Chinatown in Los Angeles is a compact, walkable neighborhood just north of downtown, full of red lanterns, dim sum halls, bakeries, herbal shops and art galleries. The current Chinatown opened in 1938 after the original one was demolished to build Union Station, and its Central Plaza was one of the first planned Chinatowns in the country owned by Chinese Americans.
Today the neighborhood mixes longtime family businesses with new restaurants and galleries. This guide covers history, what to see, where to eat, the Lunar New Year celebrations and how to get there.
In this guide
Chinatown is a short walk from Olvera Street, so it is easy to combine the two.
Chinatown at a glance
- Where: around North Broadway and Hill Street, north of the 101 freeway, downtown LA
- Best for: dim sum, bakeries, Central Plaza, galleries on Chung King Road
- Big event: the Golden Dragon Parade for Lunar New Year, usually in February
- Metro: Chinatown station on the A Line
- Time needed: 2 to 3 hours
A short history
LA’s first Chinatown grew up in the 1800s around the area where Union Station now stands. It was a community that faced harsh discrimination, including the 1871 massacre, one of the worst acts of mob violence against Chinese immigrants in American history. In the 1930s, the old Chinatown was torn down to make way for the train station.
Community leaders, led by Peter Soo Hoo, built a new Chinatown nearby. Central Plaza opened in 1938 with its colorful gates, pagoda-style roofs and neon, and it still anchors the neighborhood today. Waves of immigrants from Hong Kong, Vietnam, Cambodia and elsewhere added new restaurants and businesses over the decades.
What to see
- Central Plaza: the 1938 heart of Chinatown, with the West Gate, lanterns, a statue of Sun Yat-sen and a wishing well. It is especially photogenic at night.
- Chung King Road: a lantern-lined alley known for contemporary art galleries.
- Thien Hau Temple: a colorful working temple dedicated to the sea goddess Mazu. Visitors are welcome to look in quietly.
- Chinese American Museum: technically in El Pueblo near Olvera Street, it tells the story of Chinese Americans in LA. Free.
- The Bruce Lee statue in Central Plaza honors the martial arts star, who once taught in the neighborhood.
- Shops: herbal pharmacies, tea shops, jewelry stores and gift shops selling lucky cats and lanterns.
Where to eat
Chinatown is a great place to graze:
- Dim sum: big Cantonese banquet halls serve carts of dumplings and buns on weekend mornings.
- Bakeries: stop for egg tarts, pineapple buns and almond cookies.
- Far East Plaza: a two-story mall with some of LA’s most talked-about counters, including famously long lines for Nashville hot chicken.
- Philippe the Original: just south of Chinatown on Alameda Street, the restaurant that claims to have invented the French dip sandwich in 1908. Sawdust on the floor and cheap coffee are part of the charm.
- Vietnamese and Cambodian food: pho and noodle shops on Broadway and Spring Street.
Lunar New Year in Chinatown
Chinatown’s biggest celebration is Lunar New Year, usually in late January or February. The Golden Dragon Parade winds through the neighborhood with lion and dragon dancers, marching bands, floats and firecrackers, followed by a street festival. In 2027, Lunar New Year falls on February 6. The Mid-Autumn Moon Festival in September or October brings lanterns and mooncakes.
Getting there and parking
- Metro: take the A Line to Chinatown station, above College Street at the north end of the neighborhood. See our LA Metro guide.
- Parking: paid lots around Central Plaza and Hill Street, many with low flat rates; garages fill on Dodger game days.
- Walking: about 10 minutes from Union Station and Olvera Street.
Nearby things to do
- Los Angeles State Historic Park: a large park with skyline views just north of Chinatown.
- Dodger Stadium: on the hill above; see our Dodger Stadium guide.
- Union Station and Olvera Street: a short walk south.
- Elysian Park: hiking trails and views behind the stadium.
Tips for visiting
- Go for weekend dim sum before 11 a.m. to avoid long waits.
- Bring cash for bakeries and small shops.
- Visit in the evening to see Central Plaza’s neon and lanterns.
- Check the Dodgers schedule; traffic and parking get busy on game days.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Chinatown in Los Angeles?
Just north of downtown LA, around North Broadway and Hill Street, near Union Station and Olvera Street.
How do you get to Chinatown by Metro?
Take the A Line to Chinatown station.
What is Chinatown LA known for?
Central Plaza, dim sum and bakeries, galleries on Chung King Road and the Golden Dragon Parade.
When is the Golden Dragon Parade?
It is held for Lunar New Year, usually in late January or February.
Is LA’s Chinatown walkable?
Yes. The main sights are within a few blocks of Central Plaza.
Photo credits
Featured image: Johnnydeezwax / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.
