Chinatown is absolutely majestic. Home to a dense population of Asian immigrants. There is no dull moment in this little town. In fact, it is one of New York City’s most evocative neighborhoods. However, it can be a little confusing if you do not have a guide. Here we give you an insight into what you can expect from this colorful town:
First and foremost, the streets are not numbered. Therefore, you can actually get lost. Chinatown is always busy, narrow, and crowded.
The History of Chinatown
Chinese immigrants migrated to Manhattan’s Chinatown in the mid-1800s. The Chinese population grew tremendously. Later, in 1882, the Chinese Exclusion Act ended the immigration of Chinese people to Chinatown.
Due to miscegenation laws Chinese people were not allowed to interracially marry. Therefore, Chinatown became a bachelor society
By 1990 people from different parts of China and the world began immigrating to New York. Therefore, the culture of Chinatown in terms orn food, style, makeup shifted quickly.
In addition to that, Chinatown changed drastically after the terrorist attacks. After that, Chinatown became a “frozen zone”.
Moreover so, from 2000 to 2010, a tenth of the Chinatown population had moved from Chinatown, and former residential, business, and industrial sites lay empty.
Chinatown is still rebuilding from 9/11, with an influx of new businesses, residents, and landmarks that will shape Chinatown for decades to come.
How To Get To Chinatown
Take the subway. This is the easiest way to get to Chinatown. 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 BD line takes you to Grand St. Station.
Things to Do in Chinatown
Let us explore Chinatown!
Vanessa’s Dumpling House
Vanessa’s Dumpling House specializes in Chinese snacks such as hand-made dumplings, buns, sesame pancakes, and noodles. Here you can get the best dumplings ever!
As a matter of fact, everything is cooked before your eyes and nothing costs more than six bucks. The best of the menu’s 23 options is the chives-and-pork fried dumplings, which you may want three or four times over. However, alcohol is not allowed here.
Find Vanessa’s Dumpling House here: 118 Eldridge St., New York, NY, 10002.
Chinatown Ice Cream Factory
Addressed: 63 65 Bayard Street, New York, NY 10013
They make all their ice cream in-house. In fact, they only use fresh ingredients like ginger, lychee, black sesame. The almond cookie ice cream is a must-try.
Museum of Chinese in America (MoCA)
Founded in 1980, the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is dedicated to preserving and presenting the history, heritage, culture, and diverse experiences of people of Chinese descent in the United States.
The museum is completely dedicated to American-Chinese history from 1850 to the present day. The influence between the two cultures is shown through photographs and videos.
Hotels Nearby
Hotel 50 Bowery
Hotel 50 Bowery is a unique boutique hotel that celebrates the energy of New York. It beautifully blended richly-textured design style, cultural discoveries, and magnetic nightlife. Moreover so, it gives a view of the city’s epic skyline on the rooftop.
With a unique, artistic vibe in a renowned part of town, Hotel 50 Bowery is one of the few New York City hotels that can please both out-of-towners and city adventurers with aplomb.
All rooms, including Standard rooms, have floor-to-ceiling windows and city views, King Bed Studios have a slightly larger, 340-square-foot living space with a sleeper sofa — more than reasonable for New York City hotel (and apartment) standards. For a King Bed Studio, it costs $161 per night before taxes and fees.
Address:
Wyndham Garden Chinatown
This is a boutique-style hotel ranked among the highest 4-star properties in New York City and located in Lower East Side.
The hotel is actually a few steps away from Soho and Little Italy. Furthermore, there is shopping, museums, art galleries and fine dining in walking distance.
The hotel has views from the guest rooms of the Empire State Building and New York City Skyline. Wyndham Garden Chinatown is a full service property with amenities such Rooftop93 our year round rooftop Lounge, room service, full service restaurant, Beer Garden, 24 hour fitness Center, and Lobby Bar. This hotel is surrounded by great shopping, tourist attractions and convenient to several subways stops.
Address: 93 Bowery, New York, NY 10002, United States
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