Chinatown Gates

Begins March 11th

Submissions Close June 30th 11:59 PM EDT

Design a gate that reflects the unique Chinese culture seen all across the world.

Task:

In the time given, design a gate that resembles one found in chinatowns across the world. Your design should take into account all elements of Chinese culture that influenced the appearence of either traditional or modern chinatown gates.

Once finished, submit your design to before 6/30/2026 at 11:59 PM EDT. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel of judges at a later date to be announced.

Ready to submit?

Submissions close 6/30/26 at 11:59 PM EDT.

SUBMIT

Background

The Gates

All the major chinatowns across the world share one distinguishing landmark - the Paifangs (牌坊), or ceremonial archway gates that welcome visitors and residents into their diaspora. These entrances are uniquely Chinese in their appearance, usually incorporating elements of upturned eves, intricate wood or stone carvings, dragon/phoenix/lion motifs and calligraphy plaques.

History

The origins of this architectural form dates back over 2,000 years from the Han Dynasty (206BCE-220CE). Their use of gates in Chinatowns across the world did not start until the mid-1800s as large waves of Chinese immigration made their way to North America, Southeast Asia, Australia and elsewhere.

To establish their presence and celebrate their identity, the Chinese business districts pushed to strategically place ornate and visually striking pieces at the entrances of their neighborhoods. As more Chinatowns added these gates, it also served as a means of attracting tourism, rebrand their neighborhood as cultural destinations and signify their arrival in a major city.

The features of these gates include Dragons (power, strength), Guardian Lions (protection), Red Pillars (Luck and Prosperity), Gold Accents (Wealth) and Chinese calligraphy conveying blessings to those who pass through. Collectively, these gates are a visual representation of Prosperity and Protection, Cultural Continuity, Community Resilience, and a Welcome to Visitors.

The Traditional Gate

The characteristics of a gate are always symmetrical with a central arch for main pedestrian traffic. There are traditionally an odd number of tiers (1, 3, or 5 roofs) to symbolize hierarchy and prosperity. These rooflines are made up of upturned eaves that mimic imperial Chinese architecture that visually “lift” the structure. These eaves are also believed to ward off evil spirits and channel positive feng shui principles.

Beneath these eaves are the bracketing systems (dougong), the interlocking wooden brackets used in classical Chinese buildings. However, instead of being structural, they are often decorative and usually carved or molded concrete and painted in elaborate patterns.

There are usually 2-4 large vertical pillars that are representative of strength and stability and often painted in red, another symbol of prosperity and protection). These pillars are usually resting on stone or carved bases.

Beyond the structural components, the gates in different locations have variations that are designed to be best suited for their geography. West Coast US gates often have heavy tile roofs and stone lions. Some East Coast gates use more reinforced concrete due to winter conditions. Finally, Southeast Asian Chinatowns sometimes feature more elaborate multi-tiered roofs.

Each gate would also incorporate distinctive designs but focus on traditional Chinese symbolic decorative elements. Common motifs include:

Dragons -> Power, protection, imperial authority
Phoenixes -> harmony and prosperity
Guardian lions -> protection
Lotus Flowers -> purity
Cloud Patterns -> good fortune

Colors that are typically used and their meanings:

Red -> Luck, celebration
Gold -> Wealth, imperial status
Green/Blue tiles -> harmony, heaven
Yellow -> imperial authority

The Modern Gate

The newer gates that adorn some Chinatowns blend traditional Chinese architecture with contemporary designs. They often feature traditional motifs with modern materials and structural innovations.

The Chicago gate was designed by Peter Fung and uses steel legs to support a traditional pagoda style roof:

The Los Angeles Chinatown Gateway Monument was installed in 2001 and is often referred to as the Dragon Gate because it is a steel structure with golden dragons:

Some designs veer farther away from the traditional and into more symbolic entranceway to Chinatown such as the “Six Gates” proposal for NYC that can incorporate kiosks while serving as a sanctuary entrance in an otherwise hectic and congested city intersection.

Ultimately, the design for a gate is an exercise in creativity and homage to the culture - to incorporate the old, the new, the traditional, and unique while attuning it to the geographical features that lend itself to serve as the entranceway for a city within a city that is Chinatown.