what to visit in chinatown nyc

The 13 Best Things to Do in Chinatown NYC

The ultimate guide on things to do and see in chinatown nyc.

This is definitely one of the places you don’t want to miss visiting when you are in NYC. There are not only many things to do in Chinatown NYC, the history and unique character of this Manhattan neighborhood speak for themselves. You will find some amazing food, interesting street vendors, and some great photo opportunities. 

You'll also love this:

• The Best Bars in Chinatown NYC
• The Best Restaurants in Chinatown NYC
• The Best Things to Do in Downtown Manhattan

With its small streets and dense immigrant population, Chinatown NYC is the place to go if you are looking for some unusual shops, culinary delights or culture. There are many things to do in Chinatown NYC, many of which are free of charge. Definitely make sure you take an afternoon to stroll through the busy streets and let the impressions sink in.

Chinatown is easily one of the most interesting places in NYC – A must-see!

By the way: you’ll find many more New York City spots in our Loving New York travel guides .

Table of Contents

My TOP 5 Things to Do in Chinatown NYC

• Temple Mahayana:  This is the oldest Chinese temple on the east coast of the united states. (Address: 133 Canal St, Subway J Z to Canal St)
• Columbus Park:  Columbus Park is the biggest park in Chinatown and is a great place to have a seat and watch life unfold around you. (Address: 67 Mulberry St, Subway J Z to Canal St)
• Museum of Chinese in  America (MoCa) : The Museum of Chinese in America is the place to go if you want to learn more about the Chinese culture and Chinese history in NYC. (Address: 215 Center St, Subway 4 6  to Canal St)
• Super Taste:   The amazing food is reason alone to visit but with the amazing prices on offer, this is a no-brainer to get a quick and delicious bite to eat on your way through Chinatown. (Address: 26 Eldridge St, Subway F to E Broadway)
• Chinatown Ice Cream Factory:  The family-run Chinatown Ice Cream Factory has some of the best ice cream in the whole of NYC.  From adventurous flavors like Thai Iced Tea, Zen Butter, and Taro to more conventional yet equally delicious flavors like Coconut and Cherry Vanilla, everyone will find something here for their particular taste. This is a must-visit! (Address: 65 Bayard St, Subway J Z to Canal St)

Where is Chinatown located?

Chinatown is located in the heart of Downtown Manhattan . It is a city within the city with its own unique charm and character. It is surrounded by Little Italy and the Lower East Side and should definitely be on your itinerary for NYC!

How to Get to Chinatown NYC

• Subway:  The 6   N W R   Q J or Z takes you to Canal Street. You can also take the A C or  E line, which also stops on Canal Street (6th Avenue). The B D line takes you to Grand St. Station.
• Hop on Hop Off Bus : Stop 9 of the downtown loop of BIG BUS or stop 9 of the downtown loop of Gray Line Sightseeing. Here you find more about Hop on Hop off in NYC . My tip: the tickets for the buses are included in many of the New York City passes – which one is the best for you, you can see in my Pass Comparison for New York !

🥇 Look no further: That‘s the only New York Travel Guide you need (300+ pages and 700+ reviews on Amazon)

Check out our preview here .

From food locations, souvenir shops to museums, Chinatown NYC is a neighborhood you need to check out. Here are some spots that you should check out while you’re in Chinatown NYC:

Doyers Street (The Bloody Angle)

One of the things to do in Chinatown NYC is to visit Doyers Street or “The Bloody Angle”. This particular street has a lot of rich and dark history. This area is the location of New York City’s first Chinese language theater. On top of that, this street used to be one of America’s deadliest areas because of numerous shootings between organized gang members. Today, there’s a bunch of restaurants and is a very photogenic street.

Soho, Little Italy & Chinatown Walking Tour

Now known for their many excellent restaurants, shops and tourism, Manhattan’s SoHo, Little Italy and Chinatown neighborhoods offer the most varied stories of New York City. Take a 2-hour tour with a local guide and discover hidden gems and 19th century buildings.

Enjoy the breathtaking views from The Crown Rooftop Bar

The Crown Rooftop Bar in Chinatown is one of my newest highlights of the city and made it directly into our list of the best rooftop bars in New York. It offers probably the most beautiful view of Manhattan AND Brooklyn.

Columbus Park

Columbus Park is the biggest park in Chinatown and is a great place to have a seat and watch life unfold around you. You will see that many of the locals meet here to do everything from play chess and exercise to just sitting down reading a book. It is a well known social hangout in the city and is a great place to sit down and have some of the street food you picked up in the nearby streets. 

In the morning you will see people doing Tai Chi to fuel up for the day. In the afternoon there are mainly fortunetellers and people who play cards. During the warmer months, Columbus Park becomes a popular place to escape the tumultuous Chinatown .

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

One of our favorite things to do in Chinatown NYC is grabbing an ice cream from here and stroll through the busy streets. With amazing flavors and many unique ones at that, this is a must-try. The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory offers some of the most unique ice cream flavors in New York City!

Visit the Canal Street Market

The Canal Street Market is a great street market with many food vendors (including Korean cooking & sweets) and a small dining area. You will also find many other stalls here selling souvenirs and art which in combination with the food stalls makes this place very unique and worth visiting.

Super Taste

Here it can quickly get crowded, the shop is really super small. Super Taste is probably the best place to visit in Chinatown NYC if you are looking for some authentic and great quality noodles. The amazing food is reason alone to visit but with the amazing prices on offer, this is a no-brainer to get a quick and delicious bite to eat on your way through Chinatown.

Make sure to try the pork belly bao – one of our favorites!

Nom Was Tea Parlor: Experience Chinatown of the 1920's

This vintage dim sum parlor dates back to the 1920s and is a great place to stop and grab a bite to eat. With an extensive menu that includes tea beer and wine, it is one of the local favorites to grab some authentic Chinese food. We recommend making a reservation online as it can get busy here during lunch and dinner. Make sure to try the house special roast pork buns – delicious!

Walking Through Chinatown

When walking around Chinatown there is never a dull moment. There are always things to do in Chinatown NYC. It can get confusing when getting around. The streets are not numbered like the rest of Manhattan and there are some roads that aren’t in a grid. Also, always be aware of your surroundings as Chinatown can get really busy and really crowded fast. When you walk around, make sure to check out the different restaurants and markets. The food here is absolutely amazing.

Chinese New Year Parade

Usually, locals and tourists alike will (obviously) flock to New York City’s Chinatown to celebrate the Lunar New Year. A huge Chinese New Year Parade takes place there every year. The official name of the event is called the Lunar New Year and Festival.

The parade will down Mott and Canal Street. It will then make its way down East Broadway and head towards Manhattan Bridge, and it will ultimately end at Sara D. Roosevelt Park. During the parade, there will also be smaller activities going on in Chinatown NYC. It will have all sorts of street vendors and festivities.

Mission Chinese Food NYC

Mission Chinese Food in NYC is a trendy and hip restaurant in Chinatown, Manhattan. The restaurant is heavily influenced on Sichuanese style cuisine and is geared towards millennials. This place with its electric funk atmosphere and dim lights is the place to be if you are looking for a cool evening hangout with amazing food. Be sure to try their Mapo Tofu!

Photo from Manhattan Bridge

A very famous photo motif of Chinatown with the One World Trade Center in the background can be taken from the Manhattan Bridge. The view is unique – especially at sunrise!

Apotheke: Discover one of the best speakeasy bars in NYC

If you know, you know. Apotheke in Chinatown is one of those speakeasy types of bars that are still super trendy to go to. It still maintains the classic look and almost speakeasy vibe from back in the days.

Attractions in Chinatown

Many of New York’s major New York attractions  like the 9/11 Memorial & Museum or the One World Observatory are located in Lower Manhattan and are therefore easily reachable from Chinatown. But Chinatown also has some unique attractions to offer – namely these:

One of the pioneers of the Chinatown gallery scene, CANADA opened in 2000 and has been a major institution, not a typical gallery, ever since.

02 Columbus Park

03 Front Room Gallery

The Front Room Gallery has been a one stop shop for art enthusiasts since it opened in 1999. They are a contemporary fine arts gallery that started in Brooklyn and have moved to Chinatown on Hester Street. Many of their pieces are tied back to social responsibility including political, environmental, and social topics.

Their focus is on exhibiting photography, conceptual and installation based work by emerging artists as well as mid-career ones with an emphasis placed primarily on photographic images but also including sculpture or video installations. The Front Room Gallery has exhibited the work of several artists, including Ken Ragsdale, Thomas Broadbent, Paul Raphaelson, Patricia Smith, Sean Hemmerle, and more. In addition to its exhibition program, the gallery also organizes artist talks, screenings, and performances.

04 Magenta Plains Gallery

Magenta Plains is a contemporary art gallery located in Chinatown directed by Olivia Smith, Chris Dorland and David Deutsch. Magenta Plains is a young gallery with a relatively small program that prioritizes artists with unique voices, like Ebecho Muslimova and Alex Kwartler. Their strength lies in the careful selection, prioritizing quality over quantity and fostering context and meaning for the development of new ideas.

05 Mahayana Temple

This is the oldest Chinese temple on the east coast of the united states. It is a beautiful expression of Chinese culture and architecture and is open to the public year-round. On the weekends you will also find Buddhist services taking place here often completely in Mandarin. Bring a dollar for a fortune!

06 Museum of Chinese in America (MoCA)

The Museum of Chinese in America is the place to go if you want to learn more about the Chinese culture and Chinese history in NYC. The main and permanent exhibition  With a Single Step: Stories in the Making of America  is a great place to find out more about the last 160 years of Chinese history in NYC. With 2+ rotating exhibitions on top of this, the MoCa is definitely worth a visit.

07 The Bloody Angle

Many of the attractions and tours in Chinatown NYC are included in one of the New York City passes. So you can easily and quickly save up to 70% – how does it work?

You can see that in my ultimate 👉   New York Pass comparison , here you can see my personal 👉   New York Pass Reviews after more than 20 visits to New York and our free New York Pass Advisor answers the question: “ Which New York Pass is the best? ”

Compare New York Passes

Best Guided Tours

There are a lot of very popular tours where New York guides show you the best parts and the history of this neighborhood:

01 Chinatown and Little Italy Food Fest

Explore the flavors and traditions of  New York’s Chinatown and Little Italy during this exciting food tour. You’ll leave with a full stomach and lots of interesting information about the history and culture of these two neighborhoods.

02 Sidewalks and Skyscrapers: Street Art Is This Way

This walking tour shows that there is also street art and graffiti worth seeing in Manhattan. You start your exploration in Soho , and then in two hours learn the stories behind the large and small works of art. Some of the graffiti is an impressive 20 meters high, so always have your cameras ready!

If guided tours interest you, be sure to check out the Best Walking Tours NYC !

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We will provide you with individual tips & tricks as you prepare for your trip. How to plan, save money and make sure you experience the most of NYC are only some of the topics covered!

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Best Restaurants in Chinatown NYC

Chinatown is a prime spot for food. From authentic noodles to roasted duck and amazing street food at the Canal Street Market, there are endless possibilities to satisfy any taste. We have listed our favorite restaurants below for you to try.

01 Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory offers some of the most unique ice cream flavors in New York City.

02 Great NY Noodletown

Great NY Noodletown is a noodleshop, Chinese restaurant in Chinatown located right next to the Manhattan Bridge. Great insider tip for this area!

03 Happy Veggie

Happy Veggie is a relaxed and casual vegetarian restaurant that serves Asian-fusion cuisine in Chinatown. Their menu contains all the classics, such as…spring rolls, fried wontons, edamame, noodles, and buns. And there are many raving reviews about their veggie spam musubi with avocado, as well as their homemade spinach dumplings in particular. Plus, in addition to dining in, you can also access these delicious dishes via curbside pickup and no-contact delivery.

04 Joe's Shanghai

Here you get the probably the best duck in town. This restaurant has already won an award from the New York Times. Also recommendable is the Joe’s Shanghai soup with dumplings.

05 Kopitiam

If you’re near Straus Square and want a unique brunch, check out Kopitiam. This jewel serves Malaysian cuisine and offers brunch all day, every day. In fact, stepping inside feels like teleporting to a bustling cafe in Kuala Lumpur, minus the jet lag.

Whether you’re in a rush or looking to have a last-minute brunch, Kopitiam’s counter service is designed to accommodate. I must say, the Malaysian Style Egg French Toast is simply a must-try, as is the Nasi Lemak – it’s the national dish of Malaysia for a reason! Brunch at Kopitiam is an international delight without leaving NYC. In fact, some even say that Kopitiam offers the best brunch Lower East Side.

• Vanessa’s Dumpling House (118 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002)

One of our favorite places things to do in Chinatown NYC is grab some authentic food, and if you like us, are looking for something to excite your tastebuds this is the place to go. Vanessa’s Dumpling House features a great menu of classics including dumplings, sesame pancake sandwiches, noodles, and soups. This place is definitely worth a visit if you are looking for some comfort food.

Looking for more recommendations? We’ve got you covered!

Here you find the Best Restaurants in Chinatown  and the Best Chinese Restaurants in NYC .

Best Bars in Chinatown NYC

The bar is very popular with New Yorkers, the prices are sensational and the audience is mixed. Colourful is also the bar and for this reason alone worth a visit.

02 Apotheke

03 Bowery Beer Garden

If you’re close to Chinatown, be sure to check out the Bowery Beer Garden. This open-air space is located at 93 Bowery and is more pandemic-friendly than other venues. Offering over 50 big-screen televisions and 40 different brews of beer, Bowery is NYC’s most extensive sports beer garden, so watching March Madness at this spot is a no-brainer! If you get hungry, be sure to opt for house specialties such as loaded garlic shrimp fries or beer garden wings. 

04 Rooftop93 Bar & Lounge

You will find the bar on the 18th and 19th floors of the Wyndham Garden Hotel. On the roof terrace you can have cocktails and enjoy the view of the One World Trade Center and the Empire State Building.

05 The Crown

Here you find the Best Bars in Chinatown NYC  and the  Best Rooftop Bars in Chinatown NYC .

Shopping in Chinatown NYC

Chinatown NYC is filled with colorful shops packed with souvenirs and unique items. You will also see a lot of fakes like Louis Vuitton bags or Rolex watches.

Please keep in mind, if you do purchase any of the fake items, there’s a chance you might encounter problems going through customs.

There is also a great and very unique minimalist store called Project No. 8 and has selections from local designers. If you want your own personal chopsticks, check out Yunhong Chopsticks Shop. If you are looking for places to shop in Chinatown NYC however, all you need to do is take a stroll around.

Hotels in Chinatown NYC

If you are looking to stay in Chinatown, look no further. Below are our favorite places to stay:

Hotel 50 Bowery

4 Stars | Hotel 50 in Chinatown New York is a stylish boutique hotel with a cool roof terrace and very stylish rooms. You’ll be right in the middle of the action and within easy walking distance of great spots like the Lower East Side, East Village and Soho. 

Despite its location, it is one of the affordable hotels with a view. And the view is really stunning: you can see all of Midtown Manhattan with its incredible skyline. The Empire State Building, Summit One Vanderbilt, Hudson Yards and the Chrysler Building are literally at your feet!

Mimosa Hotel Chinatown

3 stars | The Mimosa is one of the most authentic and best value for money accommodations in New York’s Chinatown. Its location in the heart of this popular neighborhood makes it especially popular with Asian travelers. The rooms are always very clean and the service is excellent. 

Mulberry Hotel

3 stars | The Mulberry is a basic hotel but in very good condition. Always clean and with attentive and efficient service and great value for money for this area of Downtown Manhattan. The best part? Some rooms even have terraces overlooking the city!

Its location just a few meters from one of the city’s main subway stations makes it ideal for sightseeing and shopping days.

Nine Orchard

4 stars | Located at the intersection of Chinatown and the vibrant Lower East Side (LES) in Downtown New York, Hotel Nine Orchard is a stylish hotel housed in a significant historic building. This building, the former Jarmulowsky Bank, has been carefully restored and transformed into an elegant hotel and culinary destination. Opened in 2022, the boutique hotel offers 113 rooms and suites furnished in the architectural gem dating back to 19123.

The redevelopment of the neoclassical bank building into a luxury boutique hotel blends harmoniously into the energetic neighborhood. Guests are welcomed with an atmosphere of relaxed glamor and excellent cuisine, with restaurants by Ignacio Mattos, among others, inviting guests to linger. The Hotel Nine Orchard thus offers a combination of historic elegance and modern comfort and represents the creative soul of New York City.

Walker Hotel Tribeca

4 stars | This beautiful boutique hotel is strategically located between the Tribeca and Chinatown neighborhoods, two of the most unique areas of New York. Its location, combined with its beautiful design of sober lines and colors, makes the Walker Tribeca one of the ideal places to rest after a busy day discovering the city. 

Recommended article: The Best  Hotels in Chinatown NYC .

Neighborhoods Nearby

Here are some neighborhoods that are walking distance from Chinatown NYC:

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The 8 Best Bars in Chinatown Right Now

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I'm a true New York fan! Not only have I visited the city over 25 times but also have I spent several months here at a time. On my blog I show you the best and most beautiful spots of the city, so that you have a really good time! You can also find lots of insider tips in our New York travel guide . Also check out my hotel finder for New York !

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21 Charming Things To Do In Chinatown, Manhattan

From mouthwatering dim sum to the most aesthetically pleasing speakeasies , we're spilling the best spots in NYC's Chinatown.

A visit to Manhattan’s Chinatown will make you feel like you’ve left New York altogether, and a quick walk through this downtown neighborhood fulfills all your foodie, speakeasy, and shopping needs.

From dim sum and streets lined with fresh produce and exotic foods to endless family-run businesses and gorgeous lantern displays glowing in the night, a day frolicking through Chinatown is a day well-spent in our books.

We’ve gathered together all the places that make Chinatown one of our fav NYC neighborhoods. From where to eat, where to drink, and where to shop, we’re covering it all.

Table Of Contents

Cafes/Bakeries

Chinatown restaurants, chinatown stores & shopping, unique experiences.

Alimama’s massive boba-filled cream puffs will actually change your life! With their gooey, chewy, bouncy textures and out-of-this-world flavors, we can guarantee you your first visit to Alimama certainly won’t be your last. Plus, they were the first tea shop in NYC to offer Japanese mochi donuts! Read more about this spot here .

📍 89A Bayard St.

2. Golden Steamer

For deliciously doughy bao buns you’ll want to head to Golden Steamer. This bakery serves tons of different bun varieties, whether you’re looking for pork or egg yolk, served steaming hot and incredibly delicious. If you head here be sure to taste their famous pumpkin custard!

📍 143A Mott St.

3. Keki Modern Cakes

One taste of Keki Modern Cakes and you’ll be daydreaming about their cheesecake for the rest of your life …literally. From their “bouncy cheesecake,” which is light, silky, and will melt right in your mouth to cream puffs, cakes, and cheese tarts, this bakery will turn anyone into a sweets lover.

📍 79 Mott St.

Before we get to the savory we’re gonna stick to the sweet for a little bit longer with a shoutout to Taiyaki, one of our favorite spots for fluffy, mouthwatering, soufflé-style pancakes. The dessert shop—made popular by its fish-shaped waffle cones filled with custard or red bean paste (“taiyaki”)—began serving up the fluffiest pancakes in the city and we can’t get enough. Read all about these delicious treats here .

📍 119 Baxter St.

Bonus:  find more of our favorite spots serving soufflé-style pancakes here .

5. Vegetarian Dim Sum House

Vegetarian Dim Sum House is perfect for anyone who doesn’t eat meat but finds themself constantly tempted to forget about that for a steamed pork bun–which are made here with mock pork and are out of this world! They also serve mock chicken, mock beef, even mock seafood! In addition to the pork buns we suggest their bean curd rolls, and if the weather is nice opt for a seat outdoors!

📍 24 Pell St.

6. Joe’s Shanghai

Obviously when going to the iconic Joe’s Shanghai an order of their soup dumplings is a must, and honestly whichever ones you order will satisfy you. However, may we also suggest trying the peking duck, scallion pancakes, and their flat noodles. P.S. they’re cash only so be sure to stop at the ATM before heading over (and get there early if you’d like to avoid a long wait)!

📍 46 Bowery

7. Thái Sơn

If you’re looking for a place to get delicious food without any of the over-the-top frills, we’ve got your spot. Though the name may be a bit misleading, Thái Sơn is a must-visit for the best Vietnamese staples. From bánh hỏi bò lụi (grilled beef lettuce wraps) to cá kho tộ (fish braised in a clay pot) you honestly can’t go wrong here.

📍 89 Baxter St.

8. Xi’an Famous Noodles

Question: What would Chinatown be–and honestly NYC in general due to their several locations–without Xi’an Famous Noodles? Answer: A sad and less tasty place. Honestly we don’t even need to get into how good their food is, but if you’re in the mood for delicious noodles, this restaurant needs to be on your radar.

📍 45 Bayard St.

9. Big Wong

Chinatown’s popular Cantonese restaurant Big Wong is a casual spot that puts all their emphasis on their food –and anyone who eats there can tell. Their known for authentic Cantonese food priced reasonably, and popular items include congee and and roast duck.

📍 67 Mott St.

10. Dim Sum Palace

No stranger to NYC, the family operated Dim Sum Palace has opened eight locations in the past six years, and their newest one was opened in NYC’s Chinatown. The upscale restaurant is open for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and serves its mouthwatering Dim Sum until 4am! Read all about it here .

📍 27 Division Street

Bonus: Find some more of our fav Chinatown restaurants here

11. Hop Kee

Featured in season 12 of  Parts Unknown in the Lower East Side episode (Episode 7), Hop Kee is one of the late Anthony Bourdain’s favorite NYC restaurants. If you’d like to eat like him, he suggested ordering dishes including the Pan-Fried Flounder, Sweet and Pungent Pork, Cantonese-Style Crab, and Cantonese Style Snails, among others.

📍 21 Mott St.

Bonus:  Find more of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite NYC restaurants here.

12. Peachy’s

For moody lighting, delicious drinks, and decor that will make you never want to leave, Peachy’s is the place to be. Order a cocktail (we suggest the Bell of the Fall or the Shaky Suzie), cozy up into one of the booths, and live out your main character moment at this Chinatown staple.

📍 5 Doyers St.

13. Mr. Fong’s

For delicious cocktails at really good prices, head to Mr. Fong’s. Here you’ll find drinks such as a Salty Plum Old Fashioned, made with salted plum-infused bourbon, bitters, and zest, the Tequila Zombie, made with Szechuan peppercorn tequila, tropical juices, bitters, and pastis, and the Tequila + Flowers, made with ancho tequila, hibiscus, lemon juice, and soda.

