There is the breathtaking Chinese gate, which acts as a symbol of our relationship with the East and our willingness to embrace their culture. Many large British cities boast substantial Chinese communities, but Liverpool has one of the largest and certainly the oldest Chinese community in Europe. Many of the original Chinese settlers arrived here as seamen. This is because during the nineteenth century the Blue Funnel Shipping Line traded heavily with the Far East. Liverpool, being a major shipping and trading port, received a large proportion of this trade and as a result many of the Chinese seamen who travelled here also settled here. The Centre of the giant urban sprawl that is Chinatown is situated in the area around Nelson Street. This in many ways acts as the centre of the community hosting many of the famous Chinese New Year celebrations. Events that take place during these celebrations include dragon dances, a fairground, orchestras, Tai Chi demonstrations and much more. The New Year celebrations affect the whole of Chinatown with the entire community decorating their homes and businesses with flowers and decorations especially for the occasion. There are also a number of parades involving many locals being dressed in mythical costumes of dragons and lions.
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