In November 1982, Cecilia Moy Yep, with architect Sabrina Soong, and James Guo represented Chinatown in a Trade Mission to China.  The Mission resulted in an Agreement with Philadelphia’s Sister-City, Tianjin, to provide materials and technical assistance for the Gate.

Twelve Chinese artisans arrived in Philadelphia in October, 1983. PCDC Board Members and other volunteers provided food, housing and entertainment for the artisans during their stay.  Extreme cold that winter made the project difficult, but thanks to George Moy’s creative heating system it was finished on schedule. The Friendship Gate was dedicated in January 1984, with Mayor Wilson Goode, Mayor Green, and Vice-Mayor Li of Tianjin in attendance.