Chinatown Gates

• Many of the decorative elements, such as the gilt characters, painted wood signage and green glazed roof tiles, had visible signs of wear and loss.
• The concrete lions were heavily deteriorated.
• The gates overall had lost vibrance after years of weathering, light exposure and dirt accumulation.

• Many decorative elements were carefully removed from the gates and transported to ICS labs for cleaning, stabilisation and repainting.
• The marble plaques were cleaned in place. Their engraved characters were regilded to return their vibrancy.
• The original concrete lions and their plinths were documented utilising photogrammetry.
• ICS worked with Henry Tsang to design and commission Chinese artisans to carve 4 new granite lions as special guardians of the gates(two northern lions on the Goulburn St end and two southern lions on the Hay Stend).
• ICS removed the old concrete lions and installed the new granite lions  and plinths (male, left side; female, right side).  After installation, the balls in their mouths were carved in situ.
• The timber decorative panels were upgraded, amending the original design to include the phoenix (female symbol) and dragon(male symbol).
• Damaged and warn ceramic roof tiles were replaced.
• New lighting was installed.

The gates, expertly restored with authentic materials by the best craftspeople in China and Australia, are now Resplendently guarded by 4 new Northern and Southern Chinese-style lions. The southern lion honours Sydney as a sister city to Guangzhou in Southern China.

A colourful ceremony, attended by the Lord Mayor of Sydney, The Hon. Henry Tsang and other dignatories, was held on 4 June 2025 to celebrate the rejuvenation of the Dixon Street ceremonial gates and their recent heritage listing.

One of the gates’ inscriptions translates to ‘Continue the past into the future’.  The heritage listing and restoration, preserving the history and original design of the gates, enables future generations to share and appreciate the rich contribution of the Chinese community in Sydney.

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In the news

• https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/improving-streets-public-spaces/restoring-chinatown-ceremonial-gates
• https://gml.com.au/projects/chinatown-gates-haymarket/
• https://www.insideconstruction.com.au/construction-projects/chinatown-archways-restored-to-their-former-glory/
• https://haymarketchamber.org.au/events/ceremony-to-celebrate-completion-of-restoration-of-the-dixon-street-ceremonial-gates-and-their-heritage-listing-on-14-june-2025/
• https://cityhub.com.au/the-historic-gates-in-sydneys-chinatown-have-been-beautifully-restored/