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The United States has been known as the land of opportunity and a nation of immigrants, owing to more than 46.2 million immigrants in the US. Because of this large population, several people from the same ethnicity or background establish their communities in specific regions. Chinatowns are a prime example of this phenomenon. These are towns within a larger non-Chinese city with a predominantly Chinese population. Chinatowns are places where you can enjoy the cuisine, practices, and local Chinese culture firsthand. The best Chinatowns in the United States are all mini-pockets of the actual culture. To find the best Chinatowns in the US, continue reading our guide!
#1 San Francisco
Source: Time Out
Any tourist guide, book, or travel resource will most certainly bring you to San Fransisco whenever you search for the best Chinatowns in the United States. Being the oldest Chinatown in the country, San Fransisco entertains a significantly large number of tourists who visit the place every year.
This region has two hospitals, a post office, and numerous schools, libraries and parks. The restaurants rank at the top of the list because of their unique and authentic taste. Every year, the San Fransisco Chinatown hosts the Autumn Moon Festival to celebrate the Chinese tradition of summer harvest.
#2 Manhattan
Source: Travel+Leisure
Although there are nine Chinatowns spread across New York, the one that tops the list is in Manhattan. Not only does it have the second-largest Chinese population density in the Western Hemisphere, but it is also greatly vibrant to create its own city within a city.
Multiple fish and fruit markets, theatres, and museums are some of the several prime attractions. Moreover, what makes this one of the best Chinatowns in the United States is Little Hong Kong, Little Fuzhou, and Little Guangdong, which are more diverse settlements and communities within Chinatown. More than 90,000 people live in this region, making it the perfect location to visit if you want to experience the unique culture and cuisine.
#3 Chicago
Source: Enjoy Illinois
After San Fransisco and Manhattan, Chicago’s Chinatown comes next in line in the list of the best Chinatowns in the United States. Situated on the Red Line, this locality offers a complete fine dining experience, renowned landmarks, and an array of shops, like traditional medicine shops, tea shops, massage parlours, etc.
One of the most popular attractions of Chicago’s Chinatown is the Nine-Dragon Wall. It is an incredible monument of jade and yellow colour, built in a style resembling imperial China. Some of our top recommendations are visiting Lao Beijing and Lao Schezwan, getting massages, exploring the Buddhist temples, getting souvenirs and enjoying yourself to the fullest!
#4 Seattle
Source: Insight Pest Solutions
Although Seattle might seem a little surprising for a must-visit Chinatown, its unique locality is not to be missed. While it is officially known as Chinatown, you might think ‘Little East Asia’ is a more apt name, given that it’s a mix of Chinatown and Japantown.
To visit Seattle’s Chinatown, you must plan according to the Chinese New Year celebrations, fireworks, lion dancers, and traditional food festivals. Here are the top three recommendations for all tourists:
- China Gate Restaurant: Popular for its ancient Chinese architecture and interiors
- Nippon Kan Theatre: Renowned for its phenomenal performances
- Wing Luke Asian Museum: To explore the culture, art and history of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders
- Hing Hay Park: Outdoor spot with traditional Chinese Pagoda and chess tables.
#5 Honolulu
Source: AllTheRooms
If you are a well-traveled tourist, you might already know that Hawaii has an east asian influence. On top of that, Honolulu has one of the best Chinatowns in the United States. In the 19th century, Chinese labourers settled in this area to form a community.
However, because of an unfortunate fire known as the Great Honolulu Chinatown Fire of 1900, this region had to be rebuilt and developed again. Today, it is one of Hawaii’s most popular tourist and must-visit places to explore an authentic Chinatown locality.
#6 Los Angeles
Source: Discover Los Angeles
Movie enthusiasts might remember the 1974 movie “Chinatown” and Jackie Chan’s “Rush Hour”, which popularised Los Angeles’ Chinatown. Commendably, LA’s Chinatown lives up to the hype. This community was established when the Central Pacific Railroad Co. began recruiting labourers from Cina to lay the country’s first transcontinental rail in the 1860s.
Some must-visit attractions include Bruce Lee and Sun Yat-Sen statues, the wishing well, dragon murals and the beautiful streets. You can also taste other cuisines at Little Joe’s (an Italian place) or Philipe’s (a French deli).
#7 Philadelphia
Source: Visit Philadelphia
Similar to LA’s Chinatown, Philly’s Chinatown originates from the mid-19th century. The Cantonese people opened restaurants, eateries, and laundries near the City Centre, which consecutively increased their population as a people. Eventually, the locality was developed and became known as Chinatown.