📍 40 Market St.

14. Apotheke

Come to Apotheke for the inventive drinks, stay for the gorgeous ambiance. This dimly-lit spot is inspired by historic apothecaries that created natural remedies from various plants, roots, and botanicals. Their impressive and extensive drink menu is built around ingredients known for their restorative and medicinal properties, and the menu is even categorized by Stimulants, Pain Killers, Euphorics, Aphrodisiacs, and Stress Relievers. You can read more about Apotheke here .

📍 9 Doyers St. (also a Nomad location)

15. Basement

Basement is Chinatown’s carnival-themed speakeasy inspired by Hong Kong game bars. Hidden behind a door that looks like a vintage Coca Cola vending machine, grab a drink and have some fun playing beer pong, darts, dice, cards, or other games while munching on small bites. They even make their own version of an old fashioned using popcorn-infused Hibiki Whisky!

📍 45 Mott St.

Arguably NYC’s best skincare store, oo35mm mainly stocks Korean skincare products. Whether you’re looking for a moisturizer, face masks, serums, or literally  anything  that goes on your skin, you’ll find it here. But fair warning: don’t let the size of the store fool you–be prepared to spend hours here!

📍 81 Mott St.

17. Canal Street Market

Canal Street Market is a carefully curated retail market, food hall, and community space. You can shop from a pretty wide variety of local small businesses here, finding everything from home goods and art to clothing, before heading to the food hall to enjoy rice rolls, bubble tea , and more.

📍 265 Canal St.

18. Yu & Me Books

After a devastating fire began at Yu & Me Books in 2023, the shop was forced to operate out of a temporary site, but they’re now back in their original Chinatown location! The store is believed to be the first female Asian-American NYC based bookstore , and her you’ll find Asian American authors as well as immigrant writers and people of color. Read more here.

📍 44 Mulberry St.

19. Explore the area on a food tour

Explore Chinatown–and NYC’s Lower East Side as a whole–through its delicious food! Learn about the rich cultural diversity and history of the LES as you listen to the tales of the struggling immigrants who came to NYC in search of opportunity. You’ll hear stories about everything from historic synagogues to street art and trendy food markets.

📍 Essex Market – 88 Essex Street

20. Mmuseumm

Mmuseumm is arguably one of NYC’s most unique museums. It’s located in an old freight elevator in a Chinatown alleyway, so to say it’s the smallest NYC museum we’ve ever seen would be an understatement. Displaying objects from around the world, the museum is currently closed for the winter, but will open in the spring of this year. In the meantime, you can always view the museum through the window whenever you please!

📍 4 Cortlandt Alley

21. Chinatown Night Market

Once the temps heat up and summer hits, Chinatown-based non-profit Think!Chinatown hosts their own monthly night markets! This open-air cultural festival features Chinatown-focused programming along with local art and food vendors, and it’s the perfect way to experience what the neighborhood has to offer. You can find more info once the series starts up again here .

TYPE IN YOUR SEARCH AND PRESS ENTER

20 Best Things to Do in Chinatown NYC (Written by a Local NYer!)

If you’re planning things to do in Chinatown NYC, you’re in the right place!

Chinatown Manhattan is part of the city that overflows with history, cultural character, and of course, enough good eats to make you want to return again and again.

To put together this guide, I’ve used my 20+ years of living in New York City. During that time, I’ve shopped, eaten, and strolled through Chinatown more times than I can count. It’s such a fascinating area that I’ve even done a few staycations there just so I could take more time to experience the neighborhood.

I hope you’ll use this guide not just as your what to do in Chinatown NYC checklist, but also as a window into discovering and savoring everything the neighborhood is about.

Ready to explore New York City’s Chinatown? Let’s go!

Where is Chinatown in NYC?

First, let’s take a moment to get positioned in the right part of New York City. If you visualize the island of Manhattan as a long oval-ish shape, Chinatown would be towards the bottom-right of that oval. More properly, Chinatown is on the lower east portion of the island. This would be diagonally opposite to a neighborhood like the Upper West Side .

Chinatown shares boundaries with other popular neighborhoods like Little Italy, Soho, Tribeca, and the Lower East Side. It’s also not far from areas like Nolita (North of Little Italy) and the Financial District.

Something really unique about this part of New York City is that you can actually see the dividing line between neighborhoods. Like on Mulberry Street, you can look in one direction and see Little Italy and turn the other way to see Chinatown!

Map of Chinatown NYC

On the NYC Chinatown map above, you’ll find all the places mentioned in this guide of the best things to do in Chinatown New York City.

As you can see, many of them are clustered around the small area that is the heart of Chinatown. Given how close many of these places are, the neighborhood can be explored in as little as a few hours depending on how many times you stop to eat!

Directions to Chinatown NYC

It’s really easy to take the subway to Chinatown NYC. Many trains run through the area.

Canal Street is a main street that runs from east to west across Manhattan. It slices directly through Chinatown, which is on Manhattan’s lower east section.

The best option is to take the N, Q, R, W, J, Z, or 6 train to the Canal Street stop. This brings you directly into Chinatown.

If you look at a map of the NYC subway, the N, Q, R, and W trains are the yellow lines. These trains make several stops through midtown, the theater district, Herald Square, Greenwich Village , and Soho. In fact, if you’ve taken the R or W train to Prince Street in Soho already, it’s easy to walk into Chinatown from there, as well.

The 6 train is indicated in green on the subway map. It runs along Manhattan’s east side. So for example, if you were near Grand Central Terminal visiting The Summit at One Vanderbilt , the 6 train would be a great option to hop down to Chinatown.

The J and Z trains might be helpful if you’re coming from Brooklyn, sightseeing in the financial district , or finishing a visit to the Statue of Liberty . This is the line shown in brown on the NYC subway map.

Another option is to take the B or D line to Grand Street. On the map, this is the line in orange. The Grand Street stop leaves you just 1 block from the Bowery and 2 blocks from where Canal Street meets the entrance to the Manhattan Bridge.

If you’re already in Lower Manhattan , it might be just a short walk to Chinatown. Particularly, if you were visiting the Brooklyn Bridge or shopping in Soho, you can get to Chinatown on foot in no time.

20 Best Things to Do in Chinatown NYC

On the list below, you’ll find everything from the best places to eat in Chinatown NYC, museums, historic streets, and iconic spots not to miss as you spend time in Chinatown on your very own self-guided tour!

1. Mott Street

Mott Street is the heart of Chinatown. It’s lined with Chinese restaurants and shops and adorned with lantern lighting overhead (like several other streets in Chinatown) that comes to life once the sky is dark.

During the day, Mott Street is a hive of activity during the day with residents shopping at the local markets for fish, fruits, and veggies. If you haven’t tried the fruit “rambutan,” I highly recommend it! It’s small-ish and round with a red/pink spiky exterior. (It’s not dragon fruit.) Just break the shell open with your fingers and eat the white fruit inside, watching out for a small pit.

Also, as you walk along Mott Street, stop to admire the Church of Transfiguration. It’s a historic stone church that dates back to 1801. This New York City Landmark has come through fire, near abandonment, neighborhood gang violence in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and waves of newcomers from Irish to Italian to Chinese immigrants living in the surrounding tenement buildings.

2. Nom Wah Tea Parlor

Serving up classic dim sum dishes for over 100 years, Nom Wah Tea Parlor is a historic icon in New York City’s Chinatown. It’s located on Doyer’s Street where you’ll often see a line of people waiting to get seated in one of the classic red booths. They do take some reservations for parties of 3-5 people so it’s worth a try to avoid the line. As you’d imagine, between 12 p.m.-2 p.m. and 6 p.m.-8 p.m. are the busiest times.

While it may not be the best dim sum in Chinatown NYC, the Nom Wah’s dim sum dishes are certainly delicious! Go for the scallion pancakes, shrimp rolls, pork buns, and their classic egg rolls. You can’t say you’ve experienced Chinatown in NYC until you’ve visited Nom Wah!

ProTip: While Nom Wah Tea Parlor has earned its place in Chinatown history, for Michelin-Star-rated Dim Sum, head to Dim Sum Go Go on East Broadway near the Kimlau Memorial Arch. The Cantonese-style dumplings, soups, rice rolls, and siu mai are the dishes to try!

3. Fried Dumpling

Located on tiny Mosco Street, Fried Dumpling’s unassuming storefront is easy to miss. But that would be a shame because it’s known for having some of the best dumplings in Chinatown NYC! It’s also one of the most delicious and cheapest bites you’ll find anywhere in New York City.

For just over $1 (cash only), you’ll get a made-to-order paper dish with 5 crispy dumplings. Dip them in the special soy sauce for a perfect snack at any point when you’re in the mood to nosh! (NYC slang meaning to snack on something.)

Take your dumplings and, if you can resist for just 1 moment, head to Columbus Park.

4. Columbus Park

When you visit a park in New York City, you get the opportunity to glimpse the daily life of the New Yorkers who live in that neighborhood. With few private outdoor spaces, public parks quickly become hives of activity.

Columbus Park is no different. Part outdoor activity space and part community gathering spot, it’s a window into Chinatown. On any given day, you’ll find kids playing basketball, tai chi classes in session, groups of people gathering to play mahjong, and musicians playing their jinghu (a bowed stringed instrument) on the park’s benches.

The rectangular-ish shaped park is located between Baxter and Mulberry Streets and Worth and Bayard Streets just steps from Fried Dumpling on Mosco Street. Grab some fried pork dumplings and savor them while people watching from a bench in Columbus Park!

5. The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

You might be wondering, ice cream ? I can get ice cream anywhere! Except here the local flavors are ones that are unique to Chinatown and the exotic flavors are chocolate and vanilla!

My recommendation is to stay away from the exotic flavors and go with Manhattan’s Chinatown favorites. My favorite flavor is don tot with its creamy egg custard taste, but people line up outside this Bayard Street storefront to get cones or cups of lychee, almond cookie, red bean, and black sesame ice cream!

And if you’re not sure which one to get, ask for a taste. They’ll happily give you a small spoonful to sample.

6. Mei Lei Wah Bakery

Just across the street from the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory on Bayard Street, don’t be surprised if you see a line of people waiting to order at Mei Lei Wah Bakery. Of all the bakeries in Chinatown NYC, it’s the most popular spot for pork buns and pineapple pork buns. Even better, it’s one of the cheapest treats you’ll find in all of NYC!

Don’t be put off by the line. It moves quickly. There’s a counter to order where it’s cash only, but also kiosks where you can order and pay with a credit card. The bakery is only open until 7:30 p.m. but it’s better to go earlier in the day anyway for fear the famed pork buns sell out!

7. Crown Rooftop Bar

Located on top of the Hotel 50 Bowery Hotel, the Crown Rooftop Bar has one of the best rooftop views of Manhattan. From its position on the 21st floor, you can see the Empire State Building and midtown skyscrapers to the north and One World Trade Center in the southwestern panorama.

What makes the views extra special here, though? You can see east to west from the Hudson River to a stunning view of the Manhattan Bridge arch and Colonnade. If you’re there for dusk, you’ll get the added effect of the red brake lights from the traffic pulsing across Canal Street.

The Crown opens at 5 p.m. during the week, and earlier in the afternoon on weekends. If you’re in NYC on a family trip, kids can get up to the indoor or outdoor terrace with a 21+ adult before 9 p.m. The Crown does serve small bites in addition to drinks.

8. Manhattan Bridge Arch & Colonnade

Built in 1915 on the Manhattan entryway of the bridge at the intersection of Canal Street and the Bowery, you might be a bit taken aback to find such a grand piece of architecture in this spot.

The Beaux-Arts arch and the columns on either side form a curving oval-like shape and include ornamental elements that include stone carvings, animals, and classical sculptures. While the Brooklyn Bridge may be New York’s most famous bridge (and my personal fave), the Manhattan Bridge and its entryway shouldn’t be missed on a trip to Chinatown!

If you have some time to spare, walk up onto the pedestrian walkway on the right side of the bridge. There are various points for taking photos of the NYC skyline including the “hole-in-the-fence” shot which looks back over Chinatown and has One World Trade Center in the distance.

If you decide to make the complete walk, you’ll end up walking just over a mile and getting to the trendy DUMBO neighborhood of Brooklyn, not far from the Brooklyn side of the Brooklyn Bridge.

9. Mahayana Buddhist Temple

This is the biggest Buddhist Temple in New York City with the biggest golden Buddha statue in the city, as well. It’s located just across from the Manhattan Bridge arched entryway and the Crown Rooftop so it’s easy to check a few things off your Chinatown list all within a single block.

Remember, this is a house of worship. The Temple asks that visitors be dressed modestly to enter.

In New York City’s Chinatown, finding delicious food isn’t an issue. There’s plenty to go around. It’s more about having enough space to taste everything you want to taste! And Wo Hop deserves some of that prized real estate. And in my humble opinion, Wo Hop has the best Chinese food in NYC’s Chinatown!

I’ll be totally honest and say that I have not eaten at every place in Chinatown. (However, I’ve certainly done a lot of homework!) Wo Hop is the best I’ve tasted, especially when it comes to classics like lo mein, dumplings, and main dishes in garlic or black bean sauce!

Wo Hop is a no-frills restaurant on Mott Street just past Mosco Street. The restaurant is actually on the basement level so you have to walk down a flight of stairs. Expect it to be busy! But trust me, waiting for a table is worth it.

Also, Wo Hop is cash only so be sure to have some on hand.

11. The Museum of Chinese in America

This museum houses a vast archive of Chinese history in America. Unfortunately, in January 2020, a fire destroyed the building where the museum was. Although the 85,000+ artifacts telling the stories of Chinese Americans were not burned, the majority of the collection was damaged by the water to put the fire out.

Restoration work continues even today to save precious pieces of history. The museum is in a temporary space on Centre Street between Howard and Grand Streets and has limited hours. However, if you’re in Chinatown on a Saturday, plan a little time to visit the museum. You can even opt to “sponsor an object” if you’d like to help with the restorations.

12. Doyers Street (Bloody Angle)

This uncharacteristically curved street in New York City has a notorious place in history. At the start of the 20th century, Doyers Street was the scene of many fights between rival Chinese gangs vying for territory. This is how it was nicknamed Bloody Angle.

Today, though, the street is painted and outdoor tables are clustered outside the street’s restaurants which include Nom Wah Tea Parlor and Tasty Hand Pulled Noodles.

13. Pell Street

When you turn onto Pell Street from Mott, your senses will tell you that you’ve left NYC. The signs are written in Chinese characters. Your nose can’t miss the smell of ginger, soy sauce, and garlic. Standing on Mott Street and looking down Pell, don’t miss the chance to snap a photo of this iconic street.

With New York’s Chinatown being spread out over many streets and other nearby neighborhoods bumping up against its borders, Pell Street feels as if you’re thoroughly entrenched in the Chinatown experience.

ProTip: If you walk to where Pell Street meets the Bowery, you’ll get the Edward Mooney House. The house, built in the late 1780s, is now a New York City landmark. Heads up, though! It’s recently been covered with scaffolding as work to repair and restore the house is ongoing.

14. Kimberly Spa

If your feet and body are sore from too much walking and sightseeing, a massage in Chinatown NYC is just the thing to soothe sore muscles.

Kimberly Spa is located just off Canal Street on Elizabeth Street. The word “spa” is a bit of a misnomer as the interior is basic with foot bath chairs and massage rooms divided by curtains. But, it’s the perfect respite from the busy city offering foot and body massages by fantastic masseurs at even better prices.

15. Canal Street Market

Located at 265 Canal St. near Lafayette Street, Canal Street Market is a food hall and retail space that fuses Lower Manhattan and Chinese culture with its carefully chosen vendors. The space isn’t very big so it won’t take long to walk and browse through the market.

Along the way, be sure to taste some wontons at Joe’s Noodles & Rice!

16. Joe’s Shanghai

Joe’s Shanghai is a popular spot in Chinatown famous for its soup dumplings, a dim sum essential. It’s what you’ll see the majority of people eating, so if you go, be sure to get yourself an order, too! These are different than regular dumplings or buns even if they look similar from the outside. Inside, they’re filled with hot soup and usually pork.

The Chinatown location is on the Bowery, just next to Hotel 50 Bowery and across from the Manhattan Bridge entrance. The restaurant is open until 10 p.m. which is late compared to other places in Chinatown and it’s not uncommon to find a line outside even well past a typical dinner hour. Bring cash because cards aren’t welcome.

17. Kimlau Memorial Arch

This monument is located in Chatham Square, just steps from where Mott and Doyers Streets end at the Bowery.

The arch is in honor of Chinese-American military veterans who died fighting in World War II. The monument gets its name from Second Lieutenant Benjamin Ralph Kimlau, an American fighter pilot who died during an attack against the Japanese close to New Guinea.

While a monument like this often isn’t the top reason you’d visit Chinatown, it’s good to understand its significance as you walk through the neighborhood.

18. Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles

On Doyer’s Street a few storefronts down from Nom Wah Tea Parlor, you’re likely to find a hive of activity around Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles. There are tables set up outside and an unassuming (cash-only) restaurant and kitchen inside serving up delicious pan-fried noodles.

Pulled noodles are made from wheat-based dough. As the name implies, the dough is pulled and stretched to make long noodles. They are cooked right after for a super fresh taste!

Go for the knife-cut/knife-peeled noodles pan-fried with your choice of vegetables and protein. The portions are generous but if you’re particularly peckish, order some dumplings, too. They’re also so tasty!

19. Ting’s Gift Shop

I couldn’t in good faith write a guide for Chinatown NYC and not include Ting’s Gift Shop! It’s a place I always stop by when I’m in the neighborhood. Perhaps it’s the teacher in me, but the store always reminds me of the trinket shop in Chinatown featured in the children’s book The Cricket in Times Square by George Selden.

The tiny shop is on the corner of Pell and Doyers Streets, just steps from Nom Wah Tea Parlor and Tasty Hand Pulled Noodles. It’s the perfect spot to pick up a souvenir or two, from painted chopsticks to card games to a handy back scratcher.

20. Mmuseumm on Cortlandt Street

On the fringes of Chinatown, in a wedge of New York dedicated to courthouses and government offices, you’ll come across NYC’s smallest museum, Mmuseumm. What you’ll find are curated, unusual objects from modern history meant to get you thinking. The entire museum is housed in something similar to a walk-in closet (also a rarity in NYC).

Mmuseumm is located at 4 Cortlandt Alley and is open only during warmer months, usually Spring to Fall. The visit doesn’t take long given its size but it’ll likely end up being one of the quirkiest and most interesting places you’ll visit near Chinatown.

Best Hotel in Chinatown NYC

Hotel 50 Bowery is a Hyatt property located just off Canal Street and across from the entrance to the Manhattan Bridge. The views, especially from the upper floor rooms, are spectacular. The hotel has a boutique flair that encompasses the culture of the neighborhood.

Compared to some hotel rooms you might find in Manhattan, Hotel 50 Bowery’s rooms are roomy and have an upscale feel. Hotel guests can also access the Crown Rooftop Bar by using the hotel’s elevators to have a drink or just enjoy the gorgeous city skyline views.

Wondering about staying directly in Chinatown? It wouldn’t be my first choice as a first-timer in New York City . Neighborhoods like midtown and Chelsea are the typical areas to stay.

However, not only is Chinatown and its subway stops accessible to move around the city, but you can also easily walk to other neighborhoods like Little Italy, Nolita, and Soho. If you’ve been to NYC previously and feel comfortable navigating the subway, Chinatown can be a good way to experience a different neighborhood while still being well-connected to other areas throughout the city.

Chinatown NYC FAQs

Is Chinatown safe?

Chinatown NYC is safe to walk around. During the day, the area is busy with residents, tourists, and traffic moving throughout the neighborhood. At night, Chinatown’s main streets, like Mott, Elizabeth, Pell, and Doyers have many restaurants open until 9 p.m. and some until 10 p.m. Keep in mind, in general, Chinatown is quieter at night. Markets and shops are mostly closed with a few exceptions.

Is Chinatown New York worth visiting?

Absolutely, yes! Chinatown in Manhattan is a vibrant cultural neighborhood with interesting history and fantastic food!

How long should I spend in Chinatown NYC?

You could easily walk through the neighborhood in just a couple of hours. However, if you plan to incorporate your own DIY foodie tour, stopping frequently to taste as you go, you’ll need more time. The same goes if you plan to get a massage or visit the Museum of Chinese in America.

Is Chinatown NYC cash only?

While there are places that accept credit cards, many shops, markets, and restaurants are cash only. If there’s 1 NYC neighborhood where it’s good to have cash on hand, it’s Chinatown.

What street should I shop on in Chinatown NYC?

Canal Street is the main street where most people look for shops and street vendors. In reality, you can find places throughout Chinatown to shop. Keep in mind, as tempting as buying a knockoff might be, it can be associated with more nefarious elements. Better to support local shops like Ting’s, Wing on Wo & Co., Grand Tea & Imports, and KK Discount.

New York City Chinatown

From the food in Chinatown to its cultural character and history, you’ll want to include Chinatown as you put together your New York City itinerary !

The essence of NYC flows from its distinct neighborhoods that are influenced by the people who live there. When you take the time to get to know a neighborhood like Chinatown, you begin to grasp what the real NYC is all about.

So, what would you like to see and do in Chinatown NYC?

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New York Dearest

Written by An NYC Local

15 Exciting Things to Do in Chinatown (Local’s Guide)

By Antonina | Updated: October 5, 2023 | Leave a Comment

Chinatown in New York City (one of the oldest Chinatowns in the country) is home to the largest Chinese population in the Western Hemisphere. The vibrant neighborhood has an authentic feel few areas can emulate.

Full of endearing shops and incredible restaurants, there’s so many unique experiences to be discovered while visiting Chinatown. So, whether you’re exploring the area as a foodie or culture enthusiast, one thing is certain – you’re bound to have a great time. On that note, let’s cover the best things to do in Chinatown from a local’s perspective.

Visiting New York City? If you haven’t decided where to stay (yet) check out our helpful guide on Where to Stay in New York City (The 10 Best Neighborhoods & 3 to Avoid) . Don’t have time? Here’s our favorite hotel in NYC, hands down.

Best Things to Do in Chinatown

Visit the museum of chinese in america (free), stroll down doyers street.

