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Entrance to Perth Chinatown

The official Chinatown of Perth, Western Australia is bounded by Roe Street and James Street in the inner city suburb of Northbridge. [1] Located within Chinatown are 13 restaurants and businesses. [2] Many more Asian businesses are found further north around William Street near Brisbane Street, an area known informally for this reason as the "real Chinatown", [3] and throughout both the Perth metropolitan region and the rest of Western Australia.

The City of Vincent (whose council boundary starts from Newcastle Street) has installed Asiatic themed street lights and street furniture to reflect the proliferation of Asian businesses in this area (see corner of William Street and Forbes Road). Businesses include restaurants, hair salons, grocery stores, travel agencies, Daiguo shipping companies, and medicine shops. The Vietnamese Buddhist Association and Temple is also located just off William Street on Money Street.

While the area known informally as "real Chinatown" has always had a high proportion of non-Anglo migrants, its make-up has changed with time. During the 1970s and 1980s, during which the Vietnam War ended and the Indochina refugee crisis began, the area housed Vietnamese migrants. Prior to this it was a Jewish quarter with Jewish businesses in the area; some still remain but are primarily landowners. Well known migrant business Kakulas Brothers still operate their wholesale operations off William Street on Wellman Street. From 2010 there has been a steady increase of mainland Chinese businesses as well as Korean businesses operating in the area.

Historically many Chinese (usually of Malaysian, Singaporean or Indonesian background) settled in Northbridge alongside other immigrant groups. However, the city's low population density and comparatively low-cost property encourages migrants to move to the expanding suburbs. Likewise, overseas students often chose to live in suburbs near the universities they attend, such as Bentley, Murdoch and Nedlands.

Culture

The Northbridge Chinatown location serves as a hub for Chinese cultural events, such as the annual Chung Wah Perth Chinese New Year Fair. This event has involved multiple stalls, entertainment and activities along a closed to traffic James Street, as well as the Northbridge Piazza and Yagan Square. [4] The Chung Wah Association representing Western Australia's Chinese diaspora has been based in Chung Wah Hall on James Street since 1911, directly across from the official Chinatown area. [5]

Transport

The closest train station to Chinatown is Perth railway station, to its south-east on Roe Street. The Perth Busport is about 50 metres (160 ft) south of the precinct.

References

  1. ^ "Chinatown: A place of culture and authenticity – Vision". Metropolitan Redevelopment Authority. Government of Western Australia. Archived from the original on 14 March 2016. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  2. ^ Barnett, Colin; Day, John (24 November 2013). "Chinatown returns to its former glory". Department of the Premier and Cabinet Media Office (Media Statement). Western Australia: Commonwealth of Australia. Archived from the original on 31 January 2021. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  3. ^ Teoh, Nita (10 December 2008). "Stroll through the Hustle and Bustle of the Real Chinatown". Perth Walkabout. Retrieved 26 January 2021.
  4. ^ https://perthisok.com/event/where-to-celebrate-the-2023-lunar-new-year-in-perth/
  5. ^ https://visitperth.com/en/see-and-do/cultural-sites-and-memorials/venues/chung-wah-hall

Further reading