Parián (Manila)

[1] The place gave its name to the gate connecting it to Intramuros (where most of the Spanish colonial and administrative government was located), the Puerta del Parián.

This market, known as Parián, rapidly attracted large numbers of traders and craftsmen, most of whom being Chinese immigrants coming from Southern Fujian, where the main port of embarkation at the time was at Haicheng.

The community had more than a hundred shops comprising the Chinese silk market, small shops of tailors, cobblers, painters, bakers, confectioners, candle makers, silversmiths, apothecaries and other tradesmen.The location of the Parián moved from time to time and persisted until 1790, when it was torn down to make room for new fortifications on the northern side of Intramuros.

Finally, Binondo became known as Manila's Chinatown district due to its history as the settlement area for Catholic Sangley Chinese residents since the Spanish era.

The name suggests origins as a meeting place for local rice farmers around Manila, before soon becoming a commercial center with Chinese merchants.