Binondo Glows Up: World’s Oldest Chinatown Gets Stunning New Lights in Phase 2 Heritage Project

Manila’s historic Binondo district — the world’s oldest Chinatown — is getting a major glow-up as Phase 2 of the Chinatown Revitalization Project lights up key landmarks across the district.

Building on the earlier illumination of Jones Bridge, the expanded program now covers MacArthur Bridge, Santa Cruz Church, and several iconic Chinatown gates including Qing Shan Gate and Tuan Jie Gate. Hologram lights line portions of Quintin Paredes, Ongpin, and Sabino Padilla streets, while projection mapping at Binondo Church runs every weekend. Ang ganda, promise!

The privately funded initiative was made possible through pooled donations from the Filipino-Chinese community, with support from the Office of the President, the Manila local government, and private sector donors. Jerika Marquez, assistant to Special Envoy to China Benito Techico, said the project was inspired by the Pasig River ‘Bigyang Buhay Muli’ initiative championed by the First Couple.

‘Since we still had funds left from the donations of the Filipino-Chinese community, why not make it Phase 2? And later on, we might have Phase 3,’ Marquez said at a press conference.

Organizers are positioning the lighting installations not just as a heritage preservation effort but as a draw for tourists, foreign investors, and diplomats. For anyone who hasn’t visited Binondo at night recently — it’s worth the trip. The district has never looked this spectacular.

Source: The Manila Times