Barrio Chino anyone?

 

 

 

 

 

Barrio Chino also known as Chinatown is one of the newest editions to San Jose. Erected and inaugurated in 2012 by the Municipality of San Jose it has been a fan favorite to many. Originally, prior to forming a relationship with China, Costa Rica had a 60 year relationship with Taiwan. That relationship ended in 2007 when then president Oscar Arias cut off all ties with Taiwan to begin a friendship (or economic relationship) with China. In 2003, Taiwan donated what was called "Friendship Bridge" in Guanacaste. The bridge is still standing, however, the friendship is long gone.

 



 

With a  $1 million donation from China, the then Mayor of San Jose Johnny Araya pushed for the construction of Chinatown. Chinatown is a pedestrian boulevard that spans over 600 meters in length. This architectural structure was in Chinatown long before it was known as Chinatown. You see, prior to this area converting to a Chinese mecca it was already an known in its own right. It was called, "Paseo de los Estudiantes" or loosely translated as walkway of the students, since nearby there are several high schools.

 

 

 

Chinatown is like the town with some China in it. Chinatown has some stores that are owned and operated by Chinese immigrants, however, the majority are Costa Rican run. Here, between the optical, ice cream parlors and Western Union there are some Chinese stores like the one pictured above. Here, you can find ceramic goods like lamps and traditional Chinese tea cups, traditional Chinese dolls among many other items. Some stores even sell jewelry like Jade, however always verify the authenticity of the Jade you purchase. I once bought what I thought was Jade and when I accidentally dropped it on the floor it shattered into pieces...real Jade is not so fragile. The prices of Jade in Chinatown vary from $2 to $200, so do your homework before buying.

 

 





 



 

 





 

 

 

Chinatown has some interesting features such as a pair of lions that appear at the entrance. It gives it a more Asian feel to the area. In addition, the lamps that are on the pedestrian boulevard are of an Asian design which gives Chinatown a different feeling. Notice the difference between the Asian lamps and the standard Costa Rican lamps in the background of the above picture.  These little details add up to make the visitor feel all the more in Chinatown.

 

 



 

 

Something that catches my eye and blends an Oriental feel with mother nature is how trees are planted from one end to the other end of Chinatown. It gives a natural, relaxed sensation as these trees although thin provide shade and are pleasant on the eyes. The boulevard as seen above is yellow and red which represent the colors of the Chinese flag.

 

 

 

At the very end of the Chinatown, you will come across this very large statue of Confucius. Confucius was a philosopher who promoted values of social and political harmony. His beliefs are noted in 4 books, 5 scriptures, 6 pieces of art and 8 important virtues. This information can be found on the plaque that is on the back of the Confucius statue.

 

 

 

 

 

So remember, when you come to San Jose there is a lot to see and do. You never know exactly what will happen or who you'll bump into. As was my case when I ran into this mime on my way to Chinatown! Although, our Chinatown is not nearly as big and bold as the ones in San Francisco or New York...it took a lot of time and money to make. Costa Rica proudly encompasses one of the more than 30 countries that boast having there very own slice of China!