By Jason Lee – Local Explorer, Food Addict, Born in East LA I get asked this all the time—“Is LA’s Chinatown really worth visiting?” And honestly, it depends on what you're looking for. If you’re expecting a bustling, neon-lit scene like the one in San Francisco or New York, you might feel underwhelmed at first glance. But if you go in with the right mindset, Chinatown in Los Angeles can be a deeply rewarding experience—especially if you love food, culture, and offbeat urban corners that still have soul.
A Bit of BackstoryLA’s Chinatown isn’t the original one. The first Chinatown was actually demolished in the 1930s to make room for Union Station. What you see today, just a short walk north of Downtown LA, was built in 1938 and was the first planned Chinatown in the U.S. designed by Chinese Americans themselves. And even though a lot of Chinese families have since moved to suburbs like Monterey Park and San Gabriel, this small neighborhood still carries layers of history, pride, and reinvention.
What You’ll Find in Chinatown Today
1. Architecture & VibesWhen you first enter via the iconic gate on Broadway, you’ll notice the colorful pagoda-style roofs, red lanterns, and murals that blend Chinese heritage with LA street culture. Walk a little deeper and you’ll find hidden courtyards, quirky vintage shops, and an odd mix of old-school herbal medicine shops next to hipster art galleries. It’s not polished—and that’s part of its charm.
2. The Food Scene (This Alone Is Worth the Trip)Alright, let’s get to the main reason you should absolutely visit: the food. Howlin’ Ray’s – One of LA’s most famous Nashville hot chicken spots. People wait hours. Yes, it’s that serious. Phoenix Bakery – An LA institution. Their fresh strawberry cream cake is legendary. Chego (by Roy Choi) – Korean-Mexican fusion bowls with a punch of flavor. Yang Chow – Famous for their slippery shrimp and classic Chinese-American dishes.
If you're looking for traditional Cantonese or dim sum, you might find better options in the San Gabriel Valley, but Chinatown still holds its own, especially when it comes to fusion and indie eats.
3. Shops & MarketsWalk down Chung King Road, and you’ll find a series of small galleries and boutique shops that host art events, pop-ups, and night markets throughout the year. There's also Nick’s Cafe, a classic American diner right on the edge of Chinatown that somehow fits perfectly in the mix. Want Chinese herbs, incense, or those traditional red envelopes? You’ll still find mom-and-pop stores that’ve been there for decades.
4. Events & FestivalsChinese New Year in LA’s Chinatown is a full-on celebration with lion dances, firecrackers, parades, and a sea of red and gold everywhere. There’s also the Moon Festival in the fall and the Summer Nights series which turns the area into a party with DJs, food vendors, and outdoor movie screenings.
What to Keep in MindChinatown isn't a theme park. It's not picture-perfect. You’ll see signs of gentrification next to faded shopfronts. You might feel the tension between old and new. But that’s exactly why I keep coming back—it’s real, it’s layered, and it’s changing, just like the rest of LA. It’s also walkable, which is rare in this city. And it connects easily to Union Station, Olvera Street, and Little Tokyo if you're up for a full-on downtown day trip.
So... Is Chinatown Worth Visiting?Yes. Just don’t expect it to entertain you. Go with curiosity, take your time, try the food, talk to people, get lost in the side streets, and let it show you what it is—one of LA’s most historic and misunderstood neighborhoods, quietly holding onto its roots while evolving in its own gritty, beautiful way. If you're a foodie, a culture junkie, a photographer, or just someone who likes finding soul in a big city, LA’s Chinatown is more than worth a visit—it’s worth exploring.
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