03 Sep The World’s Best Chinatowns for Tourists
Who knew there were so many fabulous Chinatowns around the world? One of the top ones, of course, is right here in San Francisco. Known as the oldest of its kind in North America, San Francisco’s Chinatown was historically a starting point for many Chinese immigrants to the West Coast, and it remains home to over 15,000 Chinese residents.
In addition to being a cultural center for the Bay Area’s substantial Chinese population, Chinatown is also a top tourist destination. In fact, more people head to Chinatown each year to take in the sites than the Golden Gate Bridge. This area boasts some of the city’s best galleries, bars, restaurants, shops, and historical sites.
If you’re heading to San Francisco’s Chinatown, you’ll want to start at the Dragon Gate and take advantage of arts organizations like the Chinese Cultural Center. Check out the tea shops, the side alley shops, the unassuming Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory, and satisfy your taste buds with authentic cuisine at one of the landmarks like Z & Y Restaurant.
But, if you’re ready to expand your horizons and plan some trips to a few other destinations, there are plenty you’ll want to put on your list. Here is just a taste of some of the top Chinatowns in the world for tourists.
1. London
London’s Chinatown has been located in different parts of the city since Chinese immigrants began settling in the area in the 18th century. It was originally in the East End, situated in the Limehouse area, but it moved to the West End in the 1950s.
Today, you’ll find London’s Chinatown firmly established in the SoHo district, complete with a grand new gate. The area has some unique speakeasy bars as well as delicious dim sum and traditional Cantonese restaurants.
2. New York
New York City boasts the second-largest Chinatown in North America (behind San Francisco). Located in Lower Manhattan, the neighborhood is incredibly eclectic and lively. It grew so rapidly towards the end of the 20th century that it began encroaching on neighboring Little Italy, which thankfully has survived.
If you visit, you’ll find a diverse range of regional Chinese cuisine that will be sure to satisfy. Beyond this, there are shops, cultural opportunities, and a seemingly endless choice of bars.
3. Melbourne
Melbourne is home to one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world, established during the 1854 Victoria Gold Rush. When you visit during Chinese New Year, you’ll also get to see the world’s longest Chinese Dragon, which requires more than 200 people to operate and tops 100 meters.
This major Australian tourist attraction is also home to an annual Asian food festival each spring. If you miss this, walk down Spring Street or Little Bourke Street to delight in a mix of new and old shops and eateries.
4. Singapore
Singapore’s Chinatown was once home to the area’s earliest Chinese settlers. Many still make it their home, but it is also a place that you’ll want to put on your list if you ever visit Singapore City.
Some of the neighborhood’s institutions, such as Food Street, the Night Market, and the Heritage Center, showcase the culture of the original settlers. There are also plenty of tiny boutiques and street stalls to satisfy your appetite for souvenirs and authentic food.
5. Manila
Known locally as Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown was established in 1594 and is the oldest in the world. It was founded when the Philipines were under Spanish rule. The neighborhood was subsequently created as a home for Chinese settlers.
The area continues to be a center for trade and commerce in Manila, where you’ll find just about every type of business run by Filipino-Chinese residents. After you pass through the Filipino-Chinese friendship arch, look for cultural opportunities as well as restaurants and shops.
6. Vancouver
Vancouver’s Chinatown is the largest Chinatown in Canada and the third-largest in North America. It was established in the late 19th century and has been designated as a National Historic Site for Canada.
This Chinatown features an interesting mix of traditional and modern elements. You’ll find a buzzing, hip bar scene intermingled with traditional Chinese stores and restaurants in this centrally-located neighborhood.
7. Lima
Chinatown in Lima, Peru is home to the largest population of ethnic Chinese people in Latin America. Know as Lima’s “El Barrio Chino,” the city’s Chinatown is located near its historical center.
When you visit, you’ll face choice of roughly 6,000 different Chinese eateries, some over a century old. Some serve Chifa, or Chinese Peruvian fusion cuisine.
While San Francisco is among the world’s top Chinatowns, there are many others to explore. After you take a stroll through the Dragon Gates in SF, be sure to put one of these Chinatowns on your upcoming travel list.
