Chinatown - New York City

The Manhattan's Chinatown is a densely populated neighborhood with high concentration of Chinese and other Asian immigrants, the largest Chinatown in the United States. Chinatown has no officially defined borders, but is roughly bounded by the Lower East Side to its east, Little Italy (with some intersection with Chinatown) to its north, Civic Center to its south, and Tribeca to its west, encompassing the historic Five Points district.

The first Chinese immigrants arrived to this area by the mid-19th century, they were primarily Cantonese speakers, from south China. In 1900, the US Census reported 7,028 Chinese males in residence, but only 142 Chinese women.

Here you can find some of the Chinese culture, its cuisine, events, monuments, architecture and shops. Chinatown is a gastronomic center, surrounded by different cuisines and flavors. Check out Mott Street, Pell Street, and Bayard Street for some popular restaurants to dine at. Fashion boutiques, gift shops, jewelry, and markets with fresh produce can be found on Canal Street, Mott Street, Bowery and Pell Street.

The predominant architecture in Chinatown is the late 19th through early 20th century buildings, specially tenement buildings buildings, which are predominantly flat-roofed and square with small often windowless apartments. The buildings had fire escapes which the residents would sleep on during the hot summer months.

There are also Federal and Greek Revival townhouses, factories, loft buildings, club houses, former stables, churches, and schools. More: the Old Chinatown ►