• People-Watch at Artbean Coffee
• See the Lanterns at Bayard & Mott Street
• Order the Lo Mein at Wo Hop
• Split an Ice Cream Cone at the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
• Tour the (Breathtaking) Museum at Eldridge Street

Swing by Alimama for Cream Puffs

• Enjoy a Meal at Nom Wah Tea Parlor
• Green Thumb? Swing by Dahing Plants
• Peruse the Porcelain at Wing On Wo & Co.
• Visit Apotheke (One of the Best Bars in NYC)
• Craft a Candle at Lanterne Lab

Get Artsy at Happy Medium

• Enjoy a Cocktail at Basement

While You’re in the Area

Iconic spots in nyc everyone needs to try, visiting chinatown in new york city (helpful map).

The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) explores Chinese-American history, culture, and important contributions to American society. Established in 1980, MOCA houses an extensive collection of more than 85,000 items. The free museum uses photographs and documents to chronicle the Chinese-American experience from the 19th century to the present.

Delving into themes of identity, immigration and community, visiting MOCA while exploring Chinatown is a thought-provoking experience. Which is why touring the museum is one of the best free things to do in Chinatown. It’ll give you a different perspective on nuanced narratives and stereotypes that have marred Chinese Americans since the early days of immigration.

Website : Museum of Chinese in America Address : 215 Centre St, New York, NY

Doyers Street is arguably the most famous street in Chinatown. In the 1920s, the street was notorious for being the gathering ground for Chinese gangs, earning the nickname Murder Alley. Gang members would hide behind the street’s bend and ambush victims, which gave the street a second nickname: the Bloody Angle. Luckily, the past is the past.

Today, Doyers Street is a lively thoroughfare full of tourists. The main draw Nom Wah Tea Parlous, the oldest dim-sum restaurant in NYC (which I’ll cover shortly). The street is also home to a handful of barber shops and beauty salons. It’s reported that folks travel from as far as Pennsylvania and Massachusetts to get haircuts on this historic street. Take a stroll and pop into any (and every) shop that piques your interest!

While exploring Doyers Street, I suggest popping into Artbean Coffee for delicious hot drinks. You’ll find creative drinks like ube and pandan lattes, but if you’re more interested in black coffee (like me), Artbean roasts 100% arabica beans in small batches (it’s delicious!).

Part-cafe, part-art shop, the husband-and-wife duo behind this charming small business, Spencer Okada and Khanh Tran, found a way to merge two passions: coffee and art. The cafe serves as a small art shop where visitors can purchase art from local artists.

Places like Artbean Coffee are integral to the neighborhood and offer an invaluable contribution to the strong sense of community evident in Chinatown, you can’t help but love it!

Full of vibrant storefronts, Chinatown is one of the most colorful neighborhoods in New York City . To get a better feel for the fun pops of color, I recommend walking down Mott Street to see the picture-worthy lanterns while visiting Chinatown.

Contrary to popular belief, the lanterns are a new addition to the neighborhood. The reason? This neighborhood struggled to bounce back after the pandemic, in an effort to get more visitors, the folks at Send Chinatown Love installed lanterns above the streets.

Today, the lanterns entice folks to stroll down the charming streets and hopefully pop into a shop or two on the walk. One of my favorite things to do in Chinatown is to stroll the streets right because the lanterns illuminate the area in a magical way.

Wo Hop is a Chinatown institution that’s been serving up old-school Cantonese comfort food in a no-frills environment since 1938. Located in a basement nook at 17 Mott Street, the red vinyl booths and flickering fluorescent lights have been the backdrop for many a meal for New Yorkers.

The menu offers the greatest hits of Americanized Cantonese dishes: chop suey, lo mein, and orange chicken. Don’t expect fancy plating or delicate flavors; the appeal of Wo Hop lies in the pretentiousness and hearty fare. The portions are generous, the prices can’t be beat and the service is efficient.

The Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is a family-owned ice cream shop that’s been serving locals since 1978 (more than 40 years!). Known for its unique offering of ice cream flavors, adventurous palates can indulge in flavors like black sesame, match, lychee, and durian. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Chinatown for foodies. Take note: Chinatown Ice Cream Factory accepts cash and Venmo (no credit cards).

Nestled within the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue, the Museum at Eldridge Street offers a glimpse into the life of the city’s Eastern European Jewish immigrants. Opened in 1887, this National Historic Landmark was built in the Gothic, Moorish, and Romanesque style, it’s an architectural marvel.

This museum is a must-visit in Chinatown for anyone looking to delve into the intricate layers of New York’s immigrant history. The guided tours seek to preserve the history of Jewish Americans living in NYC, it’s a very unique Chinatown experience.

You Might Enjoy Reading: 10+ Important Jewish Institutions in New York City (Worth Knowing)

Alimama has gone viral on TikTok thanks to elaborate iced drinks, puff pastries, and mochi donuts. Luckily, the treats at this small cafe (no indoor seating, grab-and-go establishment) actually live up to the hype. Which is why popping in for a treat is a must-do in Chinatown for foodies. Don’t sleep on the black milk tea with boba cream puffs, airy and light, these things are perfect !

Address: 89A Bayard St, New York, NY 10013

Opened in 1920 (100 years ago), Nom Wah Tea Parlor is the oldest dim sum restaurant in NYC. Renowned for delicious dim sum the heavy hitters on the menu are the shrimp dumplings and roast pork buns. Enjoying a meal at this iconic restaurant is one of the best things to do in Chinatown for foodies.

Admittedly, the long lines are somewhat of a headache. In my opinion, I don’t think it’s worth waiting more than 30 minutes to get inside. The food is good, but it’s the history and vibe that folks come for. This is an iconic NYC institution, which is why it earns a spot on our list of must-see places in Chinatown.

Address:  13 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013

If you’re visiting Chinatown as a local, pop into Dahing Plants for some of the best deals on houseplants. I’m a sucker for plants (I currently have 8 in my tiny 400-square-foot apartment), and can confirm that Dahing Plants is one of the best plant shops in NYC .

The inventory is impressive! From variegated mosteras to strings-of-pearls and citrus trees. The prices are some of the best in the city (almost half what I’ve seen in more trendy plant shops). Every plant in the shop looks so healthy, the folks behind the magic clearly care about what they do. All this to say, if you’re a green thumb then swinging by Dahing Plants is one of the best things to do in Chinatown.

Established in 1890, Wing On Wo & Co. holds the distinction of being the oldest continuously operating store in the neighborhood. The store is renowned for its exquisite collection of Chinese porcelain and other traditional Chinese goods. But it’s so much more than just a store, Wing On Wo & Co. reflects centuries-old Chinese artistry.

From intricate teapots and delicate cups to ornate vases and plates, every piece is adorned with symbolic Chinese motifs like dragons, phoenixes, flowers, and landscapes. This is a great place to pick up authentic souvenirs while visiting Chinatown.

Address: 26 Mott St, New York, NY 10013

Speakeasies in New York City are a dime a dozen, but that doesn’t mean they’re created equal (far from it). Apotheke is a unique speakeasy that stands out for its fun apothecary theme (inspired by European apothecaries from the past). Opened in 2008, the bar is set in a former opium den which adds a touch of historical intrigue to this unique Chinatown experience.

The bar’s specialty lies in the use of fresh, organic ingredients and an array of exotic herbs and botanicals, reminiscent of a chemist’s laboratory. Each cocktail is crafted with the precision of a pharmacologist, aimed at “healing and rejuvenation.” Among the many innovative concoctions, the most famous is probably the Deal Closer (Quinoa Vodka, Horny Goat Weed Tea, Cucumber, Mint, Lime & Agave, Vanilla Essence).

Great cocktails and relaxing vibes, earns Apotheke a spot on our list of the most romantic things to do in Chinatown.

Address:  9 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013

I know I’m not the only one guilty of collecting candles (right, right ?). That’s why one of the best things to do in Chinatown is to create your own candle. At Lanterne Lab you can design a unique candle to take home (it’s a great souvenir idea!). Pick a scent, throw in some glitter (or flower petals), and wait for the wax to set.

The whole experience takes about an hour or so and then another hour to let the wax set. Don’t worry, you’re able to leave at that hour. This is one of the most memorable things to do in Chinatown, making it a great option for date night!

Address: 69 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013

Happy Medium is a unique and creative concept that blends the traditional idea of a café with an art studio. Unlike conventional cafés where the menu primarily lists food and beverages, Happy Medium offers a menu of art experiences instead. Encouraging folks to explore various art mediums, such as charcoal, pastel, clay, watercolor, and collage-making.

Projects typically take around an hour and half to two hours and will run about $25 a person. Creating a unique piece of art for your apartment (or a souvenir to take home) is among the best things to do in Chinatown, NYC. Reservations are encouraged, try to book in advance if you can.

Address: 49 Market St, New York, NY 10002

Basement is a carnival-themed speakeasy in Chinatown that serves excellent libations and offers fun games like beer pong, darts and cards. It’s one of the best spots in Chinatown to bring new friends because the games are a great distraction from awkward small talk.

To get inside, you’ll need to walk through a door that looks like a vintage Coca-Cola vending machine (this is a speakeasy, after all). Drinks like the Chinatown old fashioned and toki highball are made with Asian spirits, a modern twist on time-tested classics. Make an effort to swing by for cocktails because visiting the Basement is one of the coolest things to do in Chinatown, NYC.

Address:  45 Mott St, New York, NY 10013

List of the Best Things to Do in Chinatown NYC

• Visit the Museum of Chinese in America
• Check Out Doyer Street
• Make Some Art at Happy Medium
• Order Cream Puffs at Alimama

Yes, Chinatown in NYC is worth visiting for its rich cultural experience, diverse culinary offerings, unique shops, and vibrant atmosphere. It provides a glimpse into Chinese heritage and traditions within the bustling backdrop of New York City.

Mott Street is often considered one of the best streets to visit in Chinatown NYC, known for its lively atmosphere, diverse range of restaurants serving authentic Chinese cuisine, and vibrant street markets. It offers a unique cultural experience with a mix of traditional and modern elements.

Manhattan Chinatown is known for its vibrant atmosphere, diverse Chinese culture, and a wide array of authentic Chinese restaurants, markets, and shops. It’s a bustling neighborhood that offers a rich cultural experience with traditional festivities, events, and a distinctive blend of East and West.

While many businesses in Chinatown NYC accept credit cards, it’s advisable to have some cash on hand as some smaller shops and street vendors may prefer or only accept cash payments.

Where to Grab Brunch in SoHo:   15 Satisfying Brunch Places in SoHo (Worth the Wait) Best Happy Hour in SoHo:   12 Satisfying Happy Hour Spots in SoHo Coffee Shops in SoHo:   15 Satisfying SoHo Coffee Shops (Locals Can’t Live Without!) Restaurants in SoHo:   20 Remarkable Restaurants in SoHo (Both Hotspots & Hidden Gems)

Best Pizza in NYC:   15 Best Pizza Joints in New York City Iconic Restaurants in NYC:   10 Iconic New York City Restaurants Every Local Needs to Try Mouthwatering Bagels in NYC:   15 BEST Bagels in New York City Unbelievable Brunch Spots in NYC:   18 Prime Brunch Spots in New York City Worth the (Inevitable) Wait

And there you have it, our list of the fun things to do in Chinatown, NYC. As always, don’t hesitate to let us know if we missed anything. Cheers!

About Antonina

Hi there! I'm Antonina. Like so many folks, living in New York City was always a dream of mine. Now it's my reality! I started New York Dearest as a means to share my passion for NYC with locals and visitors alike.

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10 Best Things to Do in Chinatown, NYC + MAP

Home | Travel | North America | United States | New York | NYC | 10 Best Things to Do in Chinatown, NYC + MAP

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There are countless things to do in Chinatown, NYC , so you can visit it over and over and still find something new. People come from all over the country to experience the unique atmosphere of New York City’s Chinatown , and it’s easy to see why it’s a must-visit Manhattan neighborhood .

This area is home to several historic landmarks and interesting streets where you can window shop for bargains, get a taste of a different culture, and learn more about the local Chinese community. The old structures and alleyways here carry a secret history that you may overlook at first glance. That’s why I recommend taking this tour if it’s your first time exploring this neighborhood. You will also visit nearby Little Italy, another reason why I consider it one of the best walking tours in NYC .

Every time we visit this place, there is something new to try since some of the best food in NYC is in Chinatown . From hand-pulled noodles and pork dumplings to fresh fish and dim sum, Chinatown is a haven for foodies. So, you can eat your way around here while discovering all the coolest attractions.

To help you out, I’m sharing the 10 best things to do in Chinatown , as well as where to stay if you decide to extend your visit.

1. Eat some Chinese food, a fun thing to do in Chinatown

Without a doubt, one of the best foods to try in NYC is Chinese food , and there is no better place to do that than in Chinatown. The aromas and flavors are a huge draw for visitors and locals craving authentic Asian food, and a few restaurants definitely stand out.

First, Joe’s Shanghai has some of the best Chinese food in NYC’s Chinatown , as well as vegetarian-friendly options. That said, the soup dumplings are super popular and worth trying. Another top spot to check out is Xi’an Famous Foods , which serves western Chinese dishes. While it’s a chain, it has incredible food, particularly spicy and sour dumplings, and chili oil beef noodles.

Speaking of which, you can get amazing noodles in Chinatown , and at a great price. Two of the best places to go are Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles and Super Taste . If you want to try a variety of Chinese dishes, go out for dim sum at Nom Wah Tea Parlor , where you can order everything from scallion pancakes and sesame balls to rice noodles and pork buns.

There are other Asian cuisines to enjoy here, including Korean barbecue, sushi, and ramen. One of the best ways to get a sampling of everything is by taking this food tour , which goes through Chinatown and Little Italy, another great neighborhood in NYC .

2. Mahayana Buddhist Temple, one of the best places in Chinatown, New York City

For a quiet escape from the busy city, enter the Mahayana Buddhist Temple . It’s the largest Buddhist temple in NYC, and you don’t have to be a practicing Buddhist to check it out.

The temple is open daily and holds meditation classes and cultural programs for visitors. You can pop in to leave an offering, say a prayer, or just look around at the beautiful interior. Along with a 16-foot golden Buddha statue, there are altars and artworks depicting the Buddha’s life story and enlightenment.

In addition to being one of the best places to visit in Chinatown , the temple is the setting for Chinese Buddhist gatherings every week. If you’re interested, you can attend one of the dharma services to experience the chants and ritual offerings.

The Mahayana Buddhist Temple is supported through donations, so if you stop by, I encourage you to leave a few dollars.

3. Columbus Park, another nice place to go in Chinatown, NYC

Columbus Park is another Chinatown landmark that you’re sure to see during your visit. This public park is along Chinatown’s southern border and is a popular spot for social and community events. As you walk through it, you may see people hanging out, playing mahjong, or practicing tai chi.

While these days the park is a safe and friendly place, back in the 19 th century, it was the site for lots of gang-related activity and crime. Over the decades, revitalization efforts have transformed Columbus Park into a welcoming space for all ages.

Here, you’ll find a playground, sports fields, a basketball court, and a statue of Chinese political leader Dr. Sun Yat-sen. It’s one of the best spots in Chinatown for people-watching, so I recommend relaxing here with a snack or drink, even if it’s just for a few minutes.

4. Museum of Chinese in America, an interesting museum in Chinatown, New York

Another way to learn more about Chinatown and its history is to visit the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA). This is one of the best museums in NYC , so it’s a must-see if you’re a museum lover or you’re looking for a rainy day activity.

MOCA focuses on the Chinese American experience by chronicling over 160 years of events and individuals. Among the collection, there are manuscripts, photographs, textiles, audio recordings, and artwork, as well as a research center. During your visit, you’re sure to discover something new, such as a Chinese American actor you were unfamiliar with or long-held traditions like Shaolin dragon dancing.

Best of all, this museum in Chinatown, NYC is included in the New York Pass . If you don’t have the pass, you can get a ticket here .

5. Visit the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, something to do in Chinatown as a family

There are amazing restaurants in Chinatown, NYC , but don’t forget to save room for dessert. The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory has the most delectable cones and ice cream cakes, so you’ll want to stop by.

This family-owned ice cream shop is known for its colorful sweet treats and wide selection of flavors. You’ll find the typical flavors like vanilla and chocolate, as well as more adventurous ones like lychee, ginger, and green tea. The almond cookie ice cream sounds especially yummy, and it’s made with Chinese almond cookies from the Fung Wong Bakery down the street.

While some believe that the Chinese invented ice cream back during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), there’s no doubt that this is one of the most delicious places to visit in Chinatown .

6. Bloody Angle (Doyers Street), the most famous street in NYC’s Chinatown

Chinatown’s Doyers Street may be just 200 feet long, but it’s one of the most famous streets in New York , so you must check it out. The street is more like an alleyway, and it has a sharp bend in it where Nom Wah Tea Parlor is located.

In the early 20 th century, Doyers Street was known as the “Bloody Angle” because it was the site of numerous murders and crimes. Gang-related activity and drug use led to lots of bloodshed, and people wouldn’t dare walk along this street.

Fortunately, today this area is totally safe and has been revamped with a colorful street mural. It’s even considered to be one of the best streets in Chinatown, NYC , thanks to its shops and cafes. In addition to Nom Wah Tea Parlor, which dates back to 1920, there are other long-standing buildings here like Ting’s Gift Store .

There are also places to grab a drink or a bite to eat, like Chinese Tuxedo , Taiwan Pork Chop House , and Apotheke , one of the best speakeasies in NYC that is in an old opium den.

7. Canal Street Market, the best place to shop in Chinatown, NYC

Canal Street is one of the best places to go shopping in Chinatown, NYC , and one of the most popular spots to visit is the Canal Street Market . This large market is full of vendors selling everything from food and artisanal products to handicrafts, housewares, and clothing. This place is open year-round, so you can always find new items and bargains.

One of the most interesting retailers here is a bonsai shop where you can take home your own miniature tree. There is also a food court full of Chinese vendors offering noodles, rice balls, bubble tea, and more. You can also find Filipino, Italian, Japanese, Korean, and Mexican cuisine. Not only is the market a hub for community and culture, but it’s also a great place to support small, local businesses.

Of course, there are other popular markets in Chinatown where you can go bargain-hunting. Pearl River Mart is a three-story shop with unique items like tea sets, ceramics, incense holders, and Asian snacks and candy. For something more high-end, check out Magic Jewelry NYC , which has gorgeous jade pendants and gemstone bracelets.

8. Chinese New Year Parade, a cool thing to see in Chinatown

If you’re visiting Chinatown around Lunar New Year (which is usually in February), then you can’t miss the Chinese New Year Parade . It’s just one of the events that take place here for the Lunar New Year celebrations, but it’s definitely the most exciting.

The parade is full of participants celebrating their culture and ringing in the new year with firecrackers, lanterns, music, and songs. You’ll also see dancers in traditional clothing and martial artists with impressive moves. One of my favorite things is the dragon dancing, which is a performance with an elaborate dragon puppet. The dragon is said to scare evil spirits away and bring in wisdom, fertility, and good fortune for the new year.

The parade route starts at Canal and Mott Streets and travels south, then goes east along Broadway before turning up Forsythe Street. So, grab a spot and witness one of the coolest things to see in Chinatown, NYC .

9. Chinatown Fair Family Fun Center, one of the best places to go in Chinatown with kids

If you’re looking for things to do in Chinatown with kids, or you just want to have some fun, head to the Chinatown Fair Family Fun Center on Mott Street. This video arcade has a long history, dating back to 1944 and appearing in several films throughout the years.

Today, the arcade is under new management, but it’s still a popular place to visit in Chinatown with family or friends. You’ll find all your favorite games like Skee-Ball and air hockey, as well as classics like pinball and crane machines. The arcade is also known for having fan favorites like Dance Dance Revolution and Mario Kart .

You can also play the games that made the Fun Center famous in the first place, such as Ms. Pac-Man and Space Invaders. The arcade is open daily, so keep it in mind if you need something to do in Chinatown on a rainy day.

10. Get drinks at Crown Rooftop Bar, a fun thing to do in Chinatown as a couple

After a full day of exploring Chinatown and all its attractions, chill out with a cocktail at The Crown Rooftop Bar . Located on the 21 st floor of Hotel 50 Bowery , The Crown offers beautiful views of Lower Manhattan and the Brooklyn skyline, as well as amazing drinks.

You can relax in the indoor lounge or enjoy the fresh air on one of the outdoor balconies. The entire bar has a boutique design with contemporary furnishings and stylish seating. The Crown also features a regular line-up of DJs, so you can listen to live music while sipping on a martini or beer.

In addition to its signature cocktails, the bar has a creative menu with small plates and appetizers like tuna tartare tacos, pan-fried chicken dumplings, and pork buns. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best rooftops in NYC and the perfect place to go in Chinatown at night .

Where to stay in Chinatown NYC

I prefer staying in one of the nearby neighborhoods, like the Bowery or SoHo . This way, you can enjoy a comfortable accommodation and a good night’s sleep while still being close to the best attractions in Chinatown . These are a couple of my favorite hotels:

• The Bowery Hotel – one of the best hotels in Manhattan with industrial-style rooms and a delicious Italian restaurant.
• Crosby Street Hotel – an excellent hotel in downtown NYC with a drawing room, a private theater, and afternoon tea service.

Chinatown New York map

To wrap up, don’t forget to check out our Manhattan neighborhoods map to see an overview of Chinatown and nearby areas. I’m also sharing this specific map of New York’s Chinatown , with all the attractions and hotels I mentioned.

If you have any questions or you’d like to share your favorite things to do in Chinatown , leave me a comment below. I’d be delighted to hear from you! Have a fantastic trip!

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21 Amazing Things To Do in Chinatown NYC (+ Map!)

Author --> August 28, 2023

With lots of fun things to do in Chinatown NYC , the neighborhood of Chinatown is a must-visit if you’re going on a trip to New York City.

Whether you like seeing art, having delicious food, seeing great sights, or exploring beautiful parks and streets, there are many activities you will love in this neighborhood in Manhattan.

In this guide, you can find everything you need to know if you’re wondering what to do in Chinatown. From great museums to interesting tours to incredible sights, I included a large variety of activities in this guide so there’s something for everyone’s liking!

Best Things To Do in Chinatown NYC

Go to the museum at eldridge street.

The Museum at Eldridge Street is a museum that you can find a 12 Eldridge Street and it is inside the historic Eldridge Street Synagogue.

This synagogue was built in the year 1887 and is a National Historic Landmark. The synagogue is a symbol of the Jewish migration to the Lower East Side.

When you go to this museum, you can learn about the life of Jewish immigrants, see beautiful architecture, and learn about various cultures.

You can do a tour of the building by yourself, but it is also possible to join a public guided tour during which docents tell you about the synagogue. These tours take place several times per week.

