The Municipality of Santo Domingo has plans for a Santo Domingo Chinatown. Arch. Pedro Alfonso, of the Urban Planning Department of the municipality, says they have plans to post an arch and signs as well as Chinese decorations in what spontaneously has become the city’s Chinatown. This area is located between the city streets of Avenida Mexico, Jacinto de la Concha, Avenida Mella and Calle José Martí, with Avenida Duarte being a central focal point. Listín Diario newspaper reports there are at least 40 Chinese-owned businesses in the area, including restaurants, laundries, beauty salons, video clubs, furniture stores, supermarkets, and pensions, primarily occupied by Chinese residents. The Dragon House Restaurant, on Avenida Duarte, about 50 meters from Avenida México, is a popular outing for middle class and even upscale families on Sundays. Architect Pedro Alfonso says that by dressing up the area, it will become a new tourist attraction.
