If you wish to experience the Chinese culture without going to China, then turn to Chinatowns. They’re everywhere, from Europe to America.
Chinatowns are basically small cities within big cities. They are hustling and bustling with a distinctive Chinese ambiance. The Chinese reached the US in the mid-19th century, mainly as labor, but a lot of them established homes here and are now permanent residents.
Around 75% of the Chinese population in the US actually arrived after the 2000s as immigrants, and the number totals over 4.7 million as per the 2022 census. As of now, it is expected to gross 5 million.
In this guide, I am going to have a look at five of the biggest Chinatowns in America (Canada, also included!).
5 Biggest Chinatowns in the US and Canada
1. New York City – Flushing, Queens
Flushing, Queens, is the world’s largest Chinatown in the US. It offers a vibrant, authentic experience focused on food, shopping, and culture, centered around Main Street and Roosevelt Avenue.
It has grown even larger than Manhattan’s Chinatown and is now a busy center for many Chinese immigrants. The area is filled with countless restaurants, lively street vendors, and popular indoor markets like the New World Market, making it a go-to spot for authentic Asian food and culture.
Flushing is a fun place to visit if you want to experience real Asian and Chinese culture right in New York City.
Best Things to Do in Flushing, Queens:
- Shop at the New World Mall, a popular entertainment and shopping destination with over 100 shops.
- Dine at diverse restaurants to experience the food culture with a wide range of options, from huge dim sum feasts to local markets.
- Walk through the bustling streets of the downtown area to get a feel for the neighborhood’s atmosphere, which is often called the “Chinese Manhattan” or “Chinese Times Square”.
2. New York City – Manhattan’s Chinatown
Not many are aware of this hidden gem in NYC, known as 纽约华埠 (Niŭyuē Huá Bù) in Chinese. Established in the 1940s, Chatham Square is its trademark. This town has the largest Chinese ethnic population in the Western Hemisphere. Many small Chinatowns have also developed in NYC due to the sudden incoming of the Chinese.
Pay a visit to the crowded streets of NYC Chinatown, looking north to the famous Empire State Building. You will see a lot of signs in Chinese here, with little to no English, making you feel as if you are in China. This lower Manhattan neighborhood is a part of the National Register of Historic Places.
Pay a visit to the Jing Fong restaurant to enjoy ethnic Chinese cuisine. Some famous dishes served here include turnip cake, almond tofu, and shrimp dumplings.
Best Things to Do in Manhattan’s Chinatown:
- Go to Doyers Street, which is famous for its unique architecture and history.
- Visit Columbus Park for a glimpse into local community life and possibly catch a Tai Chi session.
- Go to Chinese restaurants and taste Chinese cuisine for something different.
- Explore local markets such as the bustling Canal Street Market for shopping and cultural experiences.
- Visit the Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) to learn about the history and contributions of Chinese-Americans
3. San Francisco – Tang People Street
San Francisco’s Chinatown, called 旧金山唐人街 (Jiùjīnshān tángrénjiē) in Chinese, is one of the oldest Chinatowns in the US. Once you step through the Bush Street and Grant Avenue intersection, you will feel as if you have entered China, leaving San Francisco behind.
San Francisco’s Chinatown is one of the first Chinatowns in the US, and served as an entry port to Chinese immigrants in the late 1980s. Today, it has grown into a center of Chinese culture and is the largest Chinese community outside of Asia.
It is the best place to visit with family, as you’ll have a great time here with street vendors selling everything from noodles to Chinese imports. There are also fish markets and restaurants offering authentic Chinese cuisine, including famous egg tarts served at Golden Gate Bakery. The area, close to the Financial District, is densely populated with narrow streets. You will also enjoy the artwork, which takes you back to Chinese history.
Best Things to Do in Tang People Street:
- You can explore traditional architecture and culture while walking along the historic street
- Enjoy local delicacies at quaint teahouses and restaurants scattered along the street.
- You can shop for souvenirs and traditional crafts from local vendors.
- Visit cultural attractions like museums and galleries that showcase Tang Dynasty artifacts and art.
- Take a boat ride along the canal to admire the scenery and learn about the area’s history.
4. Toronto – Downtown Chinatown
The Chinatown in Toronto is one of the hidden gems in Canada. Found in Downtown Toronto, this ethnic enclave has a high concentration of Chinese people running different businesses.
Originally developed in the late 1900s, Chinatown Toronto is one of the biggest Chinatowns in Canada and is a must visit for anyone paying a visit to Toronto.
As you step into Chinatown, you can explore and enjoy Asian and Chinese lifestyles and cuisines. The town’s bustling Asian-style buildings, neon signs, shops, food stalls, and streets provide a glimpse of Asia.