Address: 12 Eldridge St, New York, NY 10002

Do a Chinatown Food Tour

Chinatown has a lot to offer, and this includes many great restaurants. If you want to get to know the food that this neighborhood has to offer, one of the best things to do in Chinatown is a Chinatown food tour .

During this tour, which you can do during lunchtime or dinnertime, a guide will take you to various eateries in Chinatown, and at those places, you can try out food.

For example, you can try Hong Kong-style sponge cakes during this tour. Also, you’ll visit a dumpling place where you can sample great dumplings.

In addition to that, you’ll learn about the history of the neighborhood and learn about a lot of interesting facts.

Moreover, this tour also includes a tour of the Little Italy neighborhood and you can also sample Italian food during the tour.

See a Movie at Metrograph

Metrograph is a movie theater that you can find in Manhattan’s Chinatown at 7 Ludlow Street.

This is a retro movie theater with a beautiful and elegant interior, wooden cushioned chairs, and red carpet, which adds a lot to your experience! Metrograph has an amazing cozy atmosphere.

You can go here to see all kinds of independent films, and what’s great is that you can see a selection of these movies on 35mm.

Moreover, you can get all kinds of delicious drinks and snacks at the movie theater. It is even possible to go here for dinner or brunch! The restaurant of the movie theater is inspired by the golden age of Hollywood.

Address: 7 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002

Explore Canal Street

Canal Street is one of the most famous streets in NYC and in the neighborhood.

This is an east-west street that runs through Chinatown but also through other neighborhoods.

You can find a lot of vendors on Canal Street. These vendors sell a large variety of gifts and other novelty items, and there are also vendors that sell many different types of food items.

Furthermore, you can find a lot of Chinese bakeries and restaurants on and near Canal Street.

Get Sweet Treats and Coffee at Sweet Moment NYC

If you like sweet treats and coffee, a great activity in Chinatown is checking out Sweet Moment NYC.

This is a dessert cafe where you can get delicious drinks made with La Colombe coffee. What’s great is that the baristas at Sweet Moment NYC create amazing latte art. For example, you can get a drink with a cute face on it.

In addition to that, you can get delicious in-house pastries and cookies at Sweet Moment NYC, and this place is known for its delicious shaved ice with many different flavors.

Address: 106 Mott St Frnt P, New York, NY 10013

Learn New Things at the Museum of Chinese in America

The Museum of Chinese in America is an interesting museum where you can learn about Chinese-American history.

At the museum, you can learn about the living history of Chinese Americans, and you can also learn about culture and heritage here.

There is a permanent exhibition that focuses on the complete Chinese American history, and this permanent exhibition is combined with temporary ones that take place throughout the year.

Each temporary exhibition focuses on a particular type of subject related to history or art.

For example, in the past, there was an exhibition about the impact of the Chinese on the American railroad. There was also an exhibition that focused on Chinese food in America.

Address: 215 Centre St, New York, NY 10013

Get Latte Art at Round K by Sol

Round K by Sol is a wonderful cafe that you can find at 78 Canal Street and going there is a very relaxing thing to do in Chinatown. You can get great coffee and brunch at this cafe.

Round K by Sol is a Korean cafe and bar, and the food and drinks that you can get here are inspired by Korean culture.

Moreover, the food at this cafe is made with Korean ingredients.

You can get amazing coffee here, which includes latte drinks with beautiful latte art. For example, you can get a matcha latte here with a latte artwork of an animal. Furthermore, you can get all kinds of teas here, such as Yuja Honey Tea.

In addition to that, you can also try unique Korean flavor cocktails and mocktails at this place.

Address: 78 Canal St, New York, NY 10002

Check Out the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

The Chinatown Ice Cream Factory is an ice cream store that has been operating in Chinatown since the year 1978 and you can get delicious homemade ice cream here. You can find this place at 65 Bayard Street.

There are many interesting, unique, and tasty regular flavors to choose from. For example, the Black Sesame ice cream can be great to try and so are the Green Tea, Lychee, and Durian flavors.

In addition to that, there are seasonal flavors of ice cream. For example, you might be able to get blueberry ice cream, chocolate caramel ice cream, or cherry pistachio ice cream when you check out this place.

Furthermore, you can get their signature Chinese ice cream cake here as well!

Address: 65 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013

See Art Exhibitions at Mmuseumm

Mmuseumm is a very small museum that you can find at 4 Cortlandt Alley. The museum consists of one room in total, and this room is filled with contemporary objects that relate to “the modern world and the human condition”.

You can visit the museum on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, but it is also possible to get a view of the inside of the museum by looking through viewing windows.

It is a hidden gem that you should not miss out on when you are in Chinatown.

Address: 4 Cortlandt Alley, New York, NY 10013

Visit the Mahayana Temple

The Mahayana Temple of New York is a famous Buddhist temple and one of the best landmarks in Chinatown. It is located at 133 Canal Street.

This is the largest Chinese Buddhist temple in the city and you can find the largest Buddha of New York City here. In addition to that, there are all kinds of prints and other objects on display at the temple.

Furthermore, events sometimes take place at the temple, including Chinese Calligraphy classes.

Address: 133 Canal St, New York, NY 10002

Go to the Fun Cat Cafe Meow Parlour

Meow Parlour is the first cat cafe in New York City and you can find this place in Chinatown.

You can find this cat cafe at 46 Hester Street and it is a great place to hang out with cute adoptable cats. You can go here for 30 minutes, but you may also stay for several hours.

Keep in mind that you often have to have a reservation, as this is a very popular place and there often is no walk-in availability. Also, you sometimes have to make a reservation 2 months in advance.

In addition to playing with the cats, you can also get drinks and baked goods at Meow Parlour.

Address: 46 Hester St, New York, NY 10002

Go for a Relaxing Walk at Columbus Park

Columbus Park, which used to be called Mulberry Bend Park, is a popular public park that dates back to the year 1897, and going there is one of the best things to do in Chinatown.

The park, which was named after the famous explorer Christopher Columbus, is a great place to hang out or go for a relaxing stroll.

Many people play board games in the park, and it is a popular place with Chinese Americans.

Furthermore, there are beautiful flowers here and there are often musicians at the park.

You can also combine exploring other parts of Chinatown with going for a stroll here.

Check Out Keki Modern Cakes

Keki Modern Cakes is a bakery that you can find in Chinatown. The bakery was founded by Moul Kim, Lawrence Wai, and Kevin Kim in 2017.

At this bakery, you can get amazing sweet treats made with fresh local ingredients.

The bakery is known for its Japanese bouncy cheesecake. This is a cake with a light and silky texture that is made with locally-sourced ingredients.

In addition to that, you can get all kinds of other cakes at this bakery. For example, the “Cookie n Cream Fancy” and the “Green Tea Fancy” are both great ones to buy.

You can also go here to buy delicious and colorful cream puffs.

Address: 79 Mott St, New York, NY 10013

Do a Guided Walking Tour of Chinatown

A great way to get to know the neighborhood is by doing a guided walking tour of Chinatown. You can do this by doing a guided tour that combines the neighborhoods of Chinatown, Soho, and Little Italy .

During this guided walking tour, a guide will show you beautiful architecture and interesting sights in the neighborhood. For example, you’ll visit the Mahayana Buddhist Temple where you can see a 16-foot Golden Buddha, the largest Buddha in the city.

Also, you’ll walk by the Manhattan Bridge, check out the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory where you can enjoy delicious ice cream, and see Doyer Street.

While doing this, you can learn about the neighborhood’s history from the local guide.

Go to the Chinatown Night Market

The Chinatown Night Market is an annual event that takes place near the entrance of the Manhattan Bridge.

This is an open-air festival focused on the culture of Chinatown. At the festival, you can find a lot of local art and food vendors that sell many different types of items.

For example, you can see sugar paintings, paper-cutting art, and much more at the market.

Furthermore, there is a large variety of food that you can try at the market, including food from restaurants in the neighborhood, such as Round K By Sol.

In addition to that, there are a lot of performances at the night market. For example, you can listen to great Chinese songs, jazz music, and many other types of music during the event.

See the Entrance of the Manhattan Bridge

The entrance of the Manhattan Bridge on the Chinatown side of the bridge is a great landmark in Chinatown to check out.

You can find a beautiful Beaux Arts triumphal arch here that was created in 1915. This arch was based on the Porte Saint-Denis, which can be found in the city of Paris and it is one of New York City’s three triumphal arches.

The arch was designed by Carrère and Hastings, which is a team that also designed the main branch of the New York Public Library.

When you are in Chinatown, I recommend checking out the entrance when going for a stroll.

Go to Canal Street Market

Going to Canal Street Market is also one of the best activities in Chinatown, and you can find this market at 265 Canal Street.

Canal Street Market is a space with multiple purposes. It is a community space, a curated retail market, and a food hall.

You can find many different vendors here that sell a large variety of items, and this also includes up-and-coming businesses in downtown New York City.

For example, you can go here for vendors that sell clothes and art. Also, you can get a lot of different food here. From tacos to chocolate to pizza to Japanese cuisine, there’s a lot to try at Canal Street Market.

Address: 265 Canal St, New York, NY 10013

See Doyers Street

One of the most famous streets in Chinatown, Doyers Street, is a great place to check out.

This is a short street that has a length of only 200 feet and has a sharp bend in its center.

You can find many Chinese restaurants on Doyers Street. For example, you can find the famous Nom Wah Tea Parlor here, which is the oldest restaurant in the neighborhood that is still operating.

You can also find many tenement buildings on the street and in the past many speakeasies could be found on the street, and several of these can still be visited.

Doyers Street is named for the Dutch immigrant Hendrik Dohyers who lived and operated a business in the street at the end of the 18th century.

Get Bubble Tea at ViVi Bubble Tea

You can find many great places for bubble tea in Chinatown and one of the best places for this is Vivi Bubble Tea. This company has several locations in the world, and you can find one of the locations in Manhattan’s Chinatown.

Here, you can get delicious Taiwanese bubble tea drinks.

There are many unique flavors of bubble tea to choose from. Whether you want to get passion fruit bubble tea, pineapple mango jelly bubble tea, crème brûlée bubble tea, or many other types of bubble tea, you can do so at this place!

In addition to that, you can get slush, and other types of drinks here.

Address: 49 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013

Go to Nom Wah Tea Parlor

The oldest continuously operating restaurant in Chinatown that has been operating since 1920, Nom Wah Tea Parlor , is a wonderful restaurant to check out when you are in the neighborhood.

You can find this restaurant on 11-13 Doyerst Street, but it first opened at 13-15 Doyers Street as a bakery and tea parlor.

The restaurant was first known for its steamed buns, dim sum, tea, and Chinese pastries, but after locating to its current location, the restaurant became known for its almond cookie, red bean filling, and other dishes.

You can get delicious food here and I’m sure you’ll have a great time when you go here.

Also, what’s great is that the interior of the restaurant hasn’t changed a lot, so the restaurant has a vintage atmosphere.

What’s interesting to know about the restaurant as well is that it appeared in many popular TV series and movies, such as Law and Order.

Address: 13 Doyers St, New York, NY 10013

Get Delicious Steamed Buns at Golden Steamer

Golden Steamer is a bakery that you should definitely check out if you’re looking for things to do in Chinatown. This is a Chinese bakery that is known for its steamed buns.

You can get delicious steamed buns here that are fluffy and that are filled with all kinds of fillings.

For example, you can get delicious buns with red beans or pumpkin here.

What’s great is that you can get one for a very low price, so if you are in the area and want to have a cheap and delicious snack, you should go here for sure! You can also buy several different types of steamed buns if you cannot choose!

Address: 143A Mott St, New York, NY 10013

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What To Do in Chinatown NYC Tips

Chinatown is a densely packed neighborhood that has so much to offer. For example, everywhere you go you can discover great restaurants. That’s why I recommend when you are choosing what to do in Chinatown, to also try out new restaurants that are close to the activities. I’m sure you stumble upon great new spots!

Chinatown Things To Do Map

This was my guide to the best things to do in Chinatown NYC. Have fun exploring this amazing neighborhood!

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Our Guide to New York City’s Chinatown

Emerging from the Canal Street station in Chinatown is an experience. There's not only the sensory overload—the aroma of roast duck, the striking visual of the neon green “hair” on hot pink rambutan in a fruit vendor's cart, and the cacophony of hawkers, passersby, and traffic—but also the uncanny warping of time. More than most of New York 's other neighborhoods, Chinatown is a time capsule lined with generations-old family-run businesses. But it is undoubtedly one of the most dynamic neighborhoods in all of New York City; its long history is still being written as its streets evolve, with new ventures emerging between the storefronts of the old guard. It's this juxtaposition that makes Chinatown so intriguing.

But the coronavirus pandemic has been particularly harsh on the neighborhood. Beyond the ubiquitous business closures that erased decades of history, the racist stigma associated with the virus led to attacks on the city's Asian American Pacific Islander communities. But Chinatown—and its residents—are resilient. The next generation of business owners is already reshaping the bright future of the neighborhood, reviving some classics and introducing their own spins on cuisine, commerce, and culture. Before the pandemic, Nancy Yao Maasbach, president of the neighborhood's Museum of Chinese in America, told Condé Nast Traveler she believed "there’s never been a more exciting time for this neighborhood in New York City." And while she might not have predicted the challenges faced by Chinatown over the last 18 months, her sentiment is perhaps even more true today.

To help get you started on your own journey through the neighborhood, we've collected our favorite things to do in Chinatown below.

This article appeared in the September/October 2021 issue of Condé Nast Traveler. Subscribe to the magazine here .

The greatest hits

On the corner of Mott and Mosco, down a dark flight of stairs, unassuming neighborhood stalwart Hop Kee has been serving up no-frills Cantonese fare since 1968—but the lack of fuss is exactly why you go (and why Anthony Bourdain loved it). Slide into a booth and order the crabs Cantonese style, served in a rich brown sauce, and the salted squid with spicy green pepper. Over on East Broadway, Hwa Yuan Szechuan ’s white tablecloths are great for a dressed-up family dinner or a Friday night on the town; for something more low-key, Noodle Village on Mott is the perfect casual spot to roll into around 4 p.m. on a Saturday for steaming bowls of pork wonton noodle soup. On Doyers, Nom Wah Tea Parlor has been open since 1920, making it the oldest continuously running restaurant in Chinatown—and it’s still buzzing today, with locals and visitors who pack in each weekend for dim sum staples like shrimp shumai and Shanghainese soup dumplings. By contrast, Mee Sum Cafe on Pell Street feels like a place that time forgot, with hulking dun-colored cash register and metal barstools crowned with burnt-orange leather. Order one of the banana-leaf-encased sticky rice bundles, which sit by the dozens in trays on the counter, and a whole fish, marinated in soy sauce and scallions, if it’s available.

New kids on the block

Though Koreatown is technically three miles north, some of the best KFC—Korean fried chicken, that is—is on Pell Street, where Boka Korean Fried Chicken opened in 2019. Do a 10-piece order, along with a gut-busting helping of bulgogi French fries and a watermelon soju cocktail—served straight from a mini melon. Tonii’s Fresh Rice Noodle on Bayard opened in October of 2019, though with its scuffed white floors, random stoner art, and half-empty boxes of supplies, it looks more like it’s moving out than in. But the young crew behind the counter makes you forget all that—as do the pillowy rice noodles, with fresh shrimp and roasted duck. Tucked beneath the Manhattan Bridge, Hak Box is a sliver of a store at all of 200 square feet, but its namesake Hak Rolls, rice noodles stuffed with scallions and coated in bits of Spam and dried shrimp, are worth the squeeze. Fong On , the next-gen incarnation of the shuttered neighborhood staple Fong Inn Too, sits on a quiet stretch of Division, with red floors and white tiles that feel unimposing but cool.

Indulge your sweet tooth

Traditionally, Chinese meals end with something light, like a platter of seasonal fruit; full-fledged dessert items are typically reserved for snack time, and in Chinatown there is no shortage of snacks to be had. Start at Keki Modern Cakes on Mott Street, where the sweet scent of baked sugar hits you the second you step inside. The shop is known for its “bouncy cheesecake,” but the fluffy cream puffs, loaded with fillings like bright purple ube and delicate matcha, are every bit as memorable. Continue down Mott to Pinklady Cheese Tart , a tiny four-stool joint that sells exquisite tartlets (be sure to sample the nutty black sesame), delicately packaged in individual boxes, before backtracking to Alimama Tea , a hip café on Bayard with polished concrete floors, exposed brick walls, and a jumble of fairy lights hanging in the window that will delight Instagram influencers. Both the cartoonishly pink lychee rose tea and Onyx mochi doughnut, dredged in a shiny chocolate lacquer with flecks of gold and silver, taste as good as they’ll look in your feed. But on a hot summer’s day, there’s nothing better than heading a block west on Bayard for red-bean scoops (ideally in an M&M- studded sugar cone) from the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory .

Do try this at home

To re-create the flavors of Chinatown in your own kitchen, hit Po Wing Hong , whose ruby-red awning—and the shopping attendant who diligently parks customers’ rolling carts outside—makes visits feel like a trip to the theater. Inside, the space opens up to reveal long aisles stocked with everything from bottled sauces and bagged noodles to purplish dried sausages and slick jellyfish slices. (You can also pick up dried goods like plums and sea cucumbers, sold by weight.) Aqua Best , on Grand, sells glistening fluke, branzino, and sea bass, all propped up on ice. If your day starts early, swing by the fruit stands flanking both sides of Mulberry Street near the intersection of Grand: Vendors hawk fresh oranges and just- ripe cherries, prickly dragon fruit, and unwieldy durian beneath multicolored beach umbrellas.

Shop till you drop

CT Seafood Mart, on the corner of Grand and Chrystie, is a clearinghouse for everything from fresh produce and seafood to pastel-colored bedspreads and bamboo-tile car-seat covers. On Mott, K.K. Discount Store is packed with silverware, rolling pins, and mocha pots of every size; there’s also plenty to covet at the tiny Ting Yu Hong Co., including wooden sandals, delicately wrapped soap bars, and (in a nod to its 1950s origins) the occasional cigarette holder. Now five generations in, Wing on Wo & Co. is Chinatown’s oldest store; make an appointment to browse its exquisite porcelain goods, suitable for everyday use (a turquoise soy bottle) and special occasions (a jade-handle mirror). Beauty haven oo35mm stocks slather-worthy tinctures like Beauty of Joseon Radiance Cleansing Balm. Other noteworthies include Chen’s Watch Inc. , a spot that deals in shiny vintage pocket watches and grandfather clocks from the likes of Le Coultre, and Bok Lei Po Trading Inc. , a martial-arts supply store with a trove of Feiyue shoes and Jing Wu three-button shirts.

Walk it off

Head to Columbus Park’s Dr. Sun Yat-sen Plaza to watch elders play card games for a crowd, or stop at the Chinatown Fair Family Fun Center , a pitch-dark arcade on Mott, for a few rounds of ice ball. Don’t miss the Maya Lin–designed Museum of Chinese in America on Centre, which traces the history of the diaspora. Recently reopened after a devastating fire in January 2020, it’s free for all through September 19.

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Best Chinatown NYC Guide: What to See, Walking Tour, Food & More!

Find out all the cool spots to visit in Chinatown NYC with a suggested walking route below. You can go to Chinatown after visiting Soho and Little Italy since they are next to each other! Chinatown NYC is a neighborhood filled with shops & restaurants. In this post, you’ll find the coolest spots to visit in Chinatown.

Tip: If you’re planning on buying NY Souvenirs, I’d suggest buying them in Chinatown or Little Italy because they are cheaper than the NY Gift Shops in Times Square 😉

When I first came to NYC and went to Chinatown, I only went to Canal Street… I was the worst tourist! I think it’s awesome to go and explore on your own but it’s good to have at least some guidance 😉 Now that I live here, I prefer to avoid the area because of the smell and because it gets very crowded but it’s worth visiting at least once! Some locals go to eat here or buy fresh fish. If you’re on a very tight schedule on your NYC Trip , you can avoid this area.

What’s Chinatown NYC Known For?

Busy & narrow sidewalks with plenty of souvenir stores, clothing, suitcases & bags, bubble tea shops and markets that sell dried fish, herbs & spices! You can find many locals at Columbus Park (more below).

Many tourists & foodies visit Chinatown for the restaurants if you’re up for some good dumplings, pork buns, seafood, or hand-pulled noddles, and dessert too!

It’s also known for being a smelly neighborhood with all the seafood around… Chinatown is getting bigger and bigger every day!

How to Get to Chinatown NYC

You can take the following subways to Canal Street Station:

What to See in Chinatown NYC: Top Attractions

Canal street.

• Mott Street Market
• Chatham Square
• Manhattan Bridge Entrance

Columbus Park

The most popular street in Chinatown NYC and main shopping area. The street where you’ll see plenty of shops all next to each other. You should know Canal St. is not a “legitimate” shopping area in Manhattan . More below.

Shopping on Canal St. – Crossing Streets: Canal St. between Baxter St. & Bowery.

Doyers Street

This is a hidden little street in the heart of Chinatown NYC worth visiting! Hard to find if you just go to Canal Street without knowing about this! This was my favorite part of Chinatown! It’s safe to walk through there. It can look a bit isolated close to sunset but it’s safe!

It was known as the “Murder Alley” or “Bloody Angle” because it was a very dangerous street with violence and crimes in the 1880s/1900s.

Many Chinatown locals go to this park. You can spot people doing  Tai Chi in the mornings and playing chess & Mahjong.

You don’t really have to visit this park if you just want to visit the main spots of Chinatown New York 😉

Shopping in Chinatown NYC

You can find cheap souvenirs, bags, suitcases, purses, wallets, etc. on Canal Street. The shops are very close to each other.

It will feel like all of them are being VERY PUSHY trying to make you buy their stuff. For some people, this can be annoying. Many will tell you a higher price than what it really costs so you have to negotiate the price here. I’d say to never accept the first price they tell you 😉 In fact, it’s expected to negotiate the price.

Chinatown NYC is also famous for selling fake bags (imitation bags) of luxury brands such as Prada , Gucci , Louis Vuitton , Chanel , etc. People that ask for this, are taken to the back of the store which can be a bit scaring. You should know it’s illegal for them to sell you these, so I don’t promote it or encourage it here.

Some Chinatown Shopping Tips:

• Bring cash with you.
• Try not to show your cash.
• Don’t keep your purse wide open.
• Keep an eye on what you spend so you don’t end up spending tons of money on junk items.
• Get ready to bargain. It’s expected here!

Suggested Walking Route

• If you want to visit Chinatown NYC after Soho or Little Italy, simply keep walking on Canal St. till you reach Chinatown 😉

Chinatown Food

Ice cream in chinatown, taiyaki nyc.