It is often regarded as one of the best Chinatowns in the United States because of its beautiful eateries that are popular for Asian cuisines other than Chinese, like Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese. Impressively, this Chinatown also houses communities of other Asian ethnicities, like immigrants from Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam. One of the most renowned monuments you simply cannot miss is the Friendship Gate, which was built in the mixed architecture style of the Ming and Qing dynasties as a symbol of the connection between Philly and Tianjin.
#8 Boston
Source: Meet Boston
Boston’s Chinatown is a mix of Chinese and Vietnamese communities, making it somewhat of an Asian locality. You can find numerous food stalls, eateries, Vietnamese restaurants, and Chinese hot pots to explore Asian cuisine.
The best thing about Boston’s Chinatown is that you can visit it at night to taste some of the most delicious and authentic dishes or plan an entire day to explore the food and market here. Find Boston’s Chinatown near the theatre district and Tufts Medical Center.
#9 Houston
Source: Secret Houston
When visiting Houston’s Chinatown, it is easy to confuse it with the old neighbourhood. However, the one included in this list of the best Chinatowns in the United States is located in the southwestern part of the area. What’s special about Houston’s Chinatown is that it isn’t densely populated like usual immigrant localities. It is sparingly spread across around 6 square miles. Thus, you can visit here in your car for convenience.
Similar to Philly’s Chinatown, Houston’s Chinatown is a mix of all Asian ethnicities, like Filipinos, Indonesians, Japanese, Koreans, etc, making it more of a Little Asia than a Chinatown. You can also see a striking reflection of their cultures and practices in the area and the palatable food and cuisine styles. For all those who love Asian food, Houston’s Chinatown is a must-visit.
#10 Washington DC
Source: TripSavvy
Last on our list of the best Chinatowns in the United States is Washington, DC. One of the top benefits of Washington DC’s Chinatown is that it is within walking distance of several other popular landmarks, making it easy to explore this region while crossing off other tourist places. However, it’s so down on our list because only around 600 residents of the total 3,000 are Chinese.
Others are mostly students or people who have moved to this area because of its affordable housing. Despite that, you can find several places to explore the food, architecture, local culture, shops, etc.
What Is The Significance Of Chinatowns In The USA?
Chinatowns in the United States have an exceptional history since their establishment in the 19th century. The residents of these Chinatowns are all descendants of immigrants who moved here for a better life and persevered through their hardships. Thus, these regions reflect vibrant communities who have worked hard to make a spot for themselves in a foreign country. Some of them still represent resilience and cultural pride, like Chinatown in San Fransisco.
What might be surprising to a first-time traveller is that these Chinatowns are rarely 100% Chinese. Often, they are a mix of different populations and Asian communities who have settled together to form a tight-knit band. For instance, Korean, Vietnamese, and even Japanese communities can be found in such Chinatowns. They celebrate their festivals together, which leads to a rich trove of culture and cuisine.
You can experience a remarkable trip by visiting any of these Chinatowns because of their amazing cuisines, symbolic cultures, shopping arenas, and historical significance. Whether you’re passionate about Asian culture and history or just want to take a stroll, the best Chinatowns in the United States are perfect to get a taste of Asia.
FAQs
Q1. What US city has the biggest Chinatown?
Ans: New York has the biggest Chinatown, called the Flushing Chinatown. On the other hand, San Fransisco has the oldest one.
Q2. How many Chinatowns are there in the USA?
Ans: The United States of America has around 50 Chinatowns spread across different states. New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Washington DC, Honolulu, Seattle, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston and Portland have some of the best Chinatowns in the US.
Q3. How many Chinese live in Chinatown, New York?
Ans: It is estimated that around 90,000 to 1,00,000 people reside in Chinatown in Manhattan, New York. However, in recent times, this number is shrinking.
Q4. What language is spoken in Chinatown NYC?
Ans: Taishanese and Cantonese are the most popular dialects spoken in Chinatown. In Flushing Chinatown in New York, Mandarin, Taiwanese, and Cantonese are the most popular.
Q5. Is Chinatown a good place to live in New York?
Ans: Chinatown, New York, is a great place to live because of the friendly and welcoming community, wide range of restaurants, distinct Chinese heritage, and increasing diversity.
Thank you for reading our guide to the best Chinatowns in the United States! Which one is your favourite? Let us know in the comments section below!
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