Chinese Cemetery

Chinese Cemetery

There is a Filipino saying: “If you haven’t been to the Chinese Cemetery, you haven’t really been to Manila.” This shows just how well-known the Chinese Cemetery is. Located in the capital city of Manila, Philippines, it is the second-largest cemetery in the city. If the Philippines had its own version of the Eight Scenic Spots, the Chinese Cemetery would undoubtedly be the most unique among them, as it is a must-visit attraction for both domestic and international tourists coming to Manila.

Covering an area of 20 hectares, the Chinese Cemetery dates back over 120 years. At that time, many overseas Chinese did not follow the Catholic faith, so they often had nowhere to be buried after death. In response, local leader Lim Wong purchased a plot of land and established a cemetery for the Chinese community. The streets within the Chinese Cemetery are neat and flat, with lush trees around park pavilions. It is divided into areas such as the columbarium section, the in-ground burial section, and the popular “Garden of Memories” visited by countless tourists. The tomb styles are incredibly diverse — from ornate Chinese palaces adorned with dragons and phoenixes, to European-style villas, from church-like structures to mosque-style exteriors. This has earned the cemetery the reputation of being an “architectural museum.”

Influenced by a culture of luxury, tombs built for deceased loved ones have become increasingly extravagant. There are villa-style mausoleums furnished with all the deceased’s favorite items in life: cars, air conditioners, color TVs, refrigerators, mahjong tables, and more — all real objects. Some even employ dedicated servants or guards to maintain and protect the tombs, a phenomenon rarely seen anywhere else in the world.

Manila Chinese Cemetery

Must-visit reason: One of the most famous cemeteries in the Philippines

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/Region where the attraction is located: Philippines[Philippines]

Province/State where the attraction is located: National Capital Region [National Capital Region]

City where the attraction is located: Manila [Manila]