The Chinese have been migrating elsewhere for a long time. There are more than 50 million Chinese currently living outside their country, and many countries have their own “Chinatown”. In these Chinatowns you’ll find a celebration of Chinese culture, from common groceries to massages and handicrafts, and of course Chinese restaurants serving their renowned delicious cuisine. Over the years, Chinatowns have become part of the representation of the Chinese community around the world, and they are a great place to visit to immerse yourself in the culture and history. Here are 5 of the most famous Chinatowns in the world which you’re sure to enjoy visiting!
1. Singapore
Singapore is a multicultural country with many expats from all around the world. It is also home to the largest percentage of ethnic Chinese outside of China and Taiwan. The city’s Chinatown is colorful with red, green, and yellow creating an amazing vibrancy, and visiting at night is even better with all the lights around, There is a famous corner in this place called ‘Buddha Tooth Temple, which is one of the most Instagrammable places in Singapore.
2. New York, USA
Of course any mention of Chinatown often brings to mind the one in New York City, located in Lower Manhattan. NYC’s Chinatown story goes way back to a Cantonese settler Ah Ken, who arrived in the 1850s, and of course has the best Chinese food in America.
3. London, England
London’s Chinatown is located in the bustling West End, not far from Soho and the iconic Theatreland. The gate is beautiful with Chinese style and ornament, and here you can find Chinese restaurants, Asian grocers, traditional teahouses and much more. The place is always crowded with local people as well as tourists from all around the world who come to explore the area and its delights.
4. Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is known for its street food but in Chinatown you can find mixed Thai and Chinese food. The Chinatown here is also one of the biggest Chinatowns in the world and was founded in 1782 when the city was established as the capital of the Rattanakosin Kingdom. The iconic Yaowarat Road is the main artery of Chinatown and is the busiest area, it it beautiful at night with all the neon signs.
5. Melbourne, Autralia
Located in the Central Business District (CBD) of Melbourne, Victoria, Melbourne’s Chinatown is a major tourist attraction and is known for its architectural heritage, annual festivals, and cuisine, offering Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Indian, Malaysian, Indonesian, Vietnamese, and Korean foods. It was established in the 1850s, when Chinese prospectors came to Australia during the Victorian gold rush.