A really cool & popular (and cheap!) Japanese Ice Cream store with unique soft-serve ice cream flavors in a fish-shaped waffle cone. If you go to this place, I’d only go for the ice cream cone (they sell other stuff too). It’s what made them popular.

119 Baxter St. between Canal & Hester Sts.

Matcha n’ More

Good spot for Matcha drinks & soft-serve ice cream. Great for Matcha lovers!

4704, 177 Hester St. between Mott & Mulberry Sts.

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

This is a popular & touristic spot. Homemade ice cream with Oriental & exotic flavors. Maybe not the best ice cream but it’s worth trying the flavors.

65 Bayard St. between Mott & Elizabeth Sts.

Chinatown Bakery

If you wanna eat Buns this is THE place to go! Don’t expect the staff to be friendly though… because they aren’t! Ask if you can grab a table before you buy. Sometimes they don’t let you and you need to eat your buns somewhere else. CASH ONLY!

64 Bayard St. between Mott & Elizabeth Sts.

Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles

Best hand-pulled noodles in Chinatown.

1 Doyers St. between Pell & Chatam / Bowery.

Best Restaurants in Chinatown NYC

Some restaurants to consider:

• Wah Fung No 1 Fast Food : more of a grab & go spot. Known for their Roasted BBQ Pork. Cheap & good food. Maybe too greasy for some.
• Vanessa’s Dumpling House or East Dumpling .
• The Original Buddha Bodai : Vegetarian, Vegan & Kosher.
• Xi’an Famous Foods . Good for Noddles.

You might also want to check out:

Soho NYC Guide

Financial District Guide

Follow my tips here on Instagram too!

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Hi there :) I'm Jess and I came to NYC to pursue my dream and I feel I'm living it every day. New York is magical and you have to be open to everything because you never know who is sitting next to you on the subway or behind you in the line of the supermarket. I decided to create this blog about NYC because I realized how many powerful tips would have helped me if I knew them before coming to the city from someone who was living in NY! So I thought that it would be awesome to share with you some tips about New York from a New Yorker. I'm going to keep updating this blog so stay tuned :)

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The 8 Best Places to Eat, Drink, and Shop in Manhattan's Chinatown, According to Local Experts

Explore Chinatown through these expert picks.

Maremagnum/Getty Images

Manhattan’s Chinatown has become one of the most essential stops for travelers visiting New York City , usually in pursuit of delicious cheap eats and deals on clothes and souvenirs. But with one of the densest Asian immigrant populations in the country, the lower Manhattan neighborhood is, at its heart, so much more than a tourist destination.  “At the forefront, Chinatown is home,” Victoria Lee , co-founder of Welcome to Chinatown , a nonprofit focused on amplifying and supporting the neighborhood’s businesses for future generations, told Travel + Leisure . “It is the lifeline for hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers that live and work in the area. It has survived historical disasters including 9/11 and Hurricane Sandy. And while remnants of it are still visible, you will discover how the community has tackled adversity head-on. And in doing so, Chinatown has infused character that underscores why it significantly contributes to the cultural fabric of NYC.”

The community ties have grown even stronger facing recent challenges. “The COVID-19 pandemic, the subsequent rise of anti-Asian hate crimes , and the closure of longtime mom-and-pop shops have fueled Asian American youth to return to Manhattan’s Chinatown to start community initiatives, nonprofit organizations, and small businesses,” said Chloe Chan, who grew up spending her weekends in Chinatown and is now co-founder of Mott Street Girls , which runs food and history walking tours with a social perspective. After all, this is a community that has grown out of resistance , fueling its most meaningful sites. “It’s been truly amazing to see the proliferation of murals, community organizations such as Welcome to Chinatown and Send Chinatown Love , and Asian-owned small businesses like Yu and Me Books , Lanterne Candle Lab , and Pinklady Cheese Tart in the wake of the pandemic,” Chan told T+L. While the crowds may descend on popular eateries — think Nom Wah Tea Parlor , Golden Unicorn , Jing Fong , Vanessa’s Dumplings , Joe’s Shanghai , Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory , and Fay Da Bakery — we reached out to insiders for their picks on where to best experience the neighborhood beyond the trending destinations.

FUTURE LIGHT/Getty Images

Here, we highlight their top 8 must-visit spots when visiting Manhattan's Chinatown.

May Wah Fast Food

“This is a true hole-in-the-wall serving up comfort food that makes all of my worries melt away when I bite into the juicy chicken with bits of seasoned cabbage and white rice,” Lee said. “My mouth starts watering as soon as I place my order. I'm hypnotized by the staff methodically frying the chicken and pork chops until mine is finally assembled.” Also on the menu are pan-fried noodles, rice cakes, and noodle soup entrees.

Insider Tip: Order the chicken leg over rice with soy sauce egg.

Chang Lai Cheong Fun Cart

This Chinatown staple is easy to spot since the food cart always has a line of locals standing eagerly awaiting the food, “even when it’s raining or snowing,” said Priscilla Cheng, the executive director of Meals for Unity , a nonprofit dedicated to fighting food insecurity in Chinatown. And it’s easy to see why: specializing in the Cantonese snack cheong fun (rice noodle rolls), the stand serves up more than 20 combinations — like curry fish balls, tripe, and Asian seafood and veggies — that can be topped off with scallions, soy sauce, or peanut sauce.  Insider Tip: “Order A6 with rice noodle rolls, curry balls, beef tripe, spleen, and radish fish balls,” Cheng told T+L.

Taiwan Bear House

“This place serves authentic and essential Taiwanese cuisine from crispy chicken to lu rou fan ,” Cheng said of the establishment, which opened in 2015. While they offer Taiwan’s most influential specialty, boba tea, Taiwan Bear House is best known for its meal sets. Called bian dang , or a Taiwanese bento box, each comes with a featured entree and an assortment of side dishes, including a bed of rice, cabbage, and hard-boiled egg. “While Manhattan's Chinatown has a wide variety of Cantonese cuisine, it's nice to see more Taiwanese shops pop up,” she said.

Insider Tip:  Get the Taiwanese sausage or braised pork belly bian dang .

“Wok Wok is a hidden gem on Mott Street with a lot of Thai and Malaysian dishes,” said Mott Street Girls’ co-founder Anna Huang, whose connection to Chinatown was sparked by volunteering at a local history museum. The eatery serves up everything from popcorn basil chicken and grilled satay beef to rendang curry stews, stone rice bowls, and wok noodles, as well as items inspired by hawker street food. 

Insider Tip:  According to Huang, the roti and laksa are a must-try.

Sugarcane Daddy

Courtesy of Sugarcane Daddy

While bubble tea stores line the streets of Chinatown, this shop located in Nha Trang One restaurant offers an alternative refreshing cold drink. “Sugarcane Daddy is the only place to get freshly pressed sugarcane juice in Chinatown,” Chan told T+L. But the best part, she said, is that the owner Winsley Tsang sources his fresh fruit from street vendors in Chinatown, supporting the community all around. Insider Tip:  Don't skip the sugarcane juice with kumquat.

Ting’s Gift Shop

Opened in 1958, the lucky red storefront at the corner of Doyers and Pell is home to the oldest gift shop in Manhattan’s Chinatown. “It’s filled from floor to ceiling with unique souvenirs, including travel-sized mah-jongg sets, vintage jewelry, and embroidered silk qipaos ,” Chan said.  Insider Tip:  “Chopstick stands in the shape of cats and Chinese veggies are the perfect souvenir,” Chan told T+L.

Wing on Wo & Co.

Mischelle Moy/Courtesy of Wing on Wo & Co.

Wing on Wo & Co., founded in the 1890s is the neighborhood’s oldest continually operating shop, now run by its fifth generation. “It began as a general store, initially selling dried fish, canned goods, and other tastes of home for a growing community of Chinese immigrants,” Huang said. Now it’s best known for its porcelain since “it is one of the only stores in Manhattan that specializes in Chinese porcelain,” she added. Insider Tip: Consider the porcelain bowls, spoons, teacups, and jewelry.

Canal Body Work

Lee gave her partner a gift card to the massage therapy spot after a stressful day of work, and now he gets weekly massages there as part of his routine. “For anyone who will be exploring New York City this is a must-do after spending a lot of time on your feet,” she said.  Insider Tip:  Get a full-body massage.

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The Expert Guide for Visiting Chinatown NYC

by Fiona F.

Last Updated: March 5, 2024

Chinatown, NYC is its own destination. A great place for bargain shopping, food, history, and the chance to soak in Chinese immigrant culture. It’s a fantastic NYC neighborhood . Nevertheless, it can also be confusing and chaotic to the first-time visitor, which is why we’ve written this handy guide to exploring Chinatown.

Note that New York City has several Chinatowns, including communities in Flushing, Queens and Sunset Park, Brooklyn. While we’ll explore those communities in other posts, this is a tour of New York’s oldest and best-known Chinatown in lower Manhattan .

Table of Contents

Chinatown NYC’s history

In the 1870s, Chinese immigrants, fleeing persecution while toiling in the American West, began arriving in New York City. A small Chinese community took root on Mott Street. Thanks to outside bigotry and the cultural divide, the immigrant community was fairly separate from the rest of New York.

In the ensuing decades, tales of opium dens, prostitution, and murders between warring Tongs led to the notion of Chinatown being a dangerous, mysterious quarter. In the early 20th century, New Yorkers in search of the “exotic” began to visit the neighborhood (particularly its restaurants). Tourism had arrived in Chinatown.

In 1965, discriminatory U.S. immigration policies against Asian countries were amended. Chinese immigrants began flooding into New York City. The main Chinatown NYC expanded into Little Italy and the Lower East Side, becoming home to several Asian cultures, as well as to Puerto Ricans, Dominicans, and hipster New Yorkers.

What to see in Chinatown NYC

To get to Chinatown, take the N, Q, or R subway to Canal Street (at Broadway), or the 6 to Canal Street (at Lafayette Street). If you just arrived to New York, make sure to check our NYC Subway 101 .

Before exploring Chinatown, you may want to visit MOCA , the Museum of Chinese in America , at 215 Centre Street (located one and a half blocks north of the subway stop).

The museum features exhibits on the history of Chinese immigration to the U.S., artifacts from old Chinatown, a recreation of an old Chinatown general store, and rotating exhibits on aspects of current Chinese American culture.

Once you’ve gotten a sense of Chinatown NYC’s history, it’s time to explore the neighborhood on foot.

Do some shopping on Canal Street

Begin by heading east on teeming Canal Street , where you can find narrow shops and stalls selling T-shirts, scarves, jewelry, and knock-off luxury handbags, perfumes, and watches.

If you’re looking for the high-end designer fakes like Coach, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, or Rolex, you may be lured into a tiny back room—like at Phoenix Mall ( 246-250 Canal St., between Lafayette and Centre Streets ), which is a warren of micro shops.

Grab a map at Chinatown Information Kiosk

Continue east on Canal until it intersects with Baxter and Walker Streets. There you’ll find the bright red Explore Chinatown Information Kiosk , which distributes maps, brochures, information, and has a handy neighborhood map on its sidewall.

There are many small restaurants and food shops selling fresh fish and seafood (including live lobsters and crabs). Along the sidewalks are food carts offering fruits and vegetables. You can find many fruits, including dragon fruit, lychee, longan, ginger, bok choy, bean sprouts and bamboo shoots.

Explore Mulberry Street’s wide array of nicknacks

Take a right on Mulberry Street, where you’ll pass several stores selling imported gifts of jade, pottery, tea ware, an array of Buddhas, and miscellaneous nicknacks. For a great and inexpensive snack, head to Tasty Dumpling (42 Mulberry) .

A few doors down, look for Fook on Sing (44 Mulberry) , part of Chinatown’s Funeral Row. The tiny store sells cardboard designer handbags, sports cars, flat screen TVs, mansions (complete with paper maids and security guards), plastic bottles of Cognac, even stacks of cash.

The items, symbolic gifts for the deceased, are burned in traditional Chinese funeral practices.

Explore Columbus Park and surroundings

At Bayard Street, you’ll come to Columbus Park , named for the famous explorer—and a sign that, yes, this was once an Italian immigrant community ( make sure to visit NYC’s italian neighborhoods too! ).

Columbus Park was created in 1897, when the decrepit tenements of Mulberry Bend (described by Jacob Riis as a “vast human pigsty”) were razed. The park is the town square for the community. It hosts local ensembles performing Chinese opera and traditional music, sports on its southern field, and old-timers gathered for intense games of Chinese Chess and poker. In the pavilion, folks practice Tai Chi and meditate.   

Ahead at Worth Street once stood the hub of the infamous Five Points , the most dangerous slum in NYC history. Most know it as the seedy setting inspiring the film “Gangs of New York.”

Mott Street, the foundation of Chinatown NYC

Turn left and ascend tiny Mosco Street (one of lower Manhattan’s few remaining hills) to Mott Street , where Chinatown was founded in the 1870s. This block was the site of the first Chinese general store , restaurant, Chinese-owned building, as well as home of the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Society.

On the corner (to your left) is the Church of the Transfiguration , one of the city’s oldest churches. Since 1801, it has served immigrant communities including the Irish, Italian, and currently the Chinese, with services conducted in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

Heading south, you’ll pass the new Chinatown Community Center (7-9 Mott St.). This was once the famed Port Arthur Restaurant . Founded in 1897, it was the first spot to draw New Yorkers and tourists with its exotic décor and cuisine. It served “Chinese” delicacies like chop suey, chow mein, and egg foo yung.

An intersection of cultures and gastronomies

At the corner, you’ll come to Bowery/Worth Street. The large intersection here is Chatham Square , once a grand marketplace and sordid entertainment center. On the pedestrian island stands the Kim Lau Arch , a memorial to Chinese Americans who fought for the U.S. in WWII.

Just behind the island is Dim Sum Go Go , known for excellent, inexpensive dim sum, and the Trans World Buddhist Association , an information center and place of worship.

The wide street heading east is East Broadway . It’s the main drag of the newest extension of Chinatown, populated by recent Fujianese immigrants . Wandering East Broadway and the three blocks to its south you’ll encounter a thriving, authentic Chinese immigrant enclave.

Doyers Street and the Chinese Theater

Back on Bowery, head one block north to Doyers Street , the crooked lane that turns at a 90-degree angle. Legend has it that Chinese merchants designed its curve to keep straight-flying ghosts from traversing.

The green brick building at 5-7 Doyers was the Chinese Theater (1893-1913), where Chinese opera and music were performed, while its upper floors were a flophouse packed with cheap sleeping cubicles.

Under this building is a fascinating remnant of old Chinatown: a tunnel leading to the Bowery . Left over from the 18th century Doyers Distillery, which once stood where the concrete post office is today, it’s said the Tongs would sometimes use this tunnel to evade the police.

In fact, there were so many violent battles and murders here, Doyers was called the “Bloody Angle.” Today, you can find small offices for (ironically) law and enforcement, in the tunnel, as well as acupuncture, Chinese medical science, dentistry, a tiny shop for Chinese herbs, and Tin Sun metaphysics, famed masters of Feng Shui.

At 13 Doyers Street, you’ll find Nom Wah Tea Parlor , the oldest extant tea parlor/dim sum palace in Chinatown. There are several barbershops lining the street (fancy a hair cut?) that are holdovers from the era when Chinatown was a “Bachelor Society.” Laws prohibited immigrants from bringing their wives and children from China.

Pell Street, the quintessential Chinatown NYC postcard

Doyers Street ends at Pell Street , another of the original locales of historic Chinatown. With its profusion of Chinese-character signs, it’s no surprise that postcards of quintessential Chinatown often are taken on Pell.

Turning right, you may find a crowd waiting outside Joe’s Shangha i , popular for its soup dumplings.

The red brick building on the corner of Bowery is the Edward Mooney House ( 18 Bowery Building ), the oldest house in New York. Built in 1785, the building has been a home, tavern, hotel, pool hall, social club, restaurant, and now a local bank.

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory

Take a left on the Bowery. At Bayard Street, take a detour to 65 Bayard for the renowned Chinatown Ice Cream Factory , serving homemade ice cream in distinct flavors like green tea, almond cookie, lychee, black sesame, red bean, and taro.

When you reach Bowery and Canal , you’ll find a large intersection leading to the monumental entrance of the Manhattan Bridge.

Mahayana Buddhist Temple

Beside the entrance, to the northeast, sits the Mahayana Buddhist Temple , a peaceful oasis amidst otherwise chaotic streets. Inside, the walls are lined with paper strips bearing prayers and names of the deceased, along with offerings of flowers, fruit, incense and snacks. You’ll see an enormous golden seated Buddha and, to the right, a huge temple bell, right at the head of the main sanctuary.

This is an active place of worship, so it’s important to behave with discretion and respect. Be sure to buy a scroll with your fortune, or head upstairs to the gift shop for some excellent bargains.

End the tour trying out everything you can at Canal Street food carts

Return to Canal Street and head west for the five blocks back to the subway.

Hungry? There are plenty of great restaurants on Elizabeth and Mott Streets, and the Canal Street food carts serve steamed, grilled, and fried Chinese specialties.

Update Notice: This post was updated on February 22, 2024.

About the author

Fiona's an Irish travel writer who has made New York City her home for the past 10 years. While she frequently returns to Dublin, she's captivated by the vibrant food, diverse people, and rich culture of NYC. Fiona's passion for travel extends beyond NYC and her homeland—she frequently explores new destinations, documenting her adventures and sharing her lively stories.

More by Fiona F.

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Things to Do in Chinatown NYC

Chinatown is like no other neighborhood in NYC.

Its historic streets are narrow, shops sell exotic food, you'll hear Chinese spoken here and yes, you can find knock-off handbags!

This post shares tips on the best things to see in Chinatown, including where to eat and shop, where to stay, and other tips.

We are a group of locals who lead walking tours throughout NYC.

We have led tens of thousands of people through the streets of Manhattan's Chinatown and even a couple of our tour guides live here.

In addition to our vast experience covering Chinatown, we also run the very popular NYC Travel Tips Facebook Group.

We asked our roughly 200k members what they thought was best about Chinatown and we used some of their suggestions in this post.

The group is made up of locals, and tour guides, but mostly of fans of NYC who are planning on visiting or have visited the city before.

You don't need to be a member to search for and read the posts, comments, and recommendations.

Check out our group once you are finished reading this post.

• Plan Your Visit
• Things to See and Do
• Restaurants
• Where to Stay in NYC
• Other NYC Neighborhoods

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Visiting Manhattan's Chinatown is like being transported to another country and in some ways to another era!

Wander Chinatown's narrow streets, lined with tenement buildings over 100 years old.

Contemplate the neighborhood's past, filled with stories of Irish gangs from the 1850s and mass Chinese migration in the early 1900s.

While it may feel a bit touristy, if you look closely you will see a bit of China among the locals, their traditions, and the authentic (and inexpensive) food shops.

Walk along Canal Street for "designer" bags or shop for souvenirs.

If you like fascinating history, delicious food, cheap shopping, and a touch of the exotic, Chinatown is worth a visit!

Oh, bring cash! Not all shops take credit cards and small food carts only accept cash.

Let Us Take You Here

Join one of our daily pay-what-you-wish tours.

We also have a self-guided tour as well as an audio tour. See the section on tour options below for more details.

How to Get Here

Chinatown is located in Downtown Manhattan. It's important to know that because there are two other large Chinatowns in NYC.

There's Flushing in Queens, believed to be the largest Chinatown in the city and Sunset Park in Brooklyn, running a close second in size.

Getting to Manhattan's Chinatown is easy. By subway, Chinatown is less than 20 minutes from Times Square by the N, Q, and R lines.

We recommend that you start your visit at the Chinatown Information Kiosk at the intersection of Baxter St & Canal St.

Use this Google Maps link for directions to the kiosk .

Chinatown is easy to reach by a number of subway lines and buses.

• Canal Street Station: 6, J, M, N, Q, R, W, Z
• Grand Street station:  B, D
• East Broadway station:  F

We have two posts on the NYC subway that are very handy:

• Navigating the Subway System
• Which MetroCard to Buy

M1, M6, M9, M15, M22, M103

All the major hop-on-hop-off buses offer at least one stop in Chinatown. Read our comparison post on which bus company might be right for you .  

How Much Time To Spend Here

Any time of day is good for a visit to Chinatown.

It is quieter in the morning, but half the fun is seeing the hustle and bustle of midday and the neon lights at night.

If you want to get a good feel for Chinatown, try some great food, do a little shopping, and soak in the atmosphere, we recommend that you give yourself at least two hours. 

If you plan to eat at a sit-down restaurant add on an additional hour. We recommend where to eat below .

Keep in mind that Chinatown is bordered by many other fantastic neighborhoods to check out.

Adjacent to Chinatown are:

• Little Italy
• Lower Manhattan
• Lower East Side

THINGS TO SEE IN CHINATOWN

Here are the top ten places to check out in Chinatown.

You can get more detail on these and other sites from our self-guided Chinatown tour for a do-it-yourself experience.

1. Stroll Mott Street

This is Chinatown's unofficial "Main Street” where many of the first Chinese-owned shops and restaurants opened in the early days of Chinatown.

Today it is lined with Chinese restaurants, trendy bubble tea shops, and tourist-type gift shops.

Must-visit sites include Aji Ichiban Candy Store at 37 Mott Street and the Church of the Transfiguration (corner of Mosco and Mott Sts.) erected in 1801.

Our self-guided tour has details on these stops and others not included here.

2. Relax in Columbus Park

­Immerse yourself in Chinese culture by spending a few minutes in this small but lively park.

Here you will find many elderly Chinese people, who come to do tai chi, play cards, mahjong, and other Chinese games.

You will hear musicians singing traditional Chinese songs and playing lutes. Early in the mornings, you may spot a group of people doing tai­chi.

Though this park feels distinctly Chinese, it wasn't always the case.

The area where the park stands now and the surrounding streets were known as Five Points.

You may already be familiar with Five Points from the book and movie Gangs of New York .

3. Eat Fried Dumplings

On Mosco Street, head to Fried Dumpling, a tiny shop where you can get what some say are the best Chinese fried pork dumplings in town.

Just $1.25 for 5 dumplings!  

Forks are to the right of the register and there is hot sauce on the tiny counter across from the open kitchen where you can see your dumplings being made.

The ladies at the counter are very fast and don’t have time for questions so be ready with cash in hand!

4.  Discover the "Bloody Angle"

In the early 1900s, Chinatown was a bed of vice, and rival tongs (gangs) battled for dominance. The small, curved Doyers Street was a prime location for gang violence.

There were so many shoot-outs, ambushes, and murders on Doyers Street, that it came to be known as “the Bloody Angle".

