Binondo is a district located in Manila, Philippines. It is widely recognized as the city's Chinatown and holds the distinction of being the oldest Chinatown in the world. The area was established in 1594 by Spanish colonizers as a settlement for Catholic Chinese migrants situated near Intramuros but across the Pasig River.
The location was strategically positioned to allow the colonial administration to monitor migrant subjects, though it had already served as a hub for Chinese commerce prior to the Spanish period. Today, Binondo remains a primary center of trade and commerce in Manila, where various businesses operated by Chinese Filipinos continue to thrive. Its influence extends into neighboring areas including Quiapo, Santa Cruz, San Nicolas, and Tondo.