About Chinatown London
History Of Chinatown London
The Chinatown London we know today dates back to the 1950s, although the original Chinatown was at Limehouse in the East End region during the 18th century. It was a small community of Chinese seafarers living in London and working for the East India Company near the Limehouse docks. However, by the middle of the twentieth century, the area's population had shifted due to a fall in commerce and significant destruction caused by the Second World War. The West End's low commercial rates drew these sailors and soldiers who returned after the war to its current site, forming the new Chinatown.
Huguenot and Maltese immigrants formerly called West End home, but in the 1950s, a few Chinese restaurants started to appear, and the neighbourhood started to take shape. The neighbourhood had developed into a centre for Chinese culture by the 1960s and 1970s as a result of the arrival of additional companies and services. Today, it is home to a bustling town of over 150 businesses that provide tourists with a wide selection of traditional Chinese foods and items. Draped with red paper lanterns and Mandarin street signs, it now makes visitors believe they are in East Asia rather than the city's bustling West End neighbourhood.
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Highlights Of Chinatown London
Visit Chinatown London to explore some famous landmarks, sample authentic Chinese recipes, shop for some traditional souvenirs, and learn about their heritage and culture.
Take a stroll through Chinatown London's many lanes and appreciate the colourful ambiance and stunning Chinese architecture all around.
Admire the Paifangs, four enormous architectural archways that serve as Chinatown London entrances.
Take in the breathtaking 1888 outdoor mural that measures an impressive 8m by 5m and is located in Horse and Dolphin Yard.
Savour a wide range of authentic Chinese cuisine as well as Korean, Taiwanese, Malaysian, and Japanese recipes, such as sticky rice rolls, dumplings, pickled raw octopus, and Cantonese roast duck.
Satisfy your shopping urges by picking up some spices, cosmetics, Chinese-inspired trinkets, home decor items, and gifts while also grabbing some great bargains at one of the many supermarkets.
Enjoy fine dining at some of its top-notch establishments, like Olle, Four Seasons, and Baozi Inn, or sample some street food dishes at the eateries on the side of the road.
Visit Chinatown during the Chinese New Year celebrations to experience one of the greatest things to do in Chinatown and witness the city come to life with a riot of colours, costumes, music, dancing, food, and thrilling sensations.
Attend the International Dragon and Lion Dance Festival to see the dance performances by local dancers and martial artists.
Things To Do In Chinatown London
Shopping is one of the most fascinating things to do in Chinatown London for being a hub of abundant options. Shop for traditional foods and beverages, recipe ingredients, and many other Chinese and Asian specialities at any supermarket like New Loon Moon or SeeWoo. Visit Golden Gate Cake Shop for delectable pineapple buns and custard tarts. Explore the establishments along the streets of Chinatown London to get Maneki-Neko, paper lanterns, traditional clothing, and other things while enjoying some retail therapy.
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Admire the historic architecture as you enter the district beneath one of the impressive Paifangs (archways). Stop by for a memorable picture while witnessing the street ahead, which is dotted with a variety of Chinese goods. The first three gates, which were constructed in 1980 on Gerrard Street, dazzle guests with their exquisite architecture and style. The fourth gate on Wardour Street in Chinatown London stuns with a brilliant array of electric blue, green, and gold tones.
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Visit Chinatown London at the start of the Chinese New Year and prepare to be astounded by the explosion of colours, costumes, music, dance, food, and energetic spirit. Attend the classic Chinese Dragon Dance or the gorgeous Lantern Festival while also experiencing a unique fusion of Chinese and London influences that creates a vibrant atmosphere. Parades, dances, musical performances, and food stalls contribute to making the Chinese New Year celebrations a colourful event that everyone can enjoy and remember.
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A photo tour is one of the most entertaining things to do in Chinatown London and an excellent way to experience the city's amazing attractions and colourful surroundings. Picture yourself in front of breathtaking four gates, stone lions, modern art installations, lantern-lined streets, colourfully painted alleys, or impressive doors. Additionally, there are many lovely eateries and cosy shops that are worth a shot. Visit during the Chinese New Year festivities and you will be spoiled with photo opportunities.
