25 Photos of Binondo Through the Years

Established in 1594, Binondo is known as the oldest Chinatown in the world. Though originally meant for Chinese immigrants who converted to Catholicism, the district grew to become the center of commerce, finance, and trade in the Philippines. Look back and see photos of Binondo through the years below.

More: The Story of How Binondo Became the World's Oldest Chinatown

Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz (formerly Plaza de Binondo)

Photo by WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

El Oriental, a chocolate and coffee factory

The Binondo Canal ferry

A view of Muelle de la Industria

The Binondo Canal Lift Bridge

The Camisa Church in Binondo

A group of Filipino flower sellers by the Binondo Church

A street scene outside the Binondo Church

A busy and crowded day filled with horse-drawn carriages

The bustling streets of Binondo

The Office of the Cantonese Association

Quintin Paredes Street (formerly Calle Rosario) in Binondo, Manila

A casco boat which was used to carry cargo and goods across lakes and rivers

The New Light Theater in Ongpin

An aerial view of Binondo in 1945

A closer look at the war-torn district

The smoke-filled air after the Battle of Manila

Binondo at the end of the '40s

A view of Ongpin street

Another view of Ongpin Street

A young saleswoman in a gun shop

Hong Bon Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in Binondo

A recent photo of Estero de Binondo

Photo by WIKIMEDIA COMMONS.

Binondo lion dancers welcoming the Lunar New Year in 2017

The Binondo we know today