Whether you celebrate Chinese New Year or not, a day trip to Binondo is a great way to get a taste and feel of Chinese traditions and way of life. Walking tours and food crawls in Manila’s Chinatown are popular activities all year round.
Since the best way to explore Binondo is on foot, leading walking shoes brand Skechers shares this “must-do” list of things to do in the district.
Indulge in Chinatown eats
A Binondo crawl will not be complete without an epic food trip. Enjoy fresh baked pastries like hopia and bring home a variety of snacks from the iconic Eng Bee Tin Chinese Deli. Right beside it is the 70-year-old Chuan Kee Chinese turo-turo which will satisfy your taste buds and fill your tummy at the same time.
Need more suggestions? Go to these famous specialty establishments: Masuki for mami and siopao, Sincerity for fried chicken, and New Po Heng Lumpia House for, you guessed it—lumpia!
Walk while eating your way through Binondo for maximum convenience and to burn those calories.
Meet up and chill at the mall
Take a breather from all the walking on the streets and enjoy the air-conditioned comforts of the mall.
Lucky Chinatown, located at the heart of Reina Regente Street and De La Reina Street, is strategically located thus it makes for an ideal meeting spot. While you’re there, head to the Skechers store to try on and purchase a pair of GOwalks, ideally before starting your tour, or afterwards to treat your tired feet.
Headlining the new generation of innovative walking footwear from Skechers are the GOwalk Evolution and GOwalk Revolution, the newest releases from the GOWalk line. Both shoes sport the lightweight ULTRA GO cushioning and the Air-Cooled Goga Mat insole on the inside for comfort. The outsole is designed with Ultra Pillars that respond instantly to each step.
Buy good luck charms
Whether or not you believe in feng shui, it’s always an interesting and sensory experience to walk through and visit the rows of stores selling lucky charms and feng shui-related items along Ongpin Street.
From golden buddhas to small knots and lanterns, to the Maneki-neko lucky cats which never tire of waving at customers for good fortune, Binondo’s got them.
Take photos at historical spots
One of the most historic and representative landmarks of Chinatown is the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch. Don’t miss out a quick photo op at this famous site to remember your visit. This arch towers at an impressive 63 feet, making it the tallest Chinatown arch in the world.
After taking a few shots at the arch, visit the Minor Basilica of St. Lorenzo Ruiz, or more commonly referred to as Binondo Church. Its classic facade and spacious plaza at its front makes it a go-to meet-up place for friends and families. You’ll meet lots of people taking selfies outside, so be sure to bring your trusty monopod to capture the church’s splendid architecture.
