start forming your own opinions.
Before you begin, please take a moment to appreciate Chinatown's beautiful entrance:
