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#85 Entrance

Gate of Harmonious Interest-->this impressive 11.5 m (38-ft) ornamental gate is the entrance to Victoria's Chinatown, which was established in 1858 and is the oldest in Canada. It is the only Canadian Chinatown that has a complete history, dating from the first Chinese arrival in Canada to the present. It's overall theme is Unity in Duality: the Golden Dragon, a Yang element, and the Red Phoenix, a Yin element. Red symbolizes joy and festivity while gold symbolizes wealth and prosperity. These colours, together with the blue-green colour of the Qing Dynasty (symbolizing growth and peace) represent the harmony of the elements. In particular, the red and gold represent the union of heaven and earth. Bells are hung from the corner of the gate and when they chime in the wind, it is believed that they ward off evil spirits. On each side of the gate are two stone lions that guard and protect Chinatown (female on the right and male on the left which also signify the balance of Yin and Yang) and apparently there are time capsules located in their bases. Usually it is a busier place, but I wandered down early in the morning before most of the shops or restaurants were open in order to get some challenge pictures.