The most famous spot on Doyers Street is the Nom Wah Tea Parlor, Chinatown’s first tea parlor, which opened in 1920.

The interior resembles an American coffee shop with vinyl booths and a counter with stools.

Unlike other food establishments in early Chinatown with their exotic mysterious appearance, Nom Wah’s décor was familiar to non-Chinese diners and made it more enticing for people to come in and try this new type of food. 

5.  Be Transported on Pell Street

Walking along this narrow and colorful street one feels as if they are in China due to the small storefronts with awnings and flags written in Chinese.

This short street has a number of interesting sites.

At the corner of Pell Street and Bowery is the oldest townhouse in New York City, built in 1785 after the Revolutionary War.

At 18 Pell Street, you'll find a dusty corner store selling traditional Chinese trinkets. It's been in business since 1957.

6. See a Giant Buddha

Opened in 1997, the Mahayana Buddhist Temple 133 Canal Street is the largest Buddhist Temple in New York City and houses the city's largest Buddha statue.

You can enter the temple’s foyer for free (dressed appropriately – this is a house of worship).

If you have time and a $1 donation, go into the temple itself to gaze up at the 16-foot-tall golden Buddha. 

7. Experience Dim Sum

Dim Sum is a meal of small plates of a variety of Chinese foods like dumplings, steamed buns, ribs, seafood, and so many other treats.

This is an excellent way to try many dishes for fairly low prices.

Traditionally, Dim Sum is served on the weekends only, sort of like brunch.

However, many restaurants in Chinatown now serve it on weekdays as well, though the atmosphere is much more energetic on weekends.

When having Dim Sum, instead of ordering from a menu, you are given a large ticket on which the waiters keep track of what you eat.

Choose your food from the carts being pushed around by the servers. If you see something you like, stop the waiter, point at the item, and give your food ticket.

We recommend some places to get Dim Sum below in our Restaurants section below. 

8. See the Mott Street Fish Market

This market is made up of a number of stores selling fish and other creatures of the sea at very competitive prices.

There are a few stores that sell greens and fruit but mainly it’s the fish that bring the locals in to do their weekly shopping.

You can also find a massive array of dried goods, from different types of mushrooms, squid, shrimp, and many items you probably won’t recognize. 

Warning: if you are squeamish, do NOT look inside the large plastic garbage bins next to the fish displays.

9. Go to the Museum of Chinese in the Americas (MoCA)

This museum is one of the most important national archives of Chinese history in America. Their permanent collection is extensive.

Over 65,000 artifacts, photographs, documents, textiles, and other objects document the history of Chinese Americans.

Temporary exhibits are highly topical. Several permanent exhibits are family-friendly. 

The  Museum of Chinese in the Americas is at 215 Centre Street.

Entrance to the museum is free for holders of the New York City Tourist Pass .

10. See the Majestic Manhattan Bridge Entrance

Though the first thing you will notice about the entrance to the Manhattan Bridge is the traffic and constant gridlock, take a moment to admire the grand archway and colonnade to the bridge. 

It was designed by one of the most famous architecture firms of the early 20th century Carrere and Hastings, who designed the magnificent New York Public Library at 5th Avenue and 42nd Street.

The Manhattan Bridge, built in 1908, is not as beautiful as the nearby Brooklyn Bridge (though that is arguable).

But, it provides an invaluable service to New Yorkers as it allows cars, pedestrians, cyclists, and subways to cross from Brooklyn to Manhattan.

CHINATOWN FOOD AND RESTAURANTS

There is an overwhelming number of restaurants, eateries, and food carts in Chinatown. This section includes our picks for the best spots.

For an even bigger selection, see our post listing some of the most popular Chinatown NYC restaurants that won’t break the bank.

You can dine fairly well in Chinatown for under $10 for a sit-down meal. You can fill up on amazing street food for under $5!

See below for our snack suggestions .

• Nom Wah Tea Parlor

13 Doyers St. 

The oldest restaurant in Chinatown, the Nom Wah Tea Parlor menu offers plenty of dim sum favorites like steamed shrimp dumplings, scallion pancakes, pork fried dumplings, and soup dumplings.

21 Mott Street corner of Mosco Street, basement level

Serving Cantonese Chinese food classics like lobster in white sauce, sweet and sour pork, and lo mein since 1968.

This bustling restaurant in a clean, well-lit basement-level space, is a favorite among New Yorkers hungry for a nostalgic meal at very good prices.

20 Elizabeth Street between Canal Street and Bayard Street.

This huge banquet hall is one of the best places to experience Dim Sum.

If you are a big group, you will get your own table, but when it is crowded you will have to wait in the crowded lobby until a table is free.

There is also the option to sit at communal tables.

Tasty Hand-Pulled Noodles

1 Doyers Street

A small and cheap restaurant that is adored by New Yorkers. The dough that makes their noodles are literally pulled and stretched out by hand.

They are served in broth or by themselves with add-ins such as duck, chicken, or vegetables. Cash only.

Dim Sum Go Go

5 E Broadway at Chatham Square

If you feel like having dim sum but want to leave behind the mystery of pointing at unknown foods from wheeled carts, try this full-service restaurant.

Menus are provided with a full description and photos of the food. 

Joe’s Shanghai

Joe’s specializes in the ever-popular soup dumplings, pan-fried noodles, soups, and Shanghai-style spare ribs.

You can even order an entire fried fish covered in a thick, brown gravy.

Joe’s has been named “Best Restaurant” by the likes of Gourmet Magazine, Travel and Leisure, and New York Magazine.

Chinese Snack Foods

Fried Dumpling - 106 Mosco Street

This shop is a hole in the wall, but you can’t miss it as there is usually a short line to get 5 fried pork dumplings for $1.25.

They also have pork buns and vegetarian dumplings but they cost a bit more and aren’t as good as their signature dish.

Chinatown Ice Cream Factory - 65 Bayard Street between Elizabeth and Mott Streets

At $5 a scoop, it’s a bit pricey, but they have unusual flavors like ginger, taro, coconut, wasabi, and black sesame seed. There are plenty of old-fashioned American flavors as well.

They also do a great job with familiar flavors such as Mint Chip, Chocolate Peanut Butter, and Vanilla Fudge.

Mei Li Wah Bakery - 64 Bayard Street between Elizabeth and Mott Sts

Juicy, tender and tangy pork fills their buns and costs less than $2!

If you are a vegetarian or just want to try something different, try the lotus paste steamed buns with the consistency of peanut butter and a taste similar to that of chestnuts.

Golden Steamer - 143A Mott Street between Hester and Grand Sts.

Tucked away in a small storefront among the bustling fish market you'll find the most delicious pumpkin steamed buns in all of New York City.

The roast pork buns are good too and there's an array of sweet and savory baked and steamed items ranging from $1 to $3.

SHOPPING IN CHINATOWN

If you're looking for jewelry, handbags, perfume, sunglasses, watches, wallets, shoes, etc. walk along Canal Street between Broadway and Mulberry Street.

You will have many shops to choose from. Don’t be shy about ‘haggling’ (negotiating) – try it and you may get a better deal.

Though we don’t endorse purchasing knock-off counterfeit handbags, we can provide you with information about where and how to do this.

Don’t forget that selling counterfeit goods is a crime, so be careful with whom you deal.

Here are some tips:

First, you can visit legitimate stores licensed to sell goods.

Merchandise can sometimes be knockoffs of your favorite brands or have logos meant to resemble those of fancy name-brand bags.

If a shop does carry fake bags, they won’t make it obvious and you will have to go to the way back of the shop and have a look.  

Another option is to look for illegal street peddlers selling knockoff sunglasses, handbags and watches out of suitcases or on sheets laid out on the sidewalk.

If they suddenly pack up and run off, it means that they have spotted the police.

For those brave enough, you can deal with individual sellers who presumably have better quality counterfeit items.

These hawkers stand on street corners (notably Mott, Mulberry, and Baxter Street on the north side of Canal Street) and will walk past you saying quietly “handbag, purse" to women or “watches” to men.

If you indicate you are interested, they will take you off to the side and discreetly show you pictures of the items they have.

If you want to make a purchase, you then follow them to semi-secret, but generally safe, locations to complete the deal.

GUIDED TOURS OF CHINATOWN

Free tours by foot.

We offer several pay-what-you-like tours that are focused on, or include, Chinatown in Manhattan.

Our  SoHo, Little Italy, and Chinatown Tour  runs twice every day and takes about 45 minutes in Chinatown. 

Sometimes, we run a stand-alone tour of Chinatown .  We also offer Chinatown as part of two other history walking tours. 

Our  Chinatown Food Tour - this is a 2-hour tour that explores both the food and history of Chinatown.  This runs on a weekly basis.  

See our current tour calendar for our tours, times, and descriptions.

New York City Tourist Passes  

Both the New York Pass and the New York Explorer Pass include guided food and history tours of Chinatown for free.

These passes can be very valuable if you are planning on visiting many attractions.  

All the major hop-on, hop-off bus companies have at least one stop in Chinatown.

You will get a narration of the neighborhood from the onboard tour guide while you drive through.  

For a more in-depth guided tour, consider one of the bus companies that offer a tour guide who gets off the bus with you and walks you through the neighborhood.  

Read our post on which tour bus is right for you .

Chinatown Walking Tour

Very few neighborhoods encapsulate the diversity and international draw of New York City like Chinatown.

Interestingly enough, this neighborhood sits in the place of a former famous neighborhood in New York, the Five Points, immortalized in the book and film “Gangs of New York.”

A relatively new phenomenon in the city, Chinatown is still growing.

Join Free Tours by Foot for a peek into this ongoing chapter in New York City’s rich immigrant history.

As part of the tour, you will see the restaurants and stores that make up everyday life here.

You will be approached by street vendors selling everything from exotic fruits to questionable brand-name handbags.

You will also get a chance to pass through important neighborhood centers like Columbus Park, where Chinese men and women congregate to talk about local happenings and play their card and board games.

All of the sites and stops in Chinatown will paint a picture that will make the world feel small while at the same time reminding you of just how big it really is.

Here are the sites that will be covered on the tour:

• Columbus Park
• Church of Transfiguration
• Chatham Square
• Shearith Israel Cemetery
• Kimlau Memorial Arch
• Edward Mooney House
• Manhattan Bridge Entrance
• Mott Street Market
• Mahayana Buddhist Temple
• Museum of Chinese in the Americas

Tour information

Reservations : This tour currently runs as a private tour only.

Where : The tour departs from the intersection of Canal and Baxter Streets ( map ).

Duration : Approximately 2 hours.  Approximately 1.5 miles (2k) in distance.

When :  View our full tour Calendar

Cost : This tour is free to take, and you get to decide what, if anything, the tour was worth when it’s done.  A  name-your-own-price tour  is a tour for every budget.

Save more money with a  tourist concession pass  and our  Guide to NYC on a Budget .

Language : The tour is in English.

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Home / Top 19 Things To Do In Chinatown NYC To Add To Your Itinerary

Top 19 Things To Do In Chinatown NYC To Add To Your Itinerary

Chinatown in New York City is a bustling enclave brimming with cultural experiences, delectable foods, and fascinating history. It is a neighborhood that offers visitors a unique glimpse into Chinese-American life and traditions. If you are planning a visit, here are the top things to do in Chinatown NYC to ensure your trip is memorable and exciting.

1. Explore the Vibrant Street Markets

One of the must-visit attractions in Chinatown is its vibrant street markets. Canal Street, in particular, is renowned for its bustling atmosphere where you can find everything from exotic fruits to unique souvenirs. The energy here is palpable, making it a perfect spot for those who want to dive into the dynamic local scene.

Walking through these markets, you will encounter vendors selling a variety of goods, from handcrafted jewelry to traditional Chinese herbs. It is an excellent opportunity for photographers and cultural enthusiasts to capture the essence of Chinatown’s lively street life.

2. Visit the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA)

Dedicated to preserving and presenting the rich cultural heritage of Chinese Americans, the Museum of Chinese in America is a pivotal stop in Chinatown. The museum hosts a variety of exhibitions that explore the Chinese American experience through historical artifacts, artwork, and multimedia presentations. This is a place where visitors can gain a deeper understanding of the community’s history and contributions to American society.

Besides its permanent collection, MOCA frequently features temporary exhibitions that focus on contemporary social issues and achievements of Chinese Americans. It is an enriching experience that connects the past with the present.

3. Savor Authentic Chinese Cuisine

Chinatown is a haven for food enthusiasts looking to explore authentic Chinese cuisine. From street vendors selling warm, fluffy bao to restaurants offering dim sum and Peking duck, the options are endless. Each dining spot provides a taste of the different regions of China, making it a culinary adventure.

Whether you are in the mood for spicy Sichuan dishes or sweet Cantonese desserts, Chinatown’s diverse food scene will not disappoint. Make sure to visit some of the neighborhood’s oldest eateries for a traditional dining experience that has stood the test of time.

4. Discover Columbus Park

Columbus Park is the social heart of Chinatown, where locals gather to engage in daily activities such as Tai Chi, Chinese chess, and mahjong. The park is a lively spot where you can observe or participate in traditional Chinese games and sports. It is also a great place for a relaxing break from the bustling city streets.

Throughout the year, Columbus Park hosts various cultural events and festivals, including music performances and opera shows. These events provide a fantastic opportunity to experience Chinese culture in an open and welcoming environment.

5. Attend a Tea Tasting Session

For a more subdued and reflective activity, consider attending a tea tasting session in one of Chinatown’s numerous teahouses. These sessions not only offer a chance to taste a variety of traditional Chinese teas but also to learn about the art and significance of tea in Chinese culture. Experienced tea masters guide visitors through the different flavors and brewing techniques, making it an educational as well as a delightful experience.

Tea tastings are perfect for those who seek a deeper connection with Chinese traditions and wish to learn more about this important aspect of daily life.

6. Participate in a Cultural Walking Tour

To truly understand the depth of history and culture in Chinatown, participating in a guided walking tour is highly recommended. These tours often cover significant landmarks, such as the historic Doyers Street, known as the “Bloody Angle,” and various hidden gems that are not typically accessible to casual visitors. Tour guides provide insights into the area’s past conflicts, triumphs, and ongoing cultural evolution.

A walking tour is an excellent way to explore Chinatown’s narrow alleys and learn stories that bring the neighborhood’s colorful history to life.

7. Explore the Historical Landmarks

Chinatown is not just a place for culinary and cultural adventures; it is also home to significant historical landmarks that tell the story of Chinese immigrants in America. The Church of the Transfiguration, nestled on Mott Street, serves as a poignant reminder of the neighborhood’s evolving community. It has hosted services for Irish, Italian, and Chinese congregations since the early 19th century.

Another notable site is the Edward Mooney House on the Bowery, the oldest surviving townhouse in New York City. Built in the late 18th century, this building has been a witness to the transformation of the city and its diverse communities. It is an architectural gem that history buffs will appreciate.

8. Take Part in the Festivals

Participating in local festivals can provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the community’s spirit and traditions. The Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, is one of the most spectacular celebrations in Chinatown. Streets are filled with vibrant parades, traditional music, and dragon dances, creating a festive atmosphere that welcomes the new year with joy and excitement.

Another key event is the Mid-Autumn Festival, also known as the Moon Festival. This celebration is marked by the sharing of mooncakes, lantern displays, and various performances. It is a time when families gather to admire the full moon and give thanks for the harvest, offering a warm insight into Chinese cultural practices.

9. Shop at Local Boutiques

While Canal Street offers a variety of street vendors and bustling markets, exploring the local boutiques provides a different shopping experience. These small shops often sell unique and handmade items, ranging from fine silks and artisanal crafts to custom-made jewelry. Shopping here supports local artisans and gives you a taste of Chinatown’s creative community.

For those interested in traditional Chinese medicine, there are several reputable boutiques that offer herbal remedies and consultations with experienced practitioners. These shops not only provide natural health products but also share knowledge about the benefits and uses of traditional herbs in Chinese culture.

10. Enjoy the Art Scene

Chinatown’s art scene is vibrant and offers an array of galleries and street art that reflect the neighborhood’s rich cultural heritage and contemporary influences. Galleries like the Fou Gallery on East Broadway host exhibitions that blend traditional Chinese art forms with modern expressions, showcasing the talents of emerging and established artists alike.

Public art installations and murals are also prevalent in Chinatown, adding color and context to its streets. These works often celebrate the achievements of Chinese Americans and their contributions to the city’s cultural landscape, making a walkthrough Chinatown a visually engaging experience.

11. Experience the Nightlife

After the sun sets, Chinatown transforms into a lively hub of nighttime activities. For a start, the Apotheke cocktail bar, located on the historic Doyers Street, offers a unique speakeasy experience with a menu inspired by pharmacology, alluding to the street’s past nickname, “The Bloody Angle.” This hidden gem mixes up some of the city’s most innovative cocktails.

Additionally, visitors can enjoy live music and performances at local bars and lounges that showcase a mix of traditional Chinese and modern entertainment. The nightlife in Chinatown provides a perfect blend of cultural richness and contemporary fun, offering something for everyone.

12. Relax in Hidden Gardens

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Chinatown, there are serene spots where visitors can find tranquility. The hidden gardens tucked away behind some buildings offer a peaceful retreat from the urban environment. These spaces are often adorned with traditional Chinese landscaping elements, such as koi ponds and rock gardens, providing a moment of Zen.

One of the most cherished spots is the garden at the Mahayana Buddhist Temple. Visitors are welcome to sit and meditate or simply enjoy the quiet atmosphere. This garden, along with others in the neighborhood, illustrates the importance of balance and harmony in Chinese culture.

13. Discover Through Workshops and Classes

For those looking to engage more deeply with Chinese culture, Chinatown offers various workshops and classes that range from language lessons to martial arts training. Language schools provide courses in Mandarin and Cantonese, which can be a fun and educational way to enhance your visit.

Additionally, several local centers offer classes in traditional Chinese arts such as calligraphy, painting, and even cooking. These sessions not only teach practical skills but also deepen participants’ understanding of the cultural significance behind them.

14. Visit Iconic Cultural Sites

Just a few blocks away from the Mahayana Buddhist Temple, the Kimlau War Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the Chinese-American soldiers who served in the U.S. military. Erected by the American Legion, this landmark is a focal point for community remembrance and respect, particularly during significant cultural events like Memorial Day and Veterans Day. It honors Lt. Benjamin Ralph Kimlau, a Chinese-American bomber pilot who died during World War II, symbolizing the sacrifices made by countless others.

The memorial, located at Chatham Square, is an important site for both the local community and visitors, serving as a bridge between generations and cultures. Its presence in Chinatown underscores the deep historical ties between Asian Americans and broader national narratives. On days of commemoration, it becomes a gathering place where stories of valor and sacrifice are shared, further enriching the cultural tapestry of Chinatown .

15. Explore the Local Libraries and Community Centers

Chinatown’s libraries and community centers are treasure troves of resources for those interested in Chinese-American history and culture. The Chatham Square Library, in particular, offers a collection rich in works about Asian-American histories, literature, and the arts. It is a vital community hub where locals and visitors alike can delve into educational materials or participate in cultural workshops and talks.

Community centers in Chinatown play an integral role in promoting and preserving the cultural heritage of the neighborhood. These venues regularly host events and festivals that showcase traditional Chinese arts, such as music, dance, and theater. Engaging with these community-run programs provides visitors with a deeper appreciation of the area’s rich cultural fabric.

16. Photography and Art Walks

For those with a keen interest in photography and street art, Chinatown offers numerous opportunities to capture the vibrant life of this bustling neighborhood. Guided photography tours can take you to hidden alleys adorned with striking murals and street installations that reflect the area’s cultural diversity and artistic vibrancy. These tours not only enrich your visit but also offer unique perspectives on the evolving identity of Chinatown.

Additionally, art enthusiasts will find galleries featuring works by local Chinese-American artists. These spaces often curate exhibitions that explore themes relevant to the experiences and contributions of the Chinese community in America. Visiting these galleries provides a deeper understanding of the local art scene and supports the artists who continue to shape it.

17. Attend Language and Cultural Exchange Meetups

For visitors looking to immerse themselves fully in the local culture, attending language exchange meetups can be a highly rewarding experience. These gatherings are often organized by cultural associations and provide a platform for mutual learning and interaction between locals and tourists. They are not only a great way to learn basic Mandarin or Cantonese phrases but also help in understanding the societal norms and practices of the Chinese community.

Chinatown’s cultural centers also offer classes that range from calligraphy to traditional Chinese medicine. Participating in these classes allows visitors to gain hands-on experience and a deeper appreciation of the ancient skills and knowledge that have been preserved through generations. These interactive sessions are educational and provide a unique souvenir of the experience—new skills and knowledge.

18. Sample Specialty Foods and Beverages

Chinatown is a haven for food enthusiasts, offering an array of specialty foods and beverages that are hard to find elsewhere. For a truly local experience, visitors should try the traditional Chinese herbal teas and tonics available at various apothecaries in the neighborhood. These shops offer customized blends that are believed to have health-enhancing properties, following recipes that have been passed down through generations.

Another must-try is the bubble tea, available at numerous cafes throughout Chinatown. This Taiwanese drink has become synonymous with contemporary Asian culture and is offered in a myriad of flavors and styles. Sampling these drinks provides a taste of modern culinary trends within the traditional setting of Chinatown.

19. Discover Chinatown’s Night Markets

Experience the exhilarating atmosphere of Chinatown’s night markets, where locals and tourists alike come to enjoy a festive evening of shopping, eating, and entertainment. These markets are a hub of activity, offering everything from unique artisan crafts to live music performances. They provide a perfect evening outing, where visitors can shop for souvenirs, sample street food, and soak in the vibrant nightlife.

The night markets in Chinatown also serve as a showcase for local talents, including musicians, artists, and chefs. These events are a celebration of the cultural diversity and creative spirit of the neighborhood, making them an essential experience for anyone visiting Chinatown.

Unlimited Fun when in Chinatown NYC

Chinatown NYC is a neighborhood teeming with history, culture, and culinary delights. It offers visitors a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich cultural tapestry that reflects both the traditions of Chinese immigrants and the dynamic nature of New York City. By adding these top things to do in Chinatown NYC to your itinerary, you are sure to have a fulfilling and memorable visit.

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7 Amazing Things to Do in Chinatown NYC

Senior Travel Writer

You’ve drawn a big red circle around Chinatown on your New York map for a reason. This community is home to some of the best Asian food on this side of the world, but don’t spend all of your dough on dim sum. Along with delicious restaurants, Chinatown in New York City also has exciting shops, family-friendly activities and a handful of historical sites. Head in with more than just an appetite and check out all the things to see and do in Chinatown, NYC .

