{"id":15213104,"date":"2026-07-16T17:57:47","date_gmt":"2026-07-16T21:57:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/news\/chinatown-artist-designs-circle-of-unity-murals-to-celebrate-world-cup-and-philly\/"},"modified":"2026-07-17T01:34:41","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T05:34:41","slug":"chinatown-artist-designs-circle-of-unity-murals-to-celebrate-world-cup-and-philly","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.inthacity.com\/news\/chinatown-artist-designs-circle-of-unity-murals-to-celebrate-world-cup-and-philly\/","title":{"rendered":"Chinatown artist designs \u2018Circle of Unity\u2019 murals to celebrate World Cup and Philly"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Love Philly? So do we. Let\u2019s be friends. <\/em>Sign up for the Billy Penn newsletter today<\/em><\/a>.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n

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Walk north on 10th Street towards the Chinatown Friendship Gate and you might notice a red-white-and-blue circular mural on the brick wall between the sushi burrito and frozen ice cream spots.<\/p>\n

The mural \u2013 featuring a buffalo and bald eagle staring at each other regally in front of a blue-starred background \u2013 is the U.S.A. version of one of 17 murals created in celebration of the World Cup by Chinatown-based artist Chenlin Cai. <\/p>\n

Cai is an avid soccer and basketball fan whose artwork has also graced the Crane Center facade, Liberty Bell replicas in the 10th\/Vine pedestrian plaza and countless other projects around the city. <\/p>\n

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A list of feach of the 17 World Cup murals in Chinatown, created by artist Chenlin Cai. (Courtesy Chenlin Cai)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

\u201cWhen I talk to friends about the World Cup, some people don\u2019t know about it, so this is an opportunity to show off one of the most popular sports worldwide\u201d while also celebrating Chinatown, Cai said, noting that he \u2013 and his fellow artist and wife, Xingzi Liang \u2013 were inspired to highlight that spirit of inclusion World Cup visitors, from countries big and small. <\/p>\n

\u201cIn Asian culture \u2013 we both come from China \u2013 the best way to treat your guests is making them feel at home. Make them feel like home, even the small countries,\u201d he said. \u201cNo matter if you are a big or developing country, during this period we all celebrate.\u201d <\/p>\n

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The World Cup mural for Cura\u00e7ao is positioned into place by artists Chenlin Cai and Xingzi Liang on the north side of 10th and Vine Streets. (Heather Chin\/Billy Penn)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Billy Penn joined the artist duo as they installed the 3-by-3-foot modular mural for Cura\u00e7ao \u2013 which features a pink flamingo and is on the facade outside a newly opened bubble tea shop on Vine Street next to the Crane Center at 10th Street \u2013 and talked about designing the murals, choosing locations and the power of art to unite.<\/p>\n

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A post shared by \u8521\u9648\u6797 (@chenlin.cai)<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n

What is the goal of the mural project? And why Chinatown?<\/strong><\/p>\n

This project features a series of modular mural panels designed to transform the Chinatown 10th Street business corridor into a walkable cultural experience. By blending the visual identity\/icons of Philadelphia\u2019s history and culture with the global excitement of the 2026 World Cup and the U.S. 250th Anniversary, this series celebrates the Chinatown neighborhood as a diverse, welcoming gateway to the world.<\/p>\n

There is also strategic impact. For economic revitalization, I want to drive foot traffic from the stadiums into Chinatown as fans “hunt” for their country\u2019s mural, encouraging exploration from south to north of Vine Street. The \u201cwindow format\u201d is perfectly scaled for Instagram\/TikTok “check-ins,” providing free global promotion for Philadelphia and Chinatown.<\/p>\n

This project is supported by PCDC.<\/p>\n

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The World Cup mural for Germany by artists Chenlin Cai and Xingzi Liang on Arch Street. (Heather Chin\/Billy Penn)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

What\u2019s the meaning behind each design? <\/strong><\/p>\n

Each panel acts as a “cultural window,” framing the unique spirit of FIFA World Cup participating nations through the lens of international culture and local heritage.<\/p>\n

The design elements form a \u201cCircle of Unity.\u201d <\/p>\n

There is the National Core \u2013 the center of each piece features the flag colors, iconic animals, and national flora or plants of participating teams. <\/p>\n

There is the Football Structure \u2013 A stylized, non-branded soccer geometry frames the central imagery, instantly recognizable to global fans.<\/p>\n

And there is the Philadelphia context \u2013 I wanted to put Philadelphia icons around the edge, like the Art Museum, Cruiser Olympia (Independence Seaport Museum), the soft pretzel, the skyline and a rowhouse and Liberty Bell and the Chinatown Friendship Gate and City Hall and Rocky and the LOVE statue. Because this is not only for the World Cup, but for Philadelphia.<\/p>\n

This mural roots the global celebration into local history.<\/p>\n

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The World Cup mural for Iraq by artists Chenlin Cai and Xingzi Liang outside the Asianfresh Supermarket on 10th Street. (Heather Chin\/Billy Penn)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Which countries are represented? And will this be a scavenger hunt? <\/strong><\/p>\n

There were 12 countries at first, for the 12 playing here in Philadelphia. Now there are 17. The current mural lineup is Argentina, Brazil, Canada, C\u00f4te d\u2018Ivoire, Croatia, Cura\u00e7ao, Ecuador, England, France, Germany, Ghana, Haiti, Iraq, Mexico, South Korea, Spain, and the USA. <\/p>\n

We are adding 3 more murals to the series and we want YOU to decide which teams should be featured next! <\/p>\n

Vote by dropping a comment on Cai\u2019s Instagram page<\/a> with your three favorite teams.<\/p>\n

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In Philadelphia\u2018s Chinatown, you can find murals of 17 of these teams. (Courtesy of Chenlin Cai)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The post Chinatown artist designs \u2018Circle of Unity\u2019 murals to celebrate World Cup and Philly<\/a> appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Source: News \u2013 World \u2013 Philadephia \u2013 rss.app2 \u2192 manual entry<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Love Philly? So do we. Let\u2019s be friends. Sign up for the Billy Penn newsletter today. Walk north on 10th Street towards the Chinatown Friendship Gate and you might notice a […]
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