London’s Chinatown is one of the most charming parts of the West End. With its ornate oriental archway in Gerrard Street marking the entrance it is like stepping into another world….. Chinatown has been London’s focus for Chinese residents since the 1950’s when a number of Chinese restaurants opened in the area. It has become one of the capital’s major attractions. You can shop at over 70 authentic Chinese supermarkets, gift shops and street stalls.
It is located in the City of Westminster and borders Soho to the north and west and London’s Theatreland to the south and east. It encompasses Gerrard Street, the lower half of Wardour Street, Rupert Street and Rupert Court, part of Shaftesbury Avenue and Lisle Street, Macclesfield Street and Newport Place, Newport Court and Little Newport Street.
Local architecture
Chinatown has buildings and streets decorated with Chinese symbols such as dragons, stone lions, lanterns and contemporary sculptures. You can look out for the distinctive street signs, which are written in English and Chinese. The area now has four gates, the most recent of which has been opened on Wardour Street. The ornamentation found in this area offers excellent photo opportunities and gives an insight into Chinese culture and religion. This is particularly the case during seasonal celebrations.
It is an area that is easy to access by public transport. And it is easy to get around as it covers a small area, much of which is now pedestrianised.
The Chinese New Year
This year, Chinese New Year falls on 25 January, with the main festivities taking place on 26 January. Enjoy spectacular parades with floats and lion dancers and live performances in Trafalgar Square. There is entertainment across the West End and around Chinatown, as well as many pop-up food and craft stalls. You will see red lanterns on display throughout.
The main event celebrated in London is the Chinese Near Year. London’s celebrations are some of the biggest outside Asia.
Restaurants
London’s Chinatown is full of good value restaurants offering delicious fare for hungry visitors to London.
As well as restaurants serving authentic Chinese cuisine you will find other oriental establishments offering Vietnamese, Malaysian, Korean and Japanese fare.
Some of the most notable restaurants in Chinatown are: Baoizi Inn (rustic street food), Four Seasons (famous for roast duck), Olle (Korean barbecue), Golden Dragon (dim sum), Leong’s Legend (Taiwanese), Bubblewrap Waffle (waffles with toppings), Plum Valley (contemporary Cantonese), Rasa Sayang (Malaysia and Singapore), Shu Xiangge (hotpots), Imperial China (Chinese), Ichibuns (Japanese and American).
Chinatown is one of the most instagrammable parts of London and offers many opportunities for photographers to click away…..
Shopping
Excellent supermarkets in Chinatown include New Loon Moon and See Woo. You can shop for exotic ingredients, fruits, vegetables and spices.
Nearest underground stations
The closest underground stations to London’s Chinatown are Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. Tottenham Court Road is also fairly nearby.
Are you coming by bus?
The following stop nearby 14 / 24 / 27 / 29 / 134 / 168 / C2.
Accommodation in the area
Would you like to stay nearby? There are some very convenient apartments and hotels nearby for you to choose from.
1700,1762, 1781,1808
