Manila has a large Chinatown which is located north of the Pasig River and comprises parts of Binondo and Santa Cruz. The main street, Ongpin Street, runs between the Binondo Church and the Santa Cruz Church.
The first Chinese arrived in this area in 1594. In the nineteenth century Chinatown was the main business area of Manila; but these days big business has mostly moved to Makati.
Chinatown has three Chinese-style friendship arches. Under the Chinese calligraphy of the signs hanging above its narrow streets you will see a lively area of small apartments and typical Chinese businesses -- tea shops and restaurants, herbalists and apothaceries, gold and jade stores, and more.
And in Chinatown, you will also see calesas (horse-drawn carriages) which are still used in this area instead of taxis and which clip-clop on their way with their passengers.