Chinese Imperial Arch
Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Standing majestically at the heart of Manchester's Chinatown on Faulkner Street, the Chinese Imperial Arch is Europe's first and only true imperial Chinese gateway. Built in China and assembled between Christmas 1986 and Easter 1987, this ornate structure features intricate dragons, phoenixes, ceramics, and gold leaf detailing. A gift from Manchester City Council to the Chinese community, it symbolizes the city's deep cultural ties and marks one of Britain's most vibrant multicultural neighborhoods.
A brief summary to Arch of Chinatown
- 46 Faulkner St, Manchester, M1 4FH, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 5 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during late afternoon or early evening when the arch is beautifully illuminated and the surrounding restaurants and shops are bustling with activity.
- Explore the surrounding Faulkner Street to experience the full diversity of Asian cuisines, from traditional Cantonese to contemporary Beijing, Sichuan, and Southeast Asian restaurants.
- The arch is best photographed from street level looking upward to capture the intricate dragon and phoenix details, or from across the street for full structural composition.
- The area is pedestrian-friendly with a grid-like street layout; allow time to wander the side streets and discover hidden supermarkets, bakeries, and traditional medicine shops.
- Check for seasonal community events and celebrations, particularly around Chinese New Year, when the neighborhood hosts special festivities and cultural performances.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Food Options
- Drink Options
- Restrooms
- Information Boards
- Seating Areas
Getting There
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Public Transport
Manchester Piccadilly railway station is approximately 800 meters away, accessible via a 10-minute walk through the city center. Alternatively, Deansgate-Castlefield station is 1.2 kilometers away with a 15-minute walk. Local buses serve the area frequently; the arch is on Faulkner Street in Manchester city center. No fare required for walking; public transport tickets range from £1.75 to £4.50 depending on zone.
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City Center Walking
From Manchester Town Hall, the arch is approximately 400 meters away via a 5-minute walk south through the city center. The route is entirely flat, well-lit, and passes through busy shopping and commercial streets. Ideal for those already exploring central Manchester.
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Taxi or Rideshare
Taxis and rideshare services (Uber, Bolt) operate throughout Manchester. Journey time from Manchester Piccadilly station is approximately 5-8 minutes depending on traffic. Estimated fare ranges from £6 to £12. The arch location is 46 Faulkner Street, Manchester M1 4FH.
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Parking and Driving
Street parking on Faulkner Street is extremely limited due to the narrow historic streets and high pedestrian traffic. Nearby car parks include Arndale Centre Car Park (300 meters away) and Deansgate Car Park (500 meters away), with typical rates of £2-£4 per hour. The arch itself sits beneath active traffic, so vehicle access is maintained but stopping is not permitted.
Arch of Chinatown location weather suitability
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Any Weather
Discover more about Arch of Chinatown
A Gateway Built Across Continents
The Chinese Imperial Arch stands as a remarkable feat of international cultural exchange. Specially constructed in China, this ornate gateway was shipped to Manchester in three enormous containers and painstakingly assembled on-site between Christmas 1986 and Easter 1987 by specialist craftsmen from Beijing. The arch was presented as an official gift from Manchester City Council to the Chinese community, commemorating the city's twinning with Wuhan and celebrating the deep bonds between Manchester and its Chinese population. At its completion, it became Europe's first and only true imperial Chinese arch, a distinction it maintains today.Architectural Splendor and Symbolic Design
The arch rises as an imposing structure adorned with traditional symbols of prosperity and renewal. Dragons and phoenixes, rendered in vibrant red and gold, dominate the design alongside intricate ceramic work, lacquer detailing, and gold leaf embellishments. These elements reflect authentic imperial Chinese architectural traditions, making the structure not merely decorative but deeply symbolic. The paifang, as it is known in Chinese tradition, serves as a threshold between the mundane city streets and the cultural heart of Chinatown, inviting visitors to step into a distinct community space within Manchester's urban fabric.Restoration and Resilience
The arch's journey has not been without challenges. Manchester's damp climate proved incompatible with the traditional Chinese mortar mix originally used in its construction, which reportedly included pigs' blood. Over the years, this incompatibility caused the mortar to expand, leading to cracking and dislodging of ornate roof tiles. In 2012 and 2013, the Manchester Chinatown Community Group organized charity events, including a dry land dragon boat race, to fund essential restoration work. Manchester and Cheshire Construction Company undertook comprehensive conservation repairs, replacing the original mortar with a climate-appropriate mixture while preserving the arch's aesthetic integrity through delicate repair, redecoration, and gilding work.The Heart of Manchester's Chinese Community
The arch sits at the center of the second largest Chinatown in the United Kingdom and the third largest in Europe. Faulkner Street, where the arch stands, has transformed from a 19th-century cotton warehouse district into a vibrant multicultural hub. The first Chinese settlers arrived in Manchester in the early 20th century, primarily engaged in the laundry trade. Following the British Nationality Act of 1948 and Hong Kong's rapid urbanization, significant migration waves brought former farmers and their families seeking new livelihoods. The opening of Manchester's first Chinese restaurant, Ping Hong, in 1948 marked the beginning of the community's culinary presence. By the 1970s, with the establishment of a Hong Kong government office and Bank of China, Chinatown had fully matured into a cultural and commercial center.Evolution of Cuisine and Culture
While early Chinese immigrants primarily served anglicized Chinese food through takeaways, the 1960s saw the opening of authentic Cantonese establishments like Kwok Man tea house. In recent decades, the demographic composition of Manchester's Chinese population has shifted significantly. The influx of Chinese university students from Beijing and Shanghai has driven demand for the drier, spicier cuisines of northern and central China. Today, Faulkner Street boasts a remarkable diversity of Asian cuisines, with Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Malaysian, Singaporean, Thai, and Vietnamese restaurants, shops, bakeries, and supermarkets creating a truly pan-Asian cultural destination.A Living Symbol of Cultural Heritage
The arch remains more than a static monument; it is a living symbol of Manchester's commitment to cultural diversity and community integration. Positioned where traffic flows beneath its ornate structure, the arch seamlessly integrates into the daily life of the neighborhood rather than existing as a cordoned-off museum piece. Its presence on Faulkner Street anchors the identity of Manchester's Chinatown and serves as a welcoming gateway for both residents and visitors exploring one of England's most dynamic multicultural neighborhoods.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Arch of Chinatown
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Europe's only imperial Chinese arch, a stunning gateway to Manchester's vibrant multicultural heart.