1. edward mooney house.

Architectural Landmark

If the red-brick Edward Mooney House seems out of place in Chinatown, that’s because it is. A remnant of the 1780s when row houses dotted the community, it’s now the oldest brick townhouse in the entire city. The Edward Mooney House is adjacent to Confucius Plaza on the corner of Bowery and Pell – and an under-the-radar landmark that’s hard to miss.

Restaurant, Japanese

Chinatown has the best Chinese food in the city , obviously. But it also has the best Japanese-accented Cantonese cuisine in NYC. Chef Akiko Thurnauer of Cha Kee was born in the Big Apple, raised in the Japanese culinary tradition and trained in places such as Nobu . So, if there’s one person who can make the harmony of multi-Asian flavors sing, it’s chef Akiko – especially in the mouth-numbing,​​ Sichuan-style dandan noodles in sesame sauce.

Chinatown Fair Family Fun Center

While others are following the crowd down Doyers Street, you and the kids will have a grand time one street over at Chinatown Fair Family Fun Center – one of the last-remaining arcades in New York City. This fun attraction on Mott Street has everything from classic cabinets and unique Japanese imports to skee-ball and shooters. Its special status among New Yorkers means it’s even featured in various films , including The Devil’s Advocate (1997) starring Al Pacino.

Nice One Bakery

Skip the lines at the Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory and walk a few storefronts down for a different sweet treat at Nice One Bakery . It doesn’t sugarcoat the prices or dazzle up the seating; it leaves all the bells and whistles for the delicious dim sum, sticky-rice donuts and mooncakes. The bakery doesn’t even have a formal website, so don’t be shocked when you see the cash-only sign outside.

Mott Street Girls Walking Tour

Don’t let the relatively small size of Chinatown make you think you can stroll right through in a few minutes; a Mott Street Girls walking tour will take you deep into the history and culture of the community. The Flavors of Old Chinatown food tour needs only a napkin and 90 minutes of your time. In contrast, the immersive walk of Chinatown through the lens of the Chinese Exclusion Act will show you a darker history of the community.

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Pearl River Mart

Pearl River Mart is the first Chinese-American department store in the world and precisely where you want to shop if you’re looking for something beyond the typical tourist souvenirs. The shelves hold everything from chopsticks and sake cups to clothing for children, ceramics, Kasugai roasted green peas and Kung-Fu shoes. Drop by, get lost on a shopping spree and Dragon dance your way out with way too many ginger candies.

Yu and Me Books

Yu and Me Books is less of a bookstore and more of a living library showcasing the stories of immigrants within the community. It’s a home for those who feel underrepresented and a meeting place for bookworms in Chinatown. So, grab a coffee or beer and open your heart and mind to intimate tales not widely told until now.

This is an updated version of an article written by Henna Choudhary .

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Best of Chinatown NYC – Top attractions to Visit in New York City’s Chinatown

What to do in chinatown nyc, mott street, ten ren tea time, the church of the transfiguration, the eastern state buddhist temple of america, museum of chinese in america (moca), columbus park, canal street, the mahayana buddhist temple, doyers street, chatham square (kimlau square), edward mooney house.

New York City’s Chinatown is a sprawling Asian community densely packed into a two-mile radius in lower Manhattan.  As far as cultural enclaves go, Chinatown reigns supreme.  But with so much to see and do, it can be overwhelming to the casual visitor.

Up to the 1970s, the traditional borders of Chinatown were Canal Street to the North (bordering Little Italy), The Bowery to the East (bordering the Lower East Side ), Worth Street to the South, and Baxter Street to the West. Most people visiting New York City’s Chinatown go to the intersections of Canal Street with Mott and Mulberry street, and the intersection of Pell and Doyers Streets.

“I’m astounded by people who want to ‘know’ the universe when it’s hard enough to find your way around Chinatown.” ~ Woody Allen

Chinatown is one of New York City’s most fascinating neighborhoods, rich in history, one could easily spend days navigating its bustling streets. But for those who are pressed for time, here is a composite list of the top places to visit in New York City’s Chinatown. Here are a couple of must-see attractions on your tour of Chinatown NYC:

Today the borders of New York City’s Chinatown has moved, and is more correctly identified as bordered by Delancey Street to the North (bordering the East Village and SoHo sections of NYC), East Broadway to the East (stopping at Rutgers Street), Broadway to the West (encroaching the TriBeCa sections of NYC), and Chambers Street to the South (encroaching the City Hall area).

Chinese immigrants moved to the East Coast cities of the United States when they faced increasing discrimination on the West Coast. New York City’s Chinatown started on Mott Street, Park, Peel, and Doyer Streets. When the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed in 1882, there was already 2000 ethnic Chinese living there. The gender disparity is quite great: in 1900, there were 7,000 Chinese residents in Chinatown, but fewer than 200 were women.

Columbus Park is the only park in Chinatown. It was built on what was once the center of the infamous Five Points neighborhood of New York City, a dangerous slum area in the 19th Century.

Mott Street is a great starting point for your Chinatown adventure. This street is filled with Cantonese restaurants, dim sum parlors, and small shops and grocery stores catering to tourists and the local clientele.

Browse the street and be sure to check out the following:

75 Mott Street

The Chinese love their tea so it’s no surprise that there’s a tea parlor around just about every corner in Chinatown. One of the local favorites is TenRen’s Tea & Ginseng Co., an adorable little tea shop where you can sample hundreds of different varieties of whole-leaf teas. Tea is sold by ounce with a minimum sale of two ounces and is kept in enormous metal jars.

The store also loops around and has a second opening with a seating area where you can buy “bubble tea” (a mostly sweet tea with tapioca “bubbles” on the bottom) and milk-based teas ready to drink.

25 Mott Street

This Church has been serving immigrants to this neighborhood since 1801.

It has continuously evolved to meet the needs of the neighborhoods changing ethnicities – once catering to German and Italian immigrants, it now claims the largest Chinese Roman Catholic Congregation in the US. Services are held throughout the day in English, Cantonese, and Mandarin.

64 Mott Street

During your tour of Mott Street, you will inevitably stumble upon The Eastern States Buddhist Temple of America.

Though not as extravagant as the Mahayana Buddhist Temple (see below), it also boasts a giant gold Buddha and more than 100 smaller Buddhas and is worth visiting on your tour or Mott Street.

215 Centre Street

Founded in 1980 to preserve and exhibit Chinese-American history, this museum documents the experiences of Chinese immigrants in the Americas. Its goal is to promote better understanding between the races and to make Chinese-American history accessible to the public.

The entrance fee is normally $7 for adults but is waived on Fridays from 12 PM to 7 PM. Visit the Museum of Chinese in America Website for more information.

67 Mulberry Street

Here you can find free Tai Chi classes in the mornings, Chinese Opera in the evenings, and games of mahjong and chess being played all day long. Once called Mulberry Bend Park, Columbus Park opened in 1897 and was one of the first major urban parks in New York City.

Over the past century, it has undergone a series of renovations including the construction of a number of basketball courts, the installation of new playground equipment, and the erection of the limestone comfort station on the North end of the park.

The diversity of people here makes it one of the best places in New York to “people watch.” Its proximity to a number of cheap restaurants also makes it a great place to enjoy a drink or meal.

Once the site of – you guessed it – a canal, this bustling street is characterized by its open bazaars. Peruse the fish and fruit markets for some fresh produce or pick yourself up some knock-off designer duds, all at rock-bottom prices. Beware of the old “bait and switch” though – it’s one of Canal Street’s favorite scams.

Visit our  Canal Street page for more on this historic street.

Also on Canal Street, make sure to check out the Chinatown Visitors Kiosk, located at the intersection of Walker and Baxter.

Here you will find free guides and maps of Chinatown. As well as:

133 Canal Street

Located at the foot of the Manhattan Bridge, the Mahayana Buddhist Temple is the largest Buddhist Temple in New York.

Inside you will find an enormous 16-foot gold statue of Buddha seated on a lotus with depictions of his life decorating the walls.

Believers come to make offerings in memory of their dead relatives while tourists and other visitors can donate a dollar in exchange for their own personal paper fortune.

Once the site of the most murders per square foot in all of New York, Doyers Street is one of the most fascinating streets in Chinatown. Visit “Doyers Street” for more information on this intriguing side street.

Once a less savory part of the old Five Points neighborhood, Chatham Square lies at the intersection of seven streets: Bowery, East Broadway, St. James Place, Mott, Oliver, Worth, and Park Row.

Here you will find the Kim Lau Memorial Arch, a memorial to the Chinese Americans who have served for the US and died in the name of democracy as well as a looming sculpture of Lin Xezu, shepherd of the people and anti-opium advocate.

Located at the corner of Bowery and Pell, the Edward Mooney House is the oldest townhouse in Manhattan.

It was built in 1785 after the revolutionary war and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.  Now a bank – it is allegedly haunted by turn-of-the-century ghosts. So there we have it, a composite list of Chinatown NYC’s most popular attractions. Not quite ready to return to the West?  Don’t worry, there’s more to see in Chinatown. Pick up some dollar dumplings, or dragon beard candy, get a massage or acupuncture, or wander aimlessly in search of your own Chinatown adventure.

Did I miss anything? What’s your favorite place to visit in New York City’s Chinatown? Let me know in the comments sections below.

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Chinatown NYC Visitors’ Guide + Things To Do In Chinatown NYC

New York City is a vast city with endless cultures to be part of and experience. Immigrants from different parts of the world have brought their culture, ways of life, cuisines, dressing styles, and more, making New York what it is today, diverse.

New York City is one of the most extensive and diverse cities globally. Being dwelled by different people from different parts of the world has made up the pieces of  New York that we all love and want to experience.

One of these pieces that have made New York diverse and culturally rich is Chinatown. Chinatown is a place where the Chinese people are populated outside of China. New York City has a vast population of Chinese immigrants who have grown to form several Chinatowns.

These Chinatowns have enhanced the city in many ways: culturally, cuisine-wise, and more. Chinatowns today are a place for excellent food, great cultural exposure, and many fun activities to take part in.

Things to do in Chinatowns in New York City are just endless. And we are going to explore that today.

Lets us get started:

How many  Chinatowns are there in New York City?

New York City used to have three Chinatowns in the city, also known as the big three. These are the Manhattan Chinatown, Sunset Park in Brooklyn, and Flushing in Queens.

But with the increasing number of Chinese immigrants in the New York City area, different Chinese cultures and cuisine have become prominent in New York, which has led to the expansion of various Chinatowns in other parts of the City.

New York City now has many more Chinatowns in the area. Each of these places has its own style and stories to tell. Some of these places are not officially called “Chinatown” word by word, but with the increasing numbers of Chinese residents,  facilities, and restaurants, they are on the way to becoming one.

Let us explore these different Chinatowns and see what makes them stand out from the others.

These three Chinatowns are the most established in New York City.

●  Manhattan Chinatown

Manhattan Chinatown has one of the biggest Chinese populations in the western world. Found in the lower part of Manhattan, New York City, this Chinatown is the most famous in New York City.

This place is full of busy, narrow streets with different kinds of authentic shops and eateries. Though almost all of the signs in this area are in a foreign language, they have English menus and people that can communicate in English within every shop, so you don’t have to worry.

●  Flushing in Queens

Flushing Chinatown is the second biggest Chinatown in New York City. Before the 1970s, the place used to be for Greek and Italian neighborhoods. But after an economic shakedown, housing prices went down, and this neighborhood was replaced with Korean and Chinese immigrants.

Now, Flushing is a home for diverse cultures and ethnicities. But mainly East Asians meaning Korean, Taiwanese, and Chinese people, make up for the larger crowd.

Flushing is full of Chinese and other Asian restaurants, herbal and medicinal shops, and markets.

Explore; A Guide to Flushing, Queens

●  Sunset Park in Brooklyn

Sunset Park, Brooklyn, is one of the biggest Chinatowns in New York City. It is also the first Chinatown in Brooklyn. This place also has one of the fastest-growing Chinese populations outside of China.

This place is full of various shops, especially for food and stalls.  Also, if you are looking for a place to get fresh seafood, Chinatown at Sunset Park is the place. It is also the best place to have Dim Sum among the Chinatowns mentioned here.

These areas of New York City are part of emerging Chinatowns. With a growing number of chinses and other Asian students and immigrants in the city, facilities such as restaurants, grocery stores, and other service giving sectors.

●  Fourth Chinatown, also known as Elmhurst:

Elmhurst was one of the earliest Chinatowns to form in New York City, after the top three.

The settlement of the chinses people in the area was mainly because a Chinese market had opened in the area (Elmhurst) in the 1990s.

This place had all kinds of ingredients imported directly from China, which was hard to find back then. Since then, many Chinese people have been flooding the area.

The population grew so much that when Chinese people planned on moving to New York City from within the states or from other parts of the world, Elmhurst became the most wanted area.

●  Bensonhurst

Bensonhurst is part of New York City and has one of the biggest Chinese population s, based on a report in 2013. And the majority of the Cantonese population in New York is densely populated here in Bensonhurst.

In addition to being called little Italy with the primary residence of immigrant Italians in the area, Bensonhurst is practically also called little china/ little Hong kong in the heart of New York City.

This place is full of Cantonese bakeries, barbeque restaurants , supermarkets, herbal medicine shops, etc.

●  Little Neck

Little Neck is found on the border of Long Island and Queens. This place is one of the hottest places for a rising population of Asian people.

Chinese people account for almost 43% of the population. In this area, one most spoken language next to English is now Chinese.

Little Neck has a different selection when it comes to food. From Dim Sums to Hong kong hot pot, the options are various. In the past year, 5 Chinese restaurants have opened in little Neck.

But Little Neck is not yet fully Chinatown now. Still, in the coming few years, Little Neck will be one of the significant Chinatowns, in New York City, primarily because of the rising number of Asians and Chinese students at Colombus Univerisity.

●  East Village

Some might say calling the entire East village Chinatown is a stretch and farfetched. This is mainly because there are many other cultures and cuisine present in the area, such as the Jewish, Italian and Mexican, which are still very prominent in the area.

But in the past five years, Chinese restaurants and supermarkets have expanded in the area enough to be part of the above prominent cuisines and cultures in the East Village.

This growing number in the East Village is mainly because of the Ney York Univerisity, where many Chinese students come to study.

East Village China town is known for being one of the hip Chinatown areas, as the place is full of young people and college students. This place is also known for its Chinese and other mainly Asian restaurants.

●  Forest Hills

Forest Hills is one of the flourishing Chinatown areas in New York City. This place is full of Chinese and Taiwanese shops and restaurants.

Forset Hills is basically the second stop after Flushing in Queens. It has even gotten the name “ the next Flushing,” as the streets are getting busier and more Chinese supermarkets, shops, and restaurants.

If you ever get to visit Forest Hills, the Tawanises shaved ice is one of the best-selling things in the area, especially in summers.

●  Homecrest

Homecrest is for Italian, Russian, and American restaurants and eateries. But in between, there is a little Chinatown full of Chinese grocery stores and bakeries .

These Chinese people in the area have been settled here for a long time, so there are markets or grocery stores to buy and cook Chinese ingredients instead of restaurants and eateries.

But this has grown to change in the past few years. There are now several popular Chinese and Asian restaurants in Homecrest.

Things to do in Chinatown, NYC

There are many activities you can take on while visiting china town in New York City. You can go sightseeing, on a food tour, shopping or just visit a park. Let’s see some of the must-sees and do things while visiting Chinatown in New York City:

●  Visit the Chinatown Fair Family Fun Center:

• 8 Mott St, New York, NY 10038, United States
• Phone: 212-964-1001
• Email: ​​ [email protected]
• Visit website

Chinatown Fair Family Fun Center is an amusement park. This is a great place to have fun with your kids, and various fun competitive games are suitable for multiple age groups.

Chinatown Fair Family Fun Center also has the old remanents of the Arcades of New York.

●  Visit the Edward Mooney House:

18 Bowery, New York, NY 10013, United States

This place is located in Chinatown in Manhattan , New York. Edward Mooney House is one of the unique constructions that won’t fit the Chinatown vibe in the area.

It is an old red brick construction that has become one of the land Marks of New York City.

Edward Mooney House was built between 1785-1782, and this was one of the few buildings that were not destroyed in the American revolutionary way. It is a great place to visit and learn some history.

●  Shop at Pearl River Mart:

452 Broadway New York, NY 10013, United States

Pearl River Mart has been one of the longest-running marts in Chinatown, New York, for over 50years now.

It is the best place to find Items for cultural and Asian holidays such as the lunar year.  You can find various decorations, antiques, and clothes. At Pearl River Mart, you can find different Asian snacks and tea sets from different cultural backgrounds.

This is an excellent place for cultural exposure for non-Asian people and a feeling of home for Asian people.

●  Visit Yu and Me Bookstore:

• 44 Mulberry St, New York, NY 10013, United States
• Phone: 646-559-1165
• Email: mailto:[email protected]

Yu and Me Bookstore is one of the most fantastic book stores ever. They showcase the stories of the immigrant people in the area, their cultures, ways of living, and many more.

Yu and me Bookstore is a book store that has been on the rise since it was opened. It was covered in various magazines and programs for its contribution to society.

●  Visit Temple Mahayana:

• 133 Canal Street, New York, NY 10002, United States
• Phone:212- 925-8787

Temple Mahayana is the oldest Buddist temple on the east coast. This is one of the temples that are most cherished and treasured among Buddhist people.

This temple has a fantastic landscape and traditional structure and is an excellent place for retreats.

This is also where the only Arhats Hall in the United States is.

●  Visit Columbus Park:

Mulberry Street & Baxter St, New York, NY 10013, United States

Columbus Park, which was formerly known as Mulberry Bend Park. Opened in 1897, it is one of the oldest parts of the city.  In Recent Years, Columbus Park has been renovated and now has various facilities within the park.

Among these facilities are a playground, a basketball court, and a soccer field are the major ones.

Columbus Park is a great place to unwind the day after touring around Chinatown and just get some fresh air. Also, an excellent location if you are visiting with kids.

●  Visit the Chinatown Icecream Factory:

• 65 Bayard St, New York, NY 10013, United States
• Phone:212-608-4170
• Email:  [email protected]
• Visit Website

Chinatown Icecream Factory has one of the best  Asian ice creams in New York! The unique flavor they have is one of the things that makes them special.

Creamy almond, black sesame, egg custard, pandan flavor, almond cookies, and lychee, the list of flavors is endless.

The shop is small, so you might have to wait in line and take turns to go in, but hands down one of the best Asian ice cream in the state.

●  Go on a Food tour:

If you are ever visiting any Chinatown anywhere globally, not going on a food tour is the biggest mistake you can ever make.

Chinatown is known for its various authentic and tasteful dishes from different parts of China and Asia. And this is what you will find in New York City too.

A variety of bakeries, seafood places , DimSum places, Noodle places, and barbeque places , the list is just endless.

Where to eat in Chinatown, NYC?  

Chinatown in New York City is one of the most emerging places when it comes to food culture. A variety of different cuisines not just from China but from all over Asia can be found.

Fresh ingredients from the local markets and authentic spices imported from Asia and other parts of the world create an excellent taste.

Exploring the food scene in Chinatown when you visit New York City is one of the must-have experiences.

Below we will see a very few restaurants that are well known in Chinatown New Yor City:

1.  Xi ‘ an Famous Foods

• ​​54 Willoughby St., Brooklyn, NY 11201, Unites States
• Phone: 212-786-2068

Xi’an Famous Food is one of the well-known Chinese food chains in New York and the United States.

Xi’an Famous Food specializes explicitly in noodles. They are known for the variety of noodles made from scratch in their vicinity. One of their best-selling menus is spicy noodles.

They also sell flavored burgers and dumplings , which are very loved among their customers.

Xi’an Famous Foods has now opened its Fourth spot in New York, and they have a branch in Manhattan and Brooklyn. The restaurant’s interior is decorated with Chinese cultural touches, such as various antique porcelains and pictures.

2.  Park Asia

• 6521 8th Ave Brooklyn, NY 11220, United States
• Phone: 718-833-1688
• Email:  [email protected]

Park Asia specializes in traditional Cantonese dishes. And you can’t mention Cantonese cuisine and forget DimSum.

Park Asia is one of the hottest places in Brooklyn for DimSum. Besides the DimSum, their other menus, such as spare ribs and shumai/ har Gow.

The ambiance of the restaurant is very bright and uplifting. It is like a huge dining room, with a very high ceiling and a chandelier; huge tables are shared among customers, which feels very communal and intimate. This dining form is an experience by itself.

Finding a parking spot can be challenging while visiting park Asia, so coming in the early hours or finding a parking spot somewhere else is highly recommended.

3.  Royal Seafood Restuarant

• 103 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, United States
• Phone: 212-219-2338

Royal Seafood restaurant is the DimSum place in New York City. Royal Seafood Restuarant is one of the original places that used to sell DimSum a while back before many Chinese places started opening up.

Customers love this place because of how fresh and plump the DimSums are. Though they are mainly known for their Dim Sum, the Royal Seafood restaurant also serves many other dishes, such as rice rolls, pan-fried noodles, beef ribs, pork buns, etc.

The Royal Seafood Restaurant interior is as simple as it can get. It is a big carpeted room with big circle tables, and food is circulated around the restaurant by a food cart, which is an experience by itself.

4.  Noodle Village

• 13 Mott St, New York, NY 10013, United States
• Phone:212-233-0788

Many come to Noodle Village looking for noodles and get swept away with the wonton soup and the soup dumplings.

Noodles VIllage serves one of the most flavourful and yet very light broths is what their customers love about this specific menu.

Besides the soup dumplings and the wonton soup, their steamed rice rolls are one of the good ones. They also have an option for a clay pot rice, if you prefer it better than the usual one.

A restaurant is a calm place, nothing too hectic, but it can get a little crowded on weekends and evenings. So it is better to visit in the earlier parts of the day, they open at 9 am.

5.  Chuan Tian Xia

• 5502 7th Ave Brooklyn NY 11220, United States
• Phone: 929-295-0128

Chuan Tian Xia, also known as the Chuan World restaurant, is a prominent place for  Sichuan Cusine. Chuan World is a place with spicy and immaculate taste food. The flours on the menus at this place are more of on the stronger side and are also spicy.

There is a very long selection of food, and the portions are big, so coming in groups and getting as many plates as you can to try everything on the menu is recommended.

But one of their popular menus is the Pineapple fried rice; this is a bowl of fried rice served within pineapple as a bowl. Also, the wrapped fish is one of the must-try menus.

