COFCO Chinese Cultural Ctr   

668 N 44th St # 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
602-275-8578

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Built in 1997, the COFCO Chinese Cultural Center adds authentic Asian spice to the Southwestern tang in Phoenix. The name derives from the China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuff Import and Export Corporation, the company which founded the center. Ornate dragons and other elaborate Asian architectural flourishes surround executive suites, businesses and select specialty shops. These shops, like Oriental Factory Direct, offer authentic antiques, works of art, Asian artifacts, furniture, food, fine jewelry, formal wear and souvenirs. Shop the 99 Ranch Asian Supermarket for the Valley's most complete variety of Asian ingredients and learn the ways of the wok with exotic cooking classes. A traditional two-acre Chinese garden designed by famous garden architect Madame Ye Juhua envelops the Center in classic Suzhou style. The gardens are dressed with imported cobblestones, wooden carvings, pagodas, statues and replicas of Chinese landmarks. One of these stunning replicas is the Carved Monument Veranda; the original is in Zhen Jiang's Bei Gu Mountain. A pond replete with water lilies and fish provides a pleasant setting for such attractions as the Autumn Moon Lake Pavilion, the Little Ying Zhou Waterfront Pavilion and the Sampan Seafood Restaurant with its exquisite 19th-century fishing village setting. Open daily, Center admission is free. Savor the best in Chinese and Asian cuisine and culture at this sleek Phoenix version of Chinatown filled with sights to see and tastes to treasure.