In LA’s Chinatown neighborhood, pagoda-style buildings with red lanterns house traditional Chinese restaurants, dim sum houses, and bakeries. Specialty grocery stores, herbal shops, and eclectic markets dot the area. Mixed in with the authentic cuisine, visitors discover spots serving up Nashville hot chicken, New Orleans po’boys, burgers, and the iconic French dip sandwich at Philippe the Original. In addition to chowing down, other things to do and see in Chinatown include the Thien Hau Temple, the Chinese American Museum, and art galleries.
Chinatown hosts block party-style events throughout the year, including Chinatown Summer Nights in June and the annual Moon Festival in September, with the biggest event being Lunar New Year in February. Celebrations include the Golden Dragon Parade, the Chinese New Year Festival, and the LA Chinatown Firecracker bike ride and run. You’ll experience the hottest temps in LA and usually the biggest crowds between June and September.
If you’re traveling without a car, you can reach Chinatown by public transportation. The Metro Gold Line drops passengers about a block from Central Plaza via the Chinatown Station. The neighborhood is a short walk from Union Station and is accessible by multiple bus routes along Broadway and Hill Street. But as any local will tell you, getting around LA is best done by car. So consider renting one during your stay.
Don't be confused if you see the "New Chinatown" mural. LA's first Chinatown was located where Union Station is now. In the early 1930s, the neighborhood was razed to build the train terminal. In 1938, a new Chinatown opened near where the original neighborhood stood. For a deeper immersion, visit the Far East Plaza food mall in Chinatown, considered a top culinary stop. It’s good whether you’re looking for traditional Asian street food or something else.