Binondo is an enclave in Manila primarily populated by Chinese immigrants who chose to live in the Philippines. Historically, the place called Parian near Intramuros was where the Chinese immigrants lived while Binondo was the place where their descendants, the Mestizos de Sangley or Chinese mestizos resided. The Parian was sited by the Spaniards within the range of Intramuros cannons, to prevent any uprising coming from the Chinese.It is located across the Pasig River from Intramuros and the home of Chinatown in Manila. The district is the center of commerce and trade for all types of businesses run by Chinese merchants. It is said that this district was already a hub of Chinese commerce even before the Spaniards came in 1571.