Real-Shot Experience of ‘Chinatown’ in Antwerp, Belgium – Small in Scale but Full of Chinese Flavor
This is Liu Xiaoshun's Travel and Life Institute.
Antwerp, located in the northwest of Belgium on the Scheldt River, is the largest port city and an important industrial city in Belgium. Antwerp is historically rich and profound, one of Europe's famous cultural centers, as well as a world-renowned tourist city. Moreover, Antwerp is home to a large number of Chinese and overseas Chinese.
If you have ever traveled to Antwerp, Belgium, you will surely find the 'Chinese Town' located in the center of Antwerp City, which is located in the northwest corner of the square opposite the Central Station. Although this 'Chinese Town' looks narrow and small, it is said to be the largest 'Chinese Town' in all of Belgium.
Antwerp's 'Chinese Town' is characterized by its iconic Chinese gate at the entrance, which is said to be the largest Chinese gate in Europe. It was jointly funded by the Antwerp City Government and local Chinese and overseas Chinese associations and embodies the essence of Chinese culture in architecture, sculpture, and murals. The main plaque is made of white jade and inscribed with 'Chinese Town in City' with gold foil decoration, which is unique and impressive.
Various Chinese shops are scattered throughout Antwerp's 'Chinese Town', although the streets are narrow, they still allow public transport trams to pass through. When you arrive at this 'Chinese Town', you can feel the Chinese flavor, as if suddenly traveling back to mainland China, which is very familiar.
Due to the relatively cheaper prices in the shops on 'Chinese Town' plus the tempting Chinese food, many European white people often come to 'Chinese Town' to shop. Of course, if many Chinese tourists are tired of Western food in Europe, they will also come to 'Chinese Town' to find Chinese flavors. And 'Chinese Town' is also a designated tourist attraction recommended by the Antwerp Tourism Official Website!
Have you ever been to Antwerp, Belgium, and traveled to 'Chinese Town'? What are your impressions of Antwerp City? When you traveled to Antwerp, did you visit 'Chinese Town'? If you have the opportunity in the future, would you like to travel to Antwerp?
For more wonderful content, please follow me: Liu Xiaoshun
Look at the world from a fun perspective and be a confident traveler.
