Wealth Paifang completes Chinatown precinct

The final step in delivering streetscape and cultural embellishments in the Gold Coast Chinatown Precinct Plan has been officially dedicated by Mayor Tom Tate and Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Brisbane, Dr Xu Jie.

The Wealth Paifang, or gateway, spans 14 metres across Davenport Street, near Davison Lane and stands about nine metres. It was designed in collaboration with our Friendship City Chengdu, the Chengdu Municipal People’s Government, Chengdu Dov. Design Co. and Urban Art Projects.  

Mayor Tate said this was a momentous occasion for the city.

“Since 2013, streetscape improvements, cultural embellishments and the construction of three paifangs marking the entrances to Gold Coast Chinatown have provided the foundation for the precinct,” he said.

“We have been richly blessed with the guidance from our sister cities in Asia including Chengdu, Zhuhai, Taipei and Beihai, to create this wonderful centre for multicultural festivities.

“Its emergence as an exciting destination to celebrate diversity through culture, design, people and food is seen at our annual Lunar New Year celebrations when crowds of 15,000 fill the streets.”

Mayor Tate said Gold Coast Chinatown was playing a key role in the development of Southport as the endorsed city CBD and giving it the edge from other retail and commercial centres on the coast.

“It will continue to grow and evolve over time just like other major CBD Chinatown precincts in Sydney and Melbourne,” he said.

“The CBD is primed for significant growth over the next decade.”

Mayor Tate said the City’s next major focus for Southport would be the revitalisation of the CBD’s main street and laneways with a master plan in development for Nerang Street.

The dedication ceremony for the Wealth Paifang marks the end of 2018 Lunar New Year celebrations.

A Chinatown Street Market is held on the first Saturday of every month. Go to: www.goldcoastcbd.com.au/chinatown

About Wealth Paifang:

The Wealth Paifang is at the main entrance to Gold Coast Chinatown.It represents the feng shui meaning of ‘wealth’.Traditional Chinese craftsman made many of the materials in the paifang, giving it authenticity.The colours gold and red symbolise wealth and good fortune. The gold shingles draw inspiration from Chinese lucky coin strands used in feng shui to attract the energy of wealth and prosperity.The gold shingles also represent Chinese dragon scales. Dragons are symbolic of luck and strength.The colour of gold symbolises wealth and prosperity and is the most prestigious colour of all in Chinese culture.The gold on this paifang is also inspired by the golden sand and sunshine of the Gold Coast.The hibiscus flowers are inspired by Chengdu in southwest China, known as the ‘City of Hibiscus’. This flower has many meanings, including wealth and fame.The paifang greeting translates to ‘wishing good fortune and everything you desire’ and is a popular Chinese New Year saying.