Table of Contents
- Introduction
- History of Chinatown
- Safety in Chinatown
- Where to Stay in Chinatown
- Arrival, Parking, and Transportation Within Chinatown
- Best Things to Do in Chinatown
- What and Where to Eat in Chinatown
- General Tips About Visiting Chinatown
- Conclusion
- Los Angeles Blogs
Introduction
Chinatown is in the heart of L.A. sandwiched between Downtown Los Angeles and Elysian Park. It is located near other major tourist attractions such as the Broad and Dodger Stadium. Chinatown is a popular place to visit, home to some of the best places to eat in Los Angeles and cultural sights for you to enjoy throughout the area. This blog post will cover everything from history, accommodation, transportation, things to do, safety, what and where to eat, and other general tips while visiting Chinatown.
History of Chinatown
Chinese people began immigrating to the United States during the 1850s. They took on many occupations during the construction of Los Angeles but one of the most important empoyers were the Central Pacific railroad company. As the Central Pacific connected with the Union Pacific, the emplyment oppertunities became scarce. Many Chinese immigrants began establishing laundromat and produce businesses in what would turn into Los Angeles. This led to Chinese people holding some power in the southern Califronia City.
As the Chinese individuals began gaingng economic and politial pwoer, they began congregating in a certain area in central Los Angeles. This is Old Chinatown and spanded about 15 streets and encompased hundreds of buildings. The Chinese Exclusion Acts prevented the area from getting bigger, but they still managed to reach a respectable size.
Even though they faced harsh racism, the Chinese immigrants held economic power due to the laundromats and the flourishing area. The new Chinatown (which we know today) was opened in 1938 by California Governor Frank Mirriam and even though it has shrunk, it has since stood as a major part of Los Angeles. It now showcases Chinese and Chinese-American history, cuisine, and culture.
Safety in Chinatown
Chinatown is generally safe to visit and stay in. The town is surprisingly calm (sometimes dead) for being such a talked-about area. Unless there is an event going like Chinese New Year, the area usually does not get too busy. This business can play a part in its safety. Since Chinatown is located relatively closer to places like Skid Row, sometimes its unwanted inhabitants can venture into Chinatown and cause some problems. But overall, the crime in Chinatown compared to the rest of Los Angeles is not overly high, so it is a great place to travel to.
Where to Stay in Chinatown
The centrally located Chinatown is a good place to stay if you do or do not have a car. It has great walkability and is safer than most other places in Central Los Angeles. Chinatown may be a little more calm than you may think. It doesn’t have a lot of nightlife and tends to be a bit more sleepy after dinner time. Chinatown can be a good area to stay if you do not have a car, but please don’t wander too far at night since the surrounding areas can be sketchy. There are three primary accommodation options in Chinatown, motels, hotels, and room and house rentals, which will all be discussed in detail below with specific recommendations.
Hotels
There are two hotels in Chinatown and they are not too cheap. Both hotels offer parking spots, so if you have a car or rent a vehicle, it should not be a problem. However, some hotels charge an additional fee to park your car, so be sure to ask at the front desk, and they will give you a parking hanging tag or sticker for your vehicle if applicable. The hotels can be found around the perimeter of Chinatown.
Most hotels have a check-in time of around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time of around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but this can vary depending on the location. If you want an early check-in or late check-out you can call ahead and see if they can do anything, but in most cases, it will cost extra. Prices can change depending on the time you are going and for how long. Average rates that I’ve seen range from $90.00 to $120.00+ / €83.65 to €110.83+ per night.
House and Room Rentals
Airbnb and Vrbo are popular rental companies and offer guests opportunities to rent private and/or shared spaces for a few days to a few weeks. If you are a solo traveler or a couple, I would recommend you use Airbnb as they have smaller accommodation options. All rooms and houses offered usually have many reviews, so you can look at them and see how their experience was. There are not too many options for rentals inside Chinatown, but there are a few right outside the main area. I’ve also noticed that ever since the COVID-19 pandemic, both companies have charged a very high cleaning fee. Sometimes close to $200.00 / €185.54!
