Chinese Chef Monument
Mexicali's New Iconic Sculpture
23 meters tall honoring over 100 years of Chinese gastronomic tradition at the border
"A 23-meter tribute to the culinary heritage that transformed Mexicali"
A Symbol of Identity
The Chinese Chef Monument is Mexicali's new iconic sculpture, an impressive 23-meter tall work that pays tribute to the culinary heritage of the Chinese community in Baja California's capital.
Strategically located at the entrance to La Chinesca, Mexico's oldest Chinatown, this monument represents the Chinese-Mexican gastronomic fusion that has defined Mexicali's identity for over a century. The sculpture shows a Chinese chef with one hand extended in welcome, while the other holds a traditional Chinese food container.
Mexicali has more than 350 Chinese restaurants, the highest concentration per capita in Mexico, and an estimated 40,000 Mexicali residents have Chinese ancestry. This monument celebrates that rich cultural heritage that has transformed local gastronomy.
Discover La Chinesca
The monument is located at the entrance to La Chinesca, the first Magic Neighborhood in Baja California. Explore its underground tunnels, museums, and gastronomy.
Explore La ChinescaMonument Facts
Learn about the technical specifications of this impressive sculptural work
The Artist: Óscar Ortega Corral
Óscar Ortega Corral is a renowned sculptor from Tijuana, Baja California. He was selected for this project due to his extensive experience in monumental works and his technical ability to work with large-scale structures.
The artist designed the sculpture with high-resistance materials that give it an estimated lifespan of up to 100 years, capable of withstanding Mexicali's extreme weather conditions.
About the work
- •Created at the State Center for the Arts (CEART)
- •Materials resistant to extreme desert heat
- •Structure designed for seismic zone
- •Estimated value: 2 million USD
Project History
The journey from announcement to monument inauguration
Project announcement
Mexicali City Hall presents the project with initial investment of $1.5 million MXN
Artist selection
Óscar Ortega Corral, Tijuana sculptor, is chosen by direct award
Construction begins
Work starts at the State Center for the Arts (CEART)
First extension
Deadline extended to November 2024
Second extension
New deadline until March 2025 due to weather conditions
Third extension
Extension to December 2025 due to technical complexity
🎉 Official inauguration
The sculpture is unveiled and delivered to the public on New Year's Eve
Visit the Monument
All the information you need for your visit
Location
Address:
Blvd. Adolfo López Mateos corner Av. Juárez
Historic Downtown, Mexicali, B.C.
Reference:
Entrance to La Chinesca, next to the traditional Chinese Arch
Hours & Access
Free Access
Public space with no admission fee
Open 24/7
Available every day of the year
Photo Spot
Designated area for photos with the monument
Night Lighting
The sculpture is illuminated at night
Nearby Places
Make the most of your visit and explore La Chinesca attractions
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Visit the Chinese Chef Monument
A new Mexicali icon celebrating over 100 years of Chinese gastronomic tradition at the border. Perfect for photos and to start your tour through La Chinesca.