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Philadelphia’s Asian American and Pacific Island (AAPI) residents have shaped the city’s social and cultural landscape since the mid-1800s.
The city’s diverse food scene, robust healthcare system and entrepreneurial spirit have all been built through significant contributions by locals and immigrants from the AAPI community.
The Asian American and Pacific Island demographic is made up of over 50 distinct cultures, nearly 75 countries and more than 100 languages.
8% of Philadelphians are AAPI, and the community includes dozens of ethnicities — with the largest groups being Chinese, Indian, Vietnamese, Korean and Filipino.
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Today, Philly’s AAPI community can be found throughout the city, with major cultural pockets in South Philadelphia, West Philadelphia and Chinatown.
Established in 1871, Center City’s Chinatown neighborhood is a bustling community of homes, shops, restaurants and cultural centers.
Chinatown is the heart of Asian history and culture in Philly, featuring iconic public artworks like the Chinatown Friendship Gate and the jaw-dropping Past Supporting the Future (承前啓後) mural — 21 stories in the air on the nearby Crane Building.
Chinatown Friendship Gate — Photo by G. Widman for Visit Philadelphia
All around the city, organizations and attractions like the Asian Arts Initiative, the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Penn Museum and the Japan America Society of Greater Philadelphia (known for Philly’s stunning Shofuso Japanese Cultural Center) work to preserve and share Asian cultural heritage through events, exhibitions and festivals year-round.
Penn Museum Asia Gallery — Photo by Visit Philadelphia
Plus, 11% of Philly’s small businesses are Asian-owned, with new Asian-owned and -operated boutiques, markets, eateries, beauty shops and more popping up regularly.
Philadelphia is one of the best restaurant cities in America — and its James Beard Award-honored food scene proves it.
Culinary powerhouses like chefs Chutatip “Nok” Suntaranon (Kalaya), Ellen Yin (High Street Hospitality), Jesse Ito (Royal Sushi & Izakaya), Benny Lai (Vietnam Restaurant), Sathish Varadhan and Balakrishnan “Bala” Duraisamy (Amma’s South Indian Cuisine), Phila and Rachel Lorn (Mawn), Kiki Aranita (Poi Dog), and more made Philly a hotspot for nationally recognized and downright delicious Asian cuisine — from Chinese to Indian to Thai.
Phila and Rachel Lorn of Mawn — Photo by M. Prince
Philly’s AAPI events and culture fests are a major draw for visitors and locals throughout the year.
Some of the city’s can’t-miss events and attractions include the spectacular Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival, the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival each spring, the nationally renowned Southeast Asian Market, the PECO Multicultural Series’ Festival of India and Taste of the Philippines, the Philadelphia Asian American Film Festival, the Festival of Colors at the Philadelphia Zoo, and the city’s annual AAPI Heritage Month and Lunar New Year celebrations.
Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival — Photo by K. Kelly for Visit Philadelphia
The only way to fully experience Philly? Stay over.
Book the Visit Philly Overnight Package and get free hotel parking and choose-your-own-adventure perks.
Or maybe you’d prefer to buy two Philly hotel nights and get a third night for free? Then book the new Visit Philly 3-Day Stay package.
Which will you choose?