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Explore a variety of exhibitions and performances at Chinese Art Now (CAN) and learn about the nation's rich cultural legacy. Its collection of works of art by both local and international artists may appeal to your inner art connoisseur. You may learn more about Chinatown London through augmented reality visuals and short dramas with its Augmented Chinatown 2.0 interactive audio tour. The annual CAN festival that celebrates Chinese culture is another attraction that may help you understand Chinese traditions.
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Admire the stunning outdoor 1888 mural at the Horse and Dolphin Yard, which resembles a bowl of rice when viewed up close. However, a closer look reveals that this 8 by 5 meters mural is made up of 1888 individual photographs donated by the public. Unveiled on August 18th, 2008, it portrays the vibrant culture and rich history of Chinatown London. Visiting this mural is one of the best things to do in Chinatown London as it stands for the Uk's Chinese community's unification.
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Admire the enormous lion statue erected along Wardour Street in 2009 and serve as Chinatown's entrance guard. It is in contrast with the traditional style and a contemporary interpretation of a Chinese symbol of welcoming and protection. The artwork represents the diversity of East Asians in today's Britain and is composed of thousands of laser-cut Perspex fragments in a range of colours and designs. This colourful artwork makes for a great photo opportunity against Chinatown's white walls.
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Participate in the International Dragon and Lion Dance Festival during the Chinese New Year celebrations and witness incredible choreography from a variety of dance and martial art troupes. Here, you will be astounded to see clowns and musical groups moving in unison with the Lion and Dragon. These dance performances and other Chinese New Year traditions will help you learn about Chinese culture and enjoy a spiritual environment, making attending the festival one of the most amazing things to do in Chinatown.
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Interesting Facts About Chinatown London
- Chinatown was first established in the East End of London at the beginning of the 18th century, and it moved to its current position after the Second World War because of the affordable business rentals in the West End.
- Initially, a small group of Chinese sailors who were living in London while working for the East India Company established the first Chinatown in the East End around the Limehouse piers.
- Chinatown London is popularly known as the Imperial City for being located in the centre of the country's capital, while other Chinatown districts in other cities across the world are not as central.
- Today, Chinatown London is a thriving neighbourhood with over 150 establishments that offer a wide range of ethnic foods and goods to tourists.
- Gerrard Street, one of the main streets in Chinatown London, is where Ronnie Scott founded his legendary jazz club.
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FAQs
What is Chinatown London famous for?
Chinatown London is renowned for its eateries, supermarkets, souvenir shops, and lively atmosphere. The Chinese New Year celebrations and Dragon and Lion Dance Festival are its major draws, enticing tourists from across the world. The festival vibes, explosion of colour, and dynamic environment make them the most exciting things to do in Chinatown London.
What is the best time to visit Chinatown London?
The English summer from June to August is the ideal season to visit Chinatown London because of the pleasant weather and abundance of fun things to do. The period from mid-January to early February is also a fantastic time to travel there for spectacular Chinese New Year celebrations.
How much time do you spend in Chinatown?
You will need at least two to three hours to visit numerous landmarks and participate in some of the most fascinating things to do in Chinatown London. However, how much time you want to spend there will depend on your interests and schedule.
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Is Chinatown London open on Sundays?
Yes,Chinatown London is open on Sundays, it can be visited all year round, allowing you to explore its attractions and indulge in a variety of activities available there.
How to reach Chinatown London?
- By Bus: Bus routes 14, 24, 27, 29, 134, 168, and C2 stop near Chinatown at Leicester Square Station and Trocadero / Haymarket (K) Station, which are only a few minutes walk away.
- By Tube: The closest Underground stations to Chinatown are Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus, which are only 160 m and 480 m away, respectively.
- By Car/Cab: Chinatown London is conveniently placed and may be reached by cab or private vehicle. The Chinatown Car Park in Newport Place and the Leicester Square Car Park in Whitcomb Street both offer paid parking.