Dragon - Ottawa Chinatown Royal Arch - Ottawa, Ontario
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Weathervane
N 45° 24.675 W 075° 42.385
18T E 444723 N 5028879
These granite dragon sculptures and reliefs are located in proximity to and on the Ottawa Chinatown Royal Arch, in Ottawa, Ontario.
Waymark Code: WM11FF8
Location: Ontario, Canada
Date Posted: 10/14/2019
Views: 5
Did you know that as Canada’s capital city Ottawa shares a special sister city designation with China’s capital city, Beijing? In 1999, Ottawa and Beijing entered into a “sister city” agreement, which focuses on environmental protection, municipal administration, technology and tourism.
In terms of tourism, the agreement establishes cooperation between the cities to promote each other, as well as the Badaling section of the Great Wall and the Rideau Canal, which are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Ottawa’s unique Chinatown Gateway (also known as the Royal Arch), located on Somerset Street West just off Bronson Avenue, is a direct result of this prosperous relationship and is a symbol of the strong China-Canada friendship. Completed in October 2010, the ornate Chinese northern-royal-style gateway features nine golden roofs covered with glazed tiles. The arch is also decorated with five symbolic coins made of precious metals including gold, silver, copper, iron and tin, as well as various threads in red, yellow, blue and black. Two carved dragons guard either side of the arch, symbolizing benevolent power, strength and good luck. According to the Somerset Street Chinatown Business Improvement Area (BIA), the beautiful structure follows Chinese traditions that “bring blessings to the people and to the land.” The archway was made possible by contributions from the City of Ottawa, the Chinatown BIA, the governments of Canada and Ontario, and the government of China who provided funding, materials and the expertise of Chinese tradesmen.
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