Walking through the bustling streets of Davao’s Chinatown offers more than just a stroll through a commercial hub and the aroma of freshly baked hopia, it is a step back in time to the very foundations of the city.
On June 20, 2026, the Davao City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) unveiled the Davao City Chinatown walking tour providing Dabawenyos and visitors alike an immersive experience tracing the economic and cultural milestones of the Chinese-Dabawenyo community.
Participants walk along Oyanguren streets, today known as Ramon Magsaysay Avenue, where Davao’s transformation into a modern city began. The street bears the name of the first Spanish settler in the area in 1848, Don José Oyanguren.
“We have the Chinatown walk tour because the Chinese migrants to Davao City have a lot to do with how Davao was developed as a city. Aside from the Japanese that also help us develop as a premiere city, ang ating mga Chinese migrants malaki rin ang kanila contribution. That’s why we are developing tourist walks that feature our relationship to the different nationalities that help shaped our city (We have the Chinatown walk tour because the Chinese migrants to Davao City have a lot to do with how Davao was developed as a city. Aside from the Japanese that also help us develop as a premiere city, the Chinese migrants also have a big contribution. That’s why we are developing tourist walks that feature our relationship to the different nationalities that help shaped our city),” Gracie Plata, Tourism Relations Specialist of CTOO said.
The journey begins at the Sta. Ana Port, the early maritime gateway where trade between Chinese merchants and indigenous Dabawenyos first flourished. From there, participants will pass through the Unity Arch.
A stop at Kian Bee Trading also introduces participants to the legacy of the scissors through the vibrant textile shops and tailoring business that dressed generations of Dabawenyos.
The itinerary also challenges participants with a Php 100 shopping challenge at the DCLA bazaar, highlights abaca and indigenous materials at Bohol Trading, and takes a nostalgic look at the Ready-to-Wear (RTW) shops and the site of the old NCCC Department store.
The tour continues at Farmacia Suy Hoo then take a break at Fourth Street Cafe, followed by a delicious exploration hopia and dice bread at the iconic Davao Star Bakery.
The walk concluded at the Friendship Arch with snacks at the Davao Famous Restaurant where participants enjoyed local snacks that have become part of Davao’s Filipino-Chinese heritage.
The Chinatown Walk is also one of three walking tours in Davao, alongside the Heritage Walk and the Market Experience tour.
Plata encouraged Dabawenyos to take part in the upcoming Chinatown walk, with two more editions scheduled on June 27, 2026 one in the morning and another in the afternoon.
“We invite you all kay pwede mag abang mo because we will be having two more editions of the Davao Chinatown Walking Tour sa June 27, meron tayong morning and afternoon sessions. So, abang abang sa ating Facebook page yung Duaw Davao and Davao City Tourism Operations Office (We invite you all to stay tuned because we will be having two more editions of the Davao Chinatown Walking Tour on June 27, with morning and afternoon sessions. So, keep an eye on our Facebook page, Duaw Davao and Davao City Tourism Operations Office),” she added.
For more details on the guidelines and mechanics, interested participants may refer to the Duaw Davao Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DuawDavaoEvent and Davao City Tourism Operations Office Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DavaoCityTourism. CIO
Written by: N. Malasado
Edited by: A. Nawal
Photo by: J. Faelnar