6.  Xun Yun Si Kao

• 5609 7th Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11220, United States
• Phone: ​ 929-310-5555

Xun Yun Si Kao is one of the best places to have seafood in Chinatown, New York City. One of their famous seafood dishes is the “fishpot,” a different type of fish marinated and made into a stew. This meal is shared at a table, so going in a group is recommended.

Xun Yun Si Kao serves chicken, barbeques, pork, and a grill. In addition, this restaurant has vegan options and salads as a selection.  This restaurant has a variety of choices when it comes to cuisines, Asian food, Chinese foods, etc.

Xun Yun Si Kao is an inclusive place for kids, group gatherings, and a family night out.

7.  Pecking Duck House

• 28 Mott St A, New York, NY 10013, United States
• Phone: ​​212-227-1810

Pecking Duck House, as its name implies, is known for its fantastic duck dish, which is the house’s specialty. In addition to that, among their various menu selections, they also serve plates of seafood and DimSum.

The show that goes down at  Pecking Duck House at the center of the tables, as the chef cut slices of the crispy duck with his fancy knife skills, is one of a kind.

With a wide table set up and a spacious interior, Pecking Duck House is an excellent place for group gatherings and parties. But since the area tends to be crowded and busy, reserving a table is highly recommended.

Chinatown is one of the top tourist attractions in New York City as there are many things to learn and experience.

After reading this article, we hope we have increased your curiosity about Chinatown and got you excited to learn and visit the place. If you visit Chiantowns in New York, try the variety of foods, enjoy a stroll on historic streets and take part in this unique culture.

Please lets us know in the comments if you have enjoyed the article. Also, give it a like and share it with your friends.

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These Are The 10 Most Unique Neighborhoods To Visit In New York City

• The Upper East Side is a wealthy and prestigious neighborhood in NYC with luxury stores, fine restaurants, and beautiful surroundings.
• SoHo is a popular Manhattan neighborhood known for its shopping, including heritage luxury brands and standalone designer stores.
• Chinatown offers vibrant streets, diverse Asian cuisine, and a large Chinese community, making it a must-visit neighborhood in NYC for foodies.

The world has an abundance of iconic metropolises; from the most famous cities in South Korea to the coolest neighborhoods in London to the renowned urban sprawls of Los Angeles on the USA's West Coast, many of the planet's best city destinations command all the attention in terms of tourism. But there's one city that shrines bright above them all; The Big Apple.

With its fast-paced and lively vibe, New York City is undoubtedly one of the most famous cities in the world. While living in New York seems nothing short of a dream, there are more than a handful of unique neighborhoods in NYC to visit that have something for everyone. From Queens to the Upper East Side, NYC has something in the bag for everyone. Here are the top picks of the most unique neighborhoods in NYC to visit for the ultimate exploration of one of the most famous parts of the United States.

Related: 10 Ways To Explore New York City On A Backpacker's Budget

Upper East Side

One can almost literally smell money when they come anywhere near the Upper East Side of New York. This is one of the most unique NYC neighborhoods and is the prime example of all the luxury money can buy for humankind. From fancy designer stores to some of the city's finest restaurants to high rises that scream fancy living, the Upper East Side seems almost ethereal.

Besides, it is right between New York's infamous East River and Central Park and is surrounded by more than a few public institutions that add to its appeal.

• Places to visit: Frick Collection, Sotheby's, Carl Schurz Park

Manhattan offers plenty to do and see within its many iconic neighborhoods, one of which is SoHo. Short for South of Houston Street, SoHo is another Manhattan neighborhood known for its glitz and glamor. SoHo is nothing short of paradise for folks looking to indulge in a shopping spree. It has boutique stores of some heritage luxury brands like YSL, Gucci, LV, etc.

On the other hand, it is also home to some standalone designer stores like Alexander Wang and Rachel Comey. While shopping in SoHo can quickly put a hole in one's pocket, there are pocket-friendly options in the neighborhood, too, like the good ole UNIQLO, Muji, Kith, etc. The place is usually filled with tourists owing to its beautiful architecture and unending hype.

• Places to visit: 12 Chairs, NYC Fire Museum, Broadway Shopping

Chinatown is one of the best NYC neighborhoods for foodies. While it has many Chinese and Asian restaurants that serve fresh and authentic meals, it does not stop there.

One thing that is instantly noticeable in the neighborhood is its eclectic color and clamor. The streets are often full of vibrant lamps, billboards, and graffiti that add a whole bunch of dynamism to it. As the name suggests, Chinatown is home to the largest ethnic Chinese community in NYC.

• Places to visit: Nom Wah Tea Parlor, The Original Chinatown Ice Cream Factory, Mahayana Buddhist Temple

RELATED: 10 Of The Best Chinatowns To Visit In The U.S.

Little Italy

Little Italy is another interesting part of Manhattan. As is evident from its name, this unique NYC neighborhood is occupied by Italians more than most. Walking on the streets of Little Italy, one can surely remember dimly-lit noir shots and scenes from the old Italian-American movies.

As most Italians in the neighborhood would agree, one can find some of the finest pizzas in America, freshly made pasta, and rich espressos here, which proves exactly why NYC is one of the best pizza cities in the US . Interestingly enough, some of the famous mafia landmarks have become the area's tourist attractions over the years.

• Places to visit: Piemonte Ravioli, L'Amore

Long Island City

Often confused with the Long Island, Long Island City is one of New York's most prized possessions. Situated right on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean, it offers some of the city's finest views.

Long Island City offers a wide range of lifestyle choices that go from relatively basic to extremely fancy instantly. It is known for its many high rises that kiss the very cheek of the gorgeous NYC skyline. Additionally, the art scene in this neighborhood has grown and flourished rather beautifully over the years.

• Places to visit: MoMa PS1, Fifth Hammer Brewing, Secret Theatre

RELATED: 10 Of The Most Unique Places To Visit On Long Island

Williamsburg

Williamsburg can very easily be named one of the most happening and hip neighborhoods in NYC to date. From a ton of nightclubs and arcades to a bunch of interesting eateries, this place has it all for the perfect jovial and youthful vibe.

The traces of the hipster era, too, are very much alive in Williamsburg, with its blazing art scene and happening nightlife.

• Places to visit: Brooklyn Bowl, Barcade, The City Reliquary Museum

Greenpoint is one of the quiet, low-key, yet incredibly charming neighborhoods in Brooklyn, NYC. The place is infamous for its lively fashion scene. One can spot some of the most chic fashion accessories in the smallest old-school boutiques here.

Apart from the growing fashion scene, the neighborhood has a dynamic and artsy vibe, with cozy diners and coffee shops serving delicious meals that are not to be missed. Those seeking the best art towns in the US can simply look to this unique Brooklyn neighborhood instead.

• Places to visit: Peter Pan Donut Shop, Sunshine Laundromat, Go Thrifting

RELATED: 10 Things To Do In Greenpoint: Complete Guide To Brooklyn's Must-Visit Neighborhood

Bushwick almost seems like the rebellious, fashionable child of NYC that is almost too good to be true. Bushwick was one of the few places that fueled the global wall art scene. Finding exquisite works of art casually painted on walls is not the most surprising thing that one might stumble upon when exploring the streets of Bushwick.

In addition, the place has many bars and restaurants that suit all budgets.

• Places to visit: Lazy Suzy Cafe & Shop, House Of Yes, Molasses Books

Theater District

The Theater District might be one of the most popular neighborhoods in NYC. A massive chunk of its popularity is because of the infamous Broadway Theater , a place where some of the world's finest artists have performed over the years.

There is absolutely no shortage of entertainment here owing to the many nearby theaters. The fast-paced New York energy is evident on the streets here, exemplifying the neighborhood's spirit.

• Places to visit: Broadway, Times Square Church, Lyric Theatre

RELATED: Experience The Magic Of Broadway: 10 Hotels In New York City's Theater District

Hell's Kitchen

Formerly known as Clinton, Hell's Kitchen is quickly becoming one of the most popular and lavish of all the unique New York City neighborhoods. While it has continued to be in the spotlight, the cultural significance of the place is still very much alive.

The neighborhood has a rather welcoming vibe and boasts a homely feel, which can be experienced in the many eateries . Although it is covered in high rises, Hell's Kitchen has kept the old-school American spirit on the streets.

• Places to visit: Lincoln Center, 42nd Street, Pip's Island

NYC has a whole lot of other exciting places and neighborhoods that each have an emotion to it. The city has something in it for everyone, and once a person gets a taste of the New York lifestyle, nothing else is ever enough for them.

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Chinatown Night Market is returning to NYC later this month

And it's not just a celebration of food.

For the second time this summer, the Chinatown Night Market will return with beloved vendors serving up banh mi, tea, sugarcane juice, and lots more. It’s back on Friday, July 26 from 8-11:45pm at the gateway of Manhattan Bridge at Forsyth Plaza and Forsyth Street.

The Chinatown Night Market began in 2021, and this year we are seeing it as a three-part series; this will be its second appearance. The night market brings a lot more than just delicious food to the playing field, as it also acts as a celebration of Chinese culture and community with its performances and art. 

RECOMMENDED: Here are all the NYC night markets to indulge in this year .

"Chinatown Night Market is much more than just a street fair. It’s a stake in the ground to proudly claim space for our community in the face of encroaching gentrification," said Yin Kong, the director of Think!Chinatown, which runs the event.

Food vendors include an array of Chinatown favorites, including Bánh Mì Cô Út, Grand Tea & Imports, Sugarcane Daddy, Kabisera, Mrs. Jiang’s Sweet Soups, Whistle & Fizz and Pho Master. 

On top of the food, the night market will see a number of Chinese dance performances from the New York Chinese Culture Centre (a.k.a. NYCCC). This non-profit cultural and educational institution was created in 1974, and it seeks to celebrate and understand Chinese culture through arts in a variety of communities. The NYCCC performances can be seen on the upper plaza throughout the night at 8:45, 9:45 and 10:45 pm, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled for these. In addition to the dances, Think!Chinatown’s resident DJ, DJ YiuYiu 瑤瑤, will provide the backing track of the evening. 

"It’s a stake in the ground to proudly claim space for our community in the face of encroaching gentrification."

The night market also has available art for purchase. These folk arts range from dough figurines by Xun Ye to framed calligraphy by Mr Huanh Jianting and many others like Braided Straw Figurines by Meifang Shi and Sugar Paintings by Yan Sui. So not only can you leave the market with a stuffed belly but also a souvenir of your evening and experience. 

The Chinatown Night Market began as a pandemic recovery program to get business flowing in the area again. The market has also activated an under-used public plaza to create a safe and culturally relevant space for the community. 

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

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Hello is there NYC Resttaurant week during the fall and winter of 2022 as well?

Hi Sam: We list all the previous Restaurant Week dates above so you can see when they’ve been held in the past.

Great. Overview.

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Meet Chinatown’s Biggest Champion: John Chin

He's been fighting for the neighborhood for decades. Now, with the Sixers angling to build their new arena next door, the head of the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation has more at stake than ever.

Get a compelling long read and must-have lifestyle tips in your inbox every Sunday morning — great with coffee!

John Chin at 10th and Winter streets in the Chinatown section of Philadelphia / Photography by Linette & Kyle Kielinski

Ever since the Sixers controversially proposed building a huge arena abutting Chinatown , neighborhood son John Chin, the president of the nonprofit whose mission is to “preserve, protect and promote Chinatown,” has had a hard time sleeping at night. But Chin has been at this for more than 20 years. He knows it isn’t the first threat to the community. And he knows it won’t be the last.

John, I heard that during the photo shoot for this interview, people kept coming up to you on the streets of Chinatown to have their picture­ taken with you. Are you basically the mayor of Chinatown?­ [ Laughs ] Well, I was born and raised in Chinatown, and between that and the work that I do here, you get to know a lot of people. After I was born, we lived on Camac, then 9th, then 10th. A lot of immigrant families who arrived in Philadelphia first lived on Camac Street. It remains a heavily residential street popular with immigrants.­

Are you first-generation? My mom was born in China, in the Guangdong Province in the south. My father’s history is a little more complicated. He was born in New York in 1929, but during the Depression, my grandfather took the entire family on a ship back to China. When my father decided to move to Philadelphia at the age of 34, after leaving China due to the Communists, who made it difficult to earn a living and difficult to find food, he was a U.S. citizen but couldn’t speak any English. Many people in China saw America as the land of possibilities. They would refer to America as gam saan , which means “gold mountain” in Cantonese. They had heard about all the gold rushes.

Why Philadelphia? No gold here. As is so often the case in Chinatowns, he came here because there was a trail of friends from the old village. He arrived in ’63 to get set up, and my mom followed in ’65. They had met in Hong Kong and got married at the Church of the Holy Redeemer here in Chinatown. He was able to get a job and housing easily.

John Chin’s parents in front of their restaurant, Happy Garden. / Photograph courtesy of John Chin

How did you come to head the PCDC? I’ve been in this position since 2000, and to be honest with you, I just fell into it. The priest at Holy Redeemer knew me and recommended I apply. I had absolutely no previous related experience. I went to Drexel for business and computer sciences and wound up trading equities for a firm in Blue Bell. And.I have been trading stocks since I was 13.

And where in Chinatown do you live now? I don’t! I live in the Graduate Hospital area. One of the main problems we have in Chinatown is a lack of housing stock to serve the needs of young families, which was, indeed, what forced my parents and us out, and which made it difficult for me to return with my own wife and kids later in life.

What are your earliest memories­ of Chinatown? Believe it or not, I have memories from when I was three years old. My parents owned a restaurant called Happy Garden, which opened in 1969, and I remember sleeping under the dishwashing sink on wooden crates of Coca-Cola bottles. Then I learned how to count change for customers at the age of seven. And I have a lot of memories from Holy Redeemer, where I went to school until I was in second grade. But then my parents moved me to Friends Select, at 17th and the Parkway. My sister now tells me it’s because the nuns at Holy Redeemer couldn’t handle me. [ laughs ] When I went to Friends, because it’s outside of Chinatown, my father made me take kung fu classes to protect myself, since I was an outsider. I don’t think he understood the whole Quakerism/peace thing. [ laughs ]

Are you bilingual? Oh yes. My parents made sure we learned Cantonese and pushed us to embrace the culture, values, holiday celebrations. And that was really important. It gives me the confidence I have and the pride in my culture. That can be difficult for Asian Americans in the suburbs to navigate. Europeans blend in. Asian Americans feel like they need to try too hard and wind up losing so much.

If I were to go back to the Chinatown of, say, the 1970s, what would I think of it compared to today? You would say, “Who the heck would want to raise a family here?” Bars on every corner. So many homeless men on the streets. But growing up there, we had no idea we were living in a “less quality” neighborhood. We were proud of Chinatown.

When we’d go out for a meal growing up, it was always to a local diner, or we’d go into Chinatown for dinner at Shanghai Gardens, which was at 919 Race Street. Never, ever Italian food, because that’s what we cooked at home. Did you have a similar experience?­ Exactly. “Why pay to eat something I can cook better at home?” Our parents would take us to American restaurants — the Stouffer’s on Chestnut, the Rusty Scupper in Cherry Hill, Horn & Hardart at 11th and Market, and a cafe at 12th and Ludlow.

We’re coming up on the 50th anniversary of Best of Philly next month, and I recall seeing a Best of Philly sign in the lobby of Ho Sai Gai from the late ’70s. What’s the oldest standing restaurant in Chinatown today? Ooh. It’s got to be Ho Sai Gai, or David’s , right across the street. And Vietnam Restaurant and Sang Kee have been there for a long time as well.

Mmm, David’s. Those dumplings!­ With that ginger-scallion sauce!

Exactly. As you know, David’s is still takeout-only after reopening following COVID, which is surprising. I know. But secretly, a bunch of Chinatown­ OGs meet up the first Thursday of the month upstairs at David’s. We have to sneak in. It’s a scene. A real riot. So much “old neighborhood guy” banter.

Ten years ago or so, I was coming down the elevator from a meeting in the restaurant on top of the hotel at 11th and Arch. A couple was in the elevator with their kids, the kids were crying hunger, and the dad says, “I think there’s a Hard Rock down the street.” I asked them if they liked Chinese food, and they said yes. And I pointed out that they were in Chinatown. They said they had no idea. Can’t Chinatown do more to put itself on the map? Yes. We look back, and there certainly­ should have been more effort. More could have been done to promote­ Chinatown.­ You have to remember that Chinatown is hidden behind the massive Convention Center. Regional people know Chinatown. But sometimes the tourists and the conventioneers don’t. I think we’ve worked on it and slowly built up our capacity to be a visitors’ destination. That said, we don’t want to become a “tourist attraction.” We don’t want to be seen as “exotic.”

Tell me about the demograph ics of Chinatown. Well, we’re 49 percent Asian. And of that, mostly Chinese. Post-Vietnam War, you had a lot of Southeast Asian refugees coming here, but there just wasn’t the housing stock in Chinatown, which is why you have such a large Southeast Asian community in South Philadelphia.

How long has there been a Chinatown in Philadelphia? What we know is that it was 1871 when the first Chinese laundry business opened here. That was at 913 Race Street. That’s the first Chinese-owned business we can document. This area was what you would call Skid Row, similar to other Chinatowns. Boston’s Chinatown was founded in the red-light district, Manhattan’s in the run-down Bowery. The list goes on. Chinatowns wind up establishing themselves in places undesirable to others.

Of course I want to get to the Sixers arena, but that proposal isn’t the first time Chinatown has fought outside development, correct? Almost every seven years, something happens. So many projects. The Phillies wanted to build a baseball stadium at Broad and Spring Garden. Then they proposed 11th and Vine. The government wanted to build a federal detention center at 8th and Vine, which is inside the boundaries of Chinatown. We said no. It’s now at 7th and Arch, just east of Chinatown. Also, trains used to come into Reading Terminal above the Market in a train shed, but due to the construction of the Convention Center — which we also opposed — they had to reroute all the trains; they condemned buildings along 9th Street to build a commuter-rail tunnel. Oh, and they wanted to put casinos here, too. And then, of course, there’s the Vine Street Expressway project. We really had to fight just to get it how it is today, which is still dangerous and physically dividing Chinatown.

We are an authentic hub for Asian American culture. The question I don’t have the answer to is: Are these event-goers coming here to experience the authenticity that we offer? Or are they going to want more sports bars?”

The city has embarked on the so-called Chinatown Stitch, which is capping the Expressway to alleviate that division and also to beautify the area. Are you satisfied with the Stitch? We’re ecstatic. It will transform the area and has the potential to spur development north of Vine Street, so our commercial corridor can expand northward. Right now, the “main street” in Chinatown is Race Street. But we’re looking into whether Vine Street can be seen as the main street. This would make many more people want to be in Chinatown.

Seems huge. It is. You know what it also does? It repairs this damaged psyche of all these different projects forced on Chinatown. After a while, it becomes, “What is it about Chinatown that people don’t value us? What is wrong with us?” The truth is that Chinatown is a community worth investing in, and the Stitch is doing that.

But not all investment in the immediate area is a good thing, I gather. Are you and the PCDC absolutely, diametrically opposed to the Sixers arena going where it’s proposed to go, under any and all circumstances? That is precisely the position. We have many, many concerns. Some of the primary ones are traffic and parking. The impact of the arena on these things could be very harmful to our own commercial corridor. They say that people will take public transportation there. We don’t know that to be true. Also, they like to compare it to similar situations in other cities, like the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Do you realize how small and narrow the sidewalks are here compared to there, and to many other cities with downtown arenas?

Interesting. Yes, the sidewalks really are small. And what happens to all the SEPTA buses coming down Market Street and the numbered streets during the events? What happens to our local businesses that these days rely so heavily, post-COVID, on food-delivery services like UberEats? How will the traffic and parking problems impact the bottom line for those restaurants that need the drivers to be able to get to them? The “solutions” the arena backers have offered are purely theoretical. They are not based in reality. And we have no reason to be confident they would be applicable in real-life situations that would present themselves should the arena happen.

But at the same time, it’s easy to imagine casual observers saying, “Wait … wouldn’t thousands of people coming to see a basketball game or concert benefit the businesses in Chinatown?” Listen to me: Chinatown offers something that no other neighborhood in Philadelphia offers. We are an authentic hub for Asian American culture. The question I don’t have the answer to is: Are these event-goers coming here to experience the authenticity that we offer? Or are they going to want more sports bars? More athletic apparel shops? More sandwiches, less dumplings? I fear we would become a Chinatown like the one in Washington, D.C. It’s right near the arena, but it now has very, very little substance.

But money talks, right, John? Isn’t this thing going to be built, just because the forces behind it are so big and so wealthy? That’s my worry — $1.6 billion is a lot of money to spread around.

When you agreed to this interview, I was reminded of an online story I wrote on January 31, 2020, titled, “My Friends Refuse to Eat in Chinatown Due to Coronavirus — and They’re Not the Only Ones.” That was a month and a half before the state shut down. Can you characterize for me the impact that COVID had on Chinatown, even before everything closed in March 2020? It was devastating. From the end of December 2019 until the end of January 2020, Chinatown saw a 40 percent decline in business because of these fears people had about coming to Chinatown to eat and also because of this anti-Asian hate that was spreading. It was just a horrible period of time, and it became worse. But we have bounced back. We are still struggling, in part because of that missing lunch crowd, with so many people still working from home.

That work-from-home tide seems to be turning a bit. More and more companies in Center City have started bringing workers into the office. And the mayor has ordered all city employees to get back to in-person work by July 15th. Maybe all of that will help. I do have a lot of hope for the future. I think we can come back all the way.

Okay, I’m a tourist visiting Philadelphia for 48 hours. Give me the ultimate Chinatown itinerary. You’re going to get me in trouble! [ laughs ] I would send you to EMei Restaurant , where you should taste the spiciest Sichuan food they have on the menu. You have to go to Ting Wong , for the best roast duck in the neighborhood. And I would also send you to the Tuck Hing grocery store on 10th Street, which might be the longest-running business in Chinatown. Very traditional foods and herbs. You might not find anything to suit your palate, but you can say you were there. What I am not going to say is anything about bubble tea. I think we have enough bubble tea shops. [ laughs ] Even Starbucks is selling bubble tea now!

John, it’s been great speaking with you. But going back to one of your earlier answers, I have to say, I’m a little surprised you don’t live in the neighborhood you represent. What would it take to get you to move back? A place in Chinatown where nobody knows where I live! I need to be able to walk down the street and enjoy myself. People see me as a fixer, and I can’t be a fixer 24/7. Everybody wants to come to me for help. And I’m happy to help. But living here is a much different story. I need a life!

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Published as “The Mayor of Chinatown” in the July 2024 issue of Philadelphia  magazine.

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