You can experience and enjoy different cultural festivals and traditions on specific occasions, like New Year’s Eve. People also organize traditional festivals where all members, locals, and artists take part. If you are visiting in the summer season, you can enjoy Toronto Chinatown Festivals, where you can enjoy dance performances, street food stalls, stage shows, and scavenger hunts.
Best Things to Do in Toronto Downtown Chinatown:
- Take a visit to popular cultural places like Chinatown center for shopping and local foods.
- You can discover temples and cultural landmarks such as the beautiful Kiever Synagogue or the lively Dragon City Mall.
- Taste different countries’ traditional foods and dishes like Chinese, Vietnamese, and other Asian cuisines.
- Explore the Street art and murals for a unique journey experience.
- Also, join walking tours for an immersive experience and learn about Chinatown’s history and culinary scene.
5. Seattle – Chinatown-International District
The Chinatown–International District (CID) is a historic neighborhood in Seattle, Washington, and is the central hub for the city’s Asian American community. This is a diverse community that houses not only Chinese but also Japanese, Vietnamese, and Filipino residents. The Chinese started to visit this city in the 1860s, mainly to work as labor and soon settled here.
There are several places to visit in this town, including Hing Hay Park, which regularly hosts cultural events. There’s also the Wing Luke Museum, which you will love if you have an interest in history.
The restaurants here offer incredible dishes. Also, pay a visit to Uwajimaya Supermarket to experience an Asian grocery store. The store also has a food court where you can enjoy delicious Chinese meals. Pay a visit to Mike’s Noodle House if you love noodles, congee and wontons.
Best Things to Do in Chinatown-International District:
- Visit the Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience.
- Explore Hing Hay Park, a vibrant community hub with cultural events and beautiful landscaping.
- At night go to the historic Chinatown gate, which is a symbol of the district’s rich heritage and make reels and photos for memories.
- Visit the Seattle Pinball Museum for a unique blend of gaming and nostalgia.
Conclusion
China is a must-visit country, but you can experience it without having to fly for hours. The vibrant Chinatowns scattered across the U.S. and Canada offer a living reflection of Chinese heritage, resilience, and success. Through parades, festivals, and authentic cuisine, these communities celebrate centuries of culture while embracing their adopted homes.
Even though the Chinese American community faces hardships in begging, the biggest Chinatown in the US and Canada shows its contribution to American society. However, you can visit the Chinatowns all year, whether for history, Asian cuisine, cultural events, or anything else.
People Also Ask
New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles have some of the largest Chinatowns in North America.
Yaowarat, the Chinatown in Bangkok, Thailand, is often considered the biggest Chinatown in the world. It’s also one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world, established in 1782.
The United States has roughly 50 Chinatowns that are located in major cities including, San Fransisco, New York City, Seattle, and Los Angeles.
Canada has several Chinatowns, including ones in large cities like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.
Chinatown in Chicago is only 1-2 blocks big. But Toronto should be rated a lot higher as there are 2 Chinatowns in Toronto. Spadina and dundas, broadview and Gerrard. There is one in Mississauga, one in Scarborough, another in Markham and another in Richmond hill. So the writer is not informed and has not done his research. That’s 6 Chinatowns In the greater Toronto area. Also don’t forget Vancouver Chinatowns.
Should I dare ask a question ? will I receive a answer ? Other than Chicago or New York is there any china towns in Wisconsin like in maybe Green Bay or Milwaukee ???
Milwaukee is so close to Chicago. Why won’t you just drive down?
I agree with Henry. Toronto has the second largest China Town in North America. And that is only counting the one on Spadina. Sorry Henry, but I do not see a China town in all the other location. But in Toronto Asian, South Asian and Middle Eastern neighborhoods abound and blur into each other!
I totally agree with the assessment of Toronto “Chinatowns”. One can get even service in Mandarin at local bank branches. I will definitely check out the NYC Chinatowns, just to compare.
I was in Houston’s Chinatown a couple weeks ago and it seemed a lot bigger to me than Chicago’s Chinatown.
Oh it probably is. Houston’s Chinatown is growing like crazy too.
I am from Houston and went to the Chinatown in Chicago and was deeply disappointed at how small it was. Houston’s Chinatown stretches for a couple miles while Chicago’s was about 2 blocks
Houston’s Chinatown should be on here.
Wait? What about Vancouver’s Chinatown? Everything I can find says Vancouver is the largest Chinatown in Canada (this means it’s bigger than Toronto). How is it not on the list at all?
You all in the comment section nailed it.
Houston’s Chinatown not being on this list is bogus.
Just look at a freaking map- Houston’s is the biggest Chinatown out of all these.
Not to mention, Houston’s Chinatown overflows it’s actual boundaires.
Houston’s Chinatown is clearly #2 in North America. Poorly researched article.
Whoever took you guy’s to Chicago’s Chinatown and showed you 2 blocks on Cermak and Wentworth doesn’t know Chicago. Chicago’s Chinatown is a few square miles and is rapidly growing.