Chinatown Friendship Archways in USA & Distinctly Chinese Places in Washington D.C.

A Guide to Chinatown Friendship Archway and Distinctly Chinese Places

A Guide to Chinatown Friendship Archways and Distinctly Chinese Places in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C.'s Chinatown was originally located near Pennsylvania Avenue. In 1931, the government seized the land to build the Federal Triangle and other federal projects, forcing the community to scatter. A new Chinatown emerged along H Street NW between 5th and 7th Streets in the District of Columbia despite resistance from some local businesses and landowners.

The Friendship Archway was brought to life by Alfred Liu, an architect and longtime champion of Chinatown. Liu also designed Wah Luck House, an apartment building providing housing for elderly residents. Born in Taiwan, Liu moved to the United States as a teenager and became deeply involved in advocating for Chinatown’s growth and cultural presence as Chairman of the Chinatown Development Corporation.

A local Washington, D.C. site, Greater Greater Washington, chronicles the building and refurbishing of the Friendship Archway over the years in two articles titled Chinatown’s Friendship Archway and The Story of DC's Friendship Archway in Chinatown .

2026 Chinese New Year Parade

Crowds filled Washington D.C. Chinatown and downtown celebrating Chinese New Year with traditional music and cultural performances.

The Year of the Horse represents strength, freedom, and vitality in the Chinese zodiac.

Street photography by Gavin Bragdon.

Restaurants

  • China Boy Rice Noodle
    815 6th St NW, DC
    Website
  • China Express
    746 6th St NW, DC
    Website
  • Chinatown Garden
    618 H St NW, DC
    Website
  • Dumpling District
    625 H St NW, DC
    Website
  • Joy Luck House
    748 6th St NW, DC
    Website
  • Reren Lamen & Bar
    817 7th St NW, DC
    Website
  • Tony Cheng
    619 H St NW, DC
    Website
  • Wasai & Gong Cha
    716 7th St NW, DC
    Website

Market / Specialty Store

  • Da Hsin Trading Company
    811 7th St NW, DC
    Website

Friendship Archways Around the United States

San Francisco, California

Dragon Gate

Built: 1970

Grant Ave & Bush St

Los Angeles, California

Chinatown Central Plaza Gateway

Built: 1938

Broadway, Los Angeles

New York City, New York

Manhattan Chinatown Archway

Built: 2009

Canal St & Bowery

Chicago, Illinois

Chinatown Gate

Built: 1975

Wentworth Ave

Seattle, Washington

Chinatown–International District Gate

Built: 2008

S King St

Honolulu, Hawaii

Chinatown Gateway Plaza Arch

Built: 2009

N King St

Boston, Massachusetts

Chinatown Gate

Built: 1982

Beach St

Chinese Museum in Washington D.C.

Located near Dupont Circle, the Chinese American Museum preserves Chinese-American history.

1218 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036
Wednesday–Saturday, 10 AM – 4 PM
Free Admission

Location: Washington, DC, USA

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