The Chinatown Gate, also known as the China Trade Gate, is a paifang archway that marks the symbolic entrance to Boston’s Chinatown, the only historic Chinatown remaining in New England. Standing at the Beach Street entrance to the neighborhood, near Surface Road and the Rose Kennedy Greenway, the colorful gate is guarded by a pair of foo dog statues and is one of the most photographed landmarks in the district.
The structure, made of painted steel tubing on a concrete base and designed by David Judelson, draws on the foo dogs and a stone plaque that were originally a gift from the government of Taiwan in 1982; the gate itself was installed in 1988. It serves as a popular gathering point and a gateway to Chinatown’s restaurants, bakeries, and markets. The gate is a free outdoor landmark, open and viewable at any time.
Good to know
- A paifang archway marking the entrance to New England’s only historic Chinatown
- Flanked by foo dog statues originally gifted by the government of Taiwan; gate installed in 1988
- A free outdoor landmark you can view any time, day or night
- Sits beside the Rose Kennedy Greenway and the gateway to Chinatown’s restaurants and shops
Getting there
- Address: Beach Street at John F. Fitzgerald Surface Road, Boston, MA 02111
- Neighborhood: Chinatown
- Nearest T: Chinatown (Orange Line) is closest; South Station (Red and Silver Lines) is also a short walk