5 Must Visit Chinatowns in the USA (2024)

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By Juwai, 20 September 2023

5 Must Visit Chinatowns in the USA (1)

1.Los Angeles, California

Though small in area, the list of things to do in L.A.'s Chinatown runs long enough to fill an afternoon; of course, you'll find the tastiestdim sumwest of theSan Gabriel Valley. Still, there are also grocery stores that stock those hard-to-find ingredients,under-the-radar art galleries, cultural festivals, dimly litdive barsand a culinary scene that's abuzz. Most of the major attractions are along Hill Street and Broadway,north of Cesar Chavez Avenue—but a bustling scene has also blossomed just off an industrial stretch of Spring Street near the river, so make sure to leave plenty of time to explore all corners.

2.New York City, New York

Walkthrough the area south of Broome and east of Lafayette Streets that make up Chinatown in NYC, and it might feel like you've been transported to another continent. Mott and Grand Street are chock-full of stands selling exotic foods such as live eels, square watermelons and hairy rambutans, while Canal Street draws you in with some of thebest shopsfor jewellery and gifts. As a significant part of NYC's food culture, you'll find excellent restaurants in Chinatown representing the cuisine of virtually every province of mainland China and Hong Kong, plus Indonesian, Malaysian, Thai and Vietnamese eateries.

3.Chicago, Illinois

Established in 1912 within the neighbourhood of Armor Square, Chicago's Chinatown is one of the older Chinese-American communities in the nation. Today, the area attracts visitors throughout the city for its rich culture, delicious cuisine and some of thebest karaoke bars in Chicago. Take a walk through Chinatown Square Plaza, and you'll spot Peking ducks hanging in windows, fancy tea houses and shops selling imported sweets. Stroll down Wentworth Avenue to walk beneath the Chinatown Gateway and grab a treat from a few of thebest bakeries in Chicago.

4.San Francisco, California

One of the oldest and most established Chinatowns in the United States (it was found way back in 1848), S.F.'s Chinatown is full of culture and attractions, from arts organizations like theChinese Cultural Centerand the annualChinese New Year festivalto thefamousGolden Gate Fortune Cookie Factoryand modern watering holes likeChina Live. It's also one of the most walkable (read: flattest) neighbourhoods in a city filled with hills. Start at the Dragon Gate, then peruseGrant Avenue, the neighbourhood's main thoroughfare, for just a taste of the varied shops, bakeries, bars and restaurants you can find here.

5.Honolulu, Hawaii

Honolulu's Chinatown has seen many iterations since Chinese immigrants first settled there in 1870. It's been destroyed by fire (twice!),became a red-light district in the early 20th century, and is now anarts and theatre district with historic designation. Plus, the state's proximity to Asia makes it a melting pot for all Asian cultures. Browse modern stores likeRoberta Oaks, a pioneer in a neighbourhood that's now known for its trendy boutiques and famous restaurants—you're sure to find a knick-knack to take back home with you.

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5 Must Visit Chinatowns in the USA (2024)

FAQs

What is the best Chinatown in the United States? ›

Chinatowns in the United States
  1. San Francisco, CA. San Francisco's Chinatown, one of the nation's oldest and most recognisable Chinatowns, is a cultural Mecca. ...
  2. New York City, NY. ...
  3. Seattle, WA. ...
  4. Los Angeles, CA. ...
  5. Chicago, IL. ...
  6. Honolulu, HI. ...
  7. Boston, MA. ...
  8. Philadelphia, PA.
Apr 17, 2024

What are the 2 largest Chinatowns in the USA? ›

The Flushing Chinatown in New York City is now home to the largest Chinese population outside of Asia, while the Chinatown in San Francisco is the oldest in the United States.

What is the oldest Chinatown in us? ›

Built in the early 1850s, San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest Chinatown in America and has played an influential role in the growth of Chinese immigrants in the country. In 1900, San Francisco's population was 95% white and just 4% Chinese, US Census Bureau data shows.

How many Chinatowns are there in the USA? ›

There are now Chinatowns in nearly every major U.S. city, and roughly 50 Chinatowns across the U.S. Some of the best known are located in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., Honolulu, Seattle, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston and Portland, Oregon.

Where is the most popular Chinatown? ›

7 of the Top Chinatowns Around the World
  1. New York City, New York, US. Nom Wah Tea Parlour is a highlight of New York City's Chinatown. ...
  2. London, England. London's Chinatown is full of delicious food and culture to boot. ...
  3. Vancouver, Canada. The Dr. ...
  4. Lima, Peru. ...
  5. Melbourne, Australia. ...
  6. Bangkok, Thailand. ...
  7. San Francisco, California, US.
Apr 19, 2024

What is the most Chinese city in the United States? ›

New York City is home to the largest Chinese-American population of any city proper, with over half a million.

Is Chinatown in Boston worth visiting? ›

Boston's Chinatown is one of the largest in the country, and offers a plethora of shops and eateries. You can walk through the Chinatown Gate to spot its protective lions, visit shops along the winding streets, and encounter Asian-American cultural history at the Pao Arts Center.

Which US cities have the best Chinese food? ›

Averaging 53% of restaurants with a rating of 4 or higher in the sample, Seattle is American city with the best Chinese food. That is a lot higher than Portland, another city in the Pacific Northwest, in second position with 44%.

Which is the cleanest Chinatown in the world? ›

To put things into perspective, Yokohama Chinatown is the cleanest Chinatown in the world, reports say.

Where do most Chinese live in USA? ›

The Manhattan Chinatown contains the largest concentration of ethnic Chinese in the Western hemisphere; while the Flushing Chinatown in Queens has become the world's largest Chinatown.

Does Florida have a Chinatown? ›

North Miami is the first community in Florida to designate a Chinatown district and the first with a master plan.

What was the old name for Chinatown? ›

Singapore's Chinatown is known as Niu che shui in Mandarin, Gû-chia-chúi in Hokkien, and Ngàuh-chē-séui in Cantonese - all of which mean "bullock water-cart" - and Kreta Ayer in Malay, which means "water cart".

Are the US Chinatowns shrinking? ›

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, some of America's most prominent Chinatowns had declines in their Asian population between 1990 and 2020. New York's lost 24%; Washington, D.C.'s lost 41%; Philadelphia's lost 15%; and San Francisco's lost 6%.

What American city is known for the largest Chinatown outside of China? ›

San Francisco Chinatown is the largest Chinatown outside of Asia as well as the oldest Chinatown in North America. It is one of the top tourist attractions in San Francisco.

Why does the US have so many Chinatowns? ›

Facing economic threats and violence, early Chinese immigrants banded together and created communities to survive—and thrive. America's Chinatowns are often thought of as tourist destinations, whether it's to shop for good deals or to enjoy traditional Asian cuisine.

Who has the largest Chinatown in North America? ›

New York. Although there are several Chinatowns throughout New York City, the most famous one is in Manhattan. It hails as the largest Chinatown in the US, encompassing about 40 blocks and home to over 150,000 Chinese-speaking residents. And in true New York fashion, this city within a city is a veritable melting pot.

Why is SF Chinatown famous? ›

Since its establishment in the early 1850s, it has been important and influential in the history and culture of ethnic Chinese immigrants in North America. Chinatown is an enclave that has retained its own customs, languages, places of worship, social clubs, and identity.

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