Chinatown New York

What to know before visiting Chinatown New York

Must-Visit Places in Chinatown New York

1. Canal Street

You'll find lots of items like T-shirts, scarves, jewelry, and counterfeit luxury goods. Be on the lookout for high-end knock-offs from brands like Coach, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, or Rolex tucked away in discreet backrooms, such as those at Phoenix Mall.

2. Mulberry Street

As you stroll through Mulberry Street, you'll come across stores selling imported treasures like jade, pottery, teaware, Buddhas, and a variety of knick-knacks. For a delicious and affordable snack, make sure to stop by Tasty Dumpling and the Hong Kong supermarket.

3. Columbus Park

Known as the community's central gathering spot, you can enjoy local performances of Chinese opera and traditional music, sports games in the southern field, and spirited games of Chinese chess and poker among the old-timers. Relax in the pavilion as you watch Chinese people practicing Tai Chi and meditating.

4. Mott Street

At the foundation of Chinatown New York, you'll come across the recently opened Chinatown Community Center, formerly known as the Port Arthur Restaurant. Make sure to try out classic "Chinese" dishes like chop suey, chow mein, and egg foo yung as you explore the area.

5. Mahayana Buddhist Temple

Inside the temple, discover a magnificent golden Buddha and walls adorned with prayers and offerings from Chinese immigrants. It's important to have respectful behavior in this active sacred place. Don't miss buying a fortune scroll or checking out the gift shop upstairs for great deals.

Tips for Your Chinatown New York Visit

When is the best time to visit Chinatown New York?

Throughout the year, Chinatown creates a vibrant atmosphere for locals and tourists, but it truly comes alive during Chinese New Year celebrations. If you're in New York at the end of January or the beginning of February, make sure to join the neighborhood's festivities, including parades, shows, dances, and delectable food fairs.

How to get to Chinatown New York?

To get to Chinatown New York, you can take the N, Q, or R subway to Canal Street (at Broadway), or the 6 to Canal Street (at Lafayette Street).

Where to eat in Chinatown in New York City?

The original Manhattan Chinatown is the ultimate culinary hub where you can find different kinds of flavorful Chinese cuisine. Check out these top restaurants in Chinatown:

• Potluck Club: remake version of Cantonese food (scallion biscuits, rock shrimp, candied walnuts, caulilini)

• Green Garden Village: Peking duck, wonton soup, beef chow fun

• Golden Steamer: steamed buns with barbecued pork, Chinese sausage, red bean, pumpkin, and salted egg yolk

• Double Crispy Bakery: fish filet bun, a hot dog bun, steamed buns full of chicken or pork

• Dumpling Story: Stir-fried udon, soups, soup dumplings, bubble teas