Mobile users, you may need to rotate your device or click the + sign above to see the full list of neighborhoods.

Chinatown - Manhattan - NYC

Chinatown is an old, and ever-expanding enclave in Lower Manhattan. Beyond its hectic tourist center is a vibrant, densely populated neighborhood.

Chinatown slideshow

Chinatown - YouTube Short

The Neighborhood

Sprawling northward from the Civic Center and the old (infamous) Five Points, Chinatown today continues its inexorable growth, pushing into the neighborhoods of Two Bridges, Little Italy, The Bowery, and the Lower East Side.

Not only does Chinatown offer a wide variety of food markets (fish, vegetables, meats) and tourism shops, its atmosphere and scenery are unlike anything else in Manhattan. Of particular note is the "Bloody Angle" of Doyers Street, between Pell Street and Bowery - a quiet throwback to the origins of this historic neighborhood.

Chinatown is a vibrant and bustling neighborhood located in Manhattan's Lower East Side. It is one of the oldest Chinese neighborhoods in the United States and is known for its unique culture and cuisine. Upon entering Chinatown, you are immediately greeted by the vibrant colors and smells of the numerous food vendors and markets lining the streets. There is a sense of community that permeates throughout the neighborhood, with residents often gathering together to play traditional Chinese games or practice Tai Chi in one of the many parks. Chinatown is also home to several historic landmarks, including the Mahayana Buddhist Temple and the Museum of Chinese in America. All in all, Chinatown is an exciting and lively area that truly captures the essence of Chinese culture and history.

Chinatown, located in the borough of Manhattan, got its name from the influx of Chinese immigrants who arrived in the late 1800s. These immigrants brought with them their culture, traditions and language, and settled the area with their homes, businesses and restaurants. Over time, the neighborhood grew and became the largest Chinatown in the world outside of Asia. Today, Chinatown is a vibrant and bustling community, famous for its unique cuisine, colorful markets, and cultural activities. The neighborhood is a melting pot of cultures, where people from all walks of life come together to enjoy the sights, sounds and flavors of China.

Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood located in Manhattan, New York City, and is most widely known for its strong cultural identity that is deeply rooted in Chinese heritage. The neighborhood traces its origins back to 1870 when Chinese immigrants first arrived on US shores, and found their place in the bustling metropolis of New York City. Initially, the neighborhood was a small enclave primarily centered on Mott and Pell streets, but after several waves of immigration and urbanization in the early 20th century, it grew to become a sprawling area with a dense concentration of Chinese-owned businesses and residences. Today, it remains a unique cultural hub for the Chinese diaspora in the United States, with an array of restaurants, shops, and landmarks that celebrate the culture and history of this storied community.

Chinatown is one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in Manhattan, capturing the fascinating essence of Chinese culture in its streets. One of the major landmarks of the area is the Mahayana Buddhist Temple on Canal Street, which features awe-inspiring sculptures of Buddha and striking architecture. The largest park in Chinatown, Columbus Park, is another must-visit attraction, offering a relaxing escape from the bustling city. Visitors come from far and wide to enjoy the delicious dim sum and Chinese cuisine that is served abundantly in local restaurants like Jing Fong and Wo Hop. A significant landmark of Chinatown is the historic Manhattan Bridge, which connects Manhattan to Brooklyn. A stroll across the bridge also offers the most magnificent view of the Brooklyn Bridge, the Manhattan skyline, and the East River.

Chinatown, Manhattan has produced many notable people over the years, including film director Justin Lin, who is best known for his work on the Fast & Furious franchise. Another famous figure from the neighborhood is writer Amy Tan, whose bestselling novel "The Joy Luck Club" was adapted into a successful film. Other notable individuals include NBA star Jeremy Lin, comedian Margaret Cho, and chef Eddie Huang, whose memoir "Fresh Off the Boat" inspired a popular television series. These individuals have made significant contributions to their respective fields and helped to put Chinatown on the map as a vibrant and culturally rich community.

Highlight Gallery

Click here for the full Chinatown photo gallery:

Explore Every New York City Neighborhood:

All photography provided by Samuel Walters