Connaught Building
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St. Peter's Square
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Manchester City Council
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Albert Memorial
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John Bright Statue
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Canada House, Manchester
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Historic England
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Statue of the Duke of Wellington
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Free Trade Hall
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Victory Over Blindness
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The Undamaged Red Post Box
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Unmissable attractions to see
Chinatown
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Discover Manchester Chinatown’s vibrant streets filled with authentic Asian cuisine, rich culture, and festive charm in the city’s heart.
Manchester Art Gallery
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The Portico Library
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拿破仑（Napoleons) Restaurant and KTV
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The Molly House
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Emmeline Pankhurst Statue
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Manchester Cenotaph
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The Cockatoo Club
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Via Manchester
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The New Union
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City Tower, Manchester
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The Beacon Of Hope
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Landmark, St Peter's Square
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Sackville Gardens
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The Tree of Life
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Essential places to dine
Higher Ground
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Namii Kitchen & Cocktails
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Habesha Restaurant
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Fumo by San Carlo - Manchester
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Sophisticated Italian dining with an art deco flair, vibrant bar scene, and shareable dishes in Manchester’s lively St Peter’s Square.
Don Giovanni - Italian Restaurant Manchester
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A lively Italian restaurant in Manchester’s city centre blending traditional flavours with modern style and vibrant atmosphere.
Grand Pacific
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Browns Manchester
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Victorian elegance meets contemporary British cuisine in Manchester's most distinguished brasserie.
Adam Reid at The French
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Experience innovative Northern British fine dining with theatrical flair in Manchester’s iconic Midland Hotel.
Mount Street Dining Room & Bar
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Classic British dining with northern flair in the elegant, historic setting of Manchester’s Midland Hotel.
Armenian Taverna & Restaurant
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Manchester's authentic Armenian culinary institution, recently modernized yet rooted in five decades of tradition.
10 Tib Lane
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A refined French-inspired restaurant and cocktail bar in Manchester’s historic core, blending seasonal small plates with natural wines and crafted cocktails.
Kala
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Modern European bistro blending classic and contemporary flavours in Manchester’s vibrant King Street district.
Store Street Exchange Restaurant
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Modern British dining with rotisserie specialties and craft cocktails in Manchester’s vibrant Piccadilly hub.
Miller & Carter Manchester
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Classic British steakhouse on Manchester’s King Street, serving expertly aged premium steaks in a warm, elegant setting with attentive service.
Sam's Chop House
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Experience traditional British chophouse dining with locally sourced ingredients in Manchester’s cozy, historic atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
T.La Art & Craft Gallery
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Stare Society
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Discover curated vintage clothing and unique home furniture in Manchester’s stylish Stare Society boutique.
Manchester Souvenirs & Convenience Store
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needi
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The Manchester Shop
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Red and Blue Umbrella
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Discover timeless style and friendly service at Manchester’s Red and Blue Umbrella vintage clothing shop on Church Street.
Menkind
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Discover quirky gadgets and unique gifts at Menkind, Manchester Arndale’s vibrant destination for fun and innovative presents.
Laissez Faire UK Fairtrade & Eco Clothes & Gifts
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Discover fairtrade and eco-friendly fashion and gifts in the heart of Manchester’s vibrant Church Street district.
Søstrene Grene
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Cow Vintage Manchester
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Amazonas Gifts
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Thunder Egg
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Pulse
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Flying Tiger Copenhagen
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Rams Gift World
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
The Alchemist New York Street
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All Bar One Manchester
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Salt Dog Slim's Manchester
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Slug & Lettuce - Albert Square Manchester
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Gorilla
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NQ64 Northern Quarter
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Speak In Code
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Corbieres Bar
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Night & Day Cafe
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The Daisy
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Arcane
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Dusk Til Pawn
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The Britons Protection
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Hold Fast Bar
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Wilson's Social
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Nightclubs & after hour spots
Satans Hollow
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Club Tropicana
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Venue Nightclub
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Viva Manchester
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Twenty Twenty Two
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Kable
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Club Liv Manchester
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42's
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Funkademia
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Mint Lounge
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Bliss Club Manchester
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Aatma
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Manchester's underground heartbeat: live beats, pizza slices, and all-night vibes in the Northern Quarter's hidden gem.
History Nightclub
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Cargo
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Manchester's Printworks powerhouse: light-up dance floors, bottomless brunches, and non-stop beats until dawn in the city's nightlife epicenter.
Royal Vida Night Club
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Dive into Manchester's underground pulse at Royal Vida, where Castlefield's industrial shadows host thumping beats and endless nights from 11pm to 4am.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Scenic
- Unique
- Cultural Heritage
- Lively
- Entertaining
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Colorful Aesthetics
- Vintage Styles
- Art & Design
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Art & Design
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Iconic Views
- Architectural Shots
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Architectural Shots
- Colorful Backdrops
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Locally Managed
- Public-Transport Accessible
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Festival / Event Nearby
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
