Chinatown

Los Angeles

Chinatown showing signage
Chinatown featuring heritage architecture
Chinatown showing religious aspects, heritage architecture and a temple or place of worship
Chinatown
Chinatown

Spend an afternoon wandering around this historic ethnic neighbourhood, which is home to diverse restaurants, a thriving art scene and quirky grocery stores.

Los Angeles’ Chinatown is an eclectic little neighbourhood where you can shop for items ranging from herbal remedies to Asian art. In addition to traditional Chinese shops, this buzzing district has trendy galleries and stylish restaurants. Stock up on rare spices and inexpensive jewellery, savour a meal of dim sum or sip craft beers.

The development of Union Station in 1938 forced the city’s early Chinese community to relocate from its initial settlement. The Central Plaza, the neighbourhood’s busy main square, was dedicated the same year and still forms the heart of Chinatown to this day. Be sure to check out this bustling square at night, when it is illuminated with neon pagoda lights and lanterns.

Across the street from Central Plaza, you’ll find Chung King Road, which has some of the city’s top art galleries. This once-rundown pedestrian passage is now regularly packed with trendsetters attending gallery openings, particularly on Saturday nights. Seek out more contemporary galleries along Gin Ling Way, on the west side of Broadway.

Stop for lunch at Philippe the Original, a cafeteria-style deli that claims to have invented the French dip sandwich. A neighbourhood institution since 1908, this low-key restaurant is also known for its potent house mustard.

Take a look inside Taoist Thien Hau Temple, which is dedicated to the patron saint of sailors and fishermen. Look for a ceremonial drum and bell hanging next to the beautifully carved columns at the temple’s entrance. Inside, you’ll see granite panels carved with depictions of tigers and dragons.

Like other Chinatowns around the world, Los Angeles’ Chinatown is particularly festive during Chinese New Year. Typically beginning in late January, this month-long festival features fireworks displays, pageants, parades and other lively events. If you visit during this celebration, be sure to try nian gao (a steamed cake), which is traditionally eaten during the New Year.

Chinatown is bordered by Alameda Street, Bernard Street, Yale Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue. You’ll find plenty of open-air lots and enclosed garages for parking. Alternatively, ride the metro to Chinatown station.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Chinatown

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
4 out of 5
361 South Spring Street, Los Angeles, CA
The price is S$207 per night from 30 Jul to 31 Jul
S$207
30 Jul - 31 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,417 reviews)
"Lovveeeee citizen m. I always book here when I visit LA. Clean and staff are great."

Reviewed on 9 Jul, 2025

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
4 out of 5
6225 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is S$226 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
S$226
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,903 reviews)
"Very convenient for an early flight. Clean hotel with food options and easy shuttle to airport."

Reviewed on 7 Jul, 2025

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
4 out of 5
6101 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is S$214 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
S$214
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a free airport shuttle, and a health club. Our guests praise the pool ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (7,459 reviews)
"Lovebit"

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 2025

Sheraton Gateway Los Angeles Hotel
Sheraton Universal Hotel
Sheraton Universal Hotel
4 out of 5
333 Universal Hollywood Drive, Universal City, CA
The price is S$313 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$313
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Universal City. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (3,839 reviews)
"I great planning including the stay here in Universal is a good choice!"

Reviewed on 9 Jul, 2025

Sheraton Universal Hotel
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Hilton Los Angeles Airport
4 out of 5
5711 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is S$214 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
S$214
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy 4 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the bar ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,781 reviews)
"Had a little difficulty with the self-parking, ticket validated on first in and out of the parking lot, but had an issue on the second return in. Had to get new ticket and have lobby fix which took some time. Also the parking cost appears higher than neighboring lots which I didn't realize until ..."

Reviewed on 8 Jul, 2025

Hilton Los Angeles Airport
Loews Hollywood Hotel
Loews Hollywood Hotel
4 out of 5
1755 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is S$445 per night from 14 Jul to 15 Jul
S$445
14 Jul - 15 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,356 reviews)
"N/A"

Reviewed on 9 Jul, 2025

Loews Hollywood Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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