Costs and availability can vary depending on the time you go and for how long, but the prices range from $50.00 to $100.00+ / €46.38 to €92.77+. It is also possible that many options do not have any parking spots, so if you rent a car or have a personal vehicle, check to make sure it has a parking spot. Generally speaking, most places have a check-in time around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but it can vary depending on the location.
Normally if you want an early check-in and/or late check-out they can accommodate you without an extra fee. Air conditioning does not come in all the units (sometimes at an extra fee), so if you come during summer, I’d recommend finding a place with air conditioning since it can get very hot in central Los Angeles. To check out Airbnb’s official website, click here. For Vrbo’s official website, click here.
Motels
Motels are very common in Canada and the United States. For my readers outside the U.S. and Canada, motels may seem like a weird concept, but let me explain. Motels are very similar to hotels but offer fewer amenities. Motels are very basic, they have a room with a bed, a desk, and a private bathroom, and sometimes the campus will have a pool which can be closed seasonally. Sometimes they will have air conditioning and will always have a parking spot (sometimes limited).
Motels tend to be a little cheaper than hotels but do not offer flexible check-in and check-out and tend to have virtually no security. Just like hotels, most motels have a check-in time of around 3 p.m. / 15:00 and a check-out time of around 11 a.m. / 11:00, but this can vary depending on the location. There is only one motel inside Chinatown (The Royal Pagoda Hotel) and it is pretty pricey for a motel costing about $80.00 to $100.00+ / €73.88 to €92.47+ per night. Of course, the prices can depend on the time you are going and for how long, but it is more expensive than other motels.
If you want more information about accommodation and where to stay in Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Where to Stay in Los Angeles Guide” blog post.
Arrival, Parking, and Transportation Within Chinatown
- Arrival
Chinatown can either be an easy or hard destination depending on how you choose to get here. You can drive or take the L.A. Metro. Driving can be a bit annoying due to parking (discussed in a later section) and congestion. There is always traffic around Chinatown, and it can add up to 45 minutes to your drive. I would recommend you utilize the Los Angeles Metro.
If you want to use the L.A. Metro, the first thing you will need to get is a TAP Card. The TAP Card is required to ride the L.A. Metro. You can either download the TAP L.A. application here or purchase one at any of the metro stations. Once you have a physical or digital card, just put your card or phone on top of the device and “tap” to pay for the fare. The price is $1.75 / €1.61 for a two-hour ride. Reloading the TAP Card or the Tap LA app is very easy and can be done online.
Once you are on the metro, find your way to the A Line, as that one gets you to Chinatown. Once you arrive at the Chinatown Station, you will tap once more. The main hours of operation of the L.A. Metro are from 5 a.m. to 12 a.m. / 05:00–00:00 but can differ. If you want more information about transportation within Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Arrival and Transportation Within Los Angeles” blog post.
- Transportation Within Chinatown
Chinatown is not that big. That means when you are in the area, there are no real methods of transportation within Chinatown since its not necessary. There are however three metro bike stations in Chinatown. The metro bike is a newer form of micromobility aimed at traversing Los Angeles in smaller distances. The bikes do have a battery and move a lot faster than an average bike. You can find available bikes by clicking here and viewing the Metro Bike Share Stations. You can also download an application to help you find available bikes by clicking here, and downloading the “Metro Bike Share App” for free in both the Google Play Store and the Apple Play Store.
Using metro bikes is easy and utilizes the TAP Card just like the L.A. Metro, public buses, and electric scooters. You can also use a credit or debit card at any Metro Bike Share Station. To rent the bike, place your card or phone on top of the device and “tap” to pay for the fare. The price to take the bus is $1.75 / €1.61 every 30 minutes. Reloading the TAP Card or the Tap LA app is very easy and can be done online or at a respective station. When you are done with the bike, return it to a similar station.
If you do not dock the bikes, the charges will not stop, so please remember. Make sure you securely lock the bike in the holder. Also, please wear a helmet to make sure you are being as safe as you can be. In California, anyone under 18 is required to wear a helmet, but anyone over 18 does not need to have one. Click here to go to the Metro Bike official website.
- Parking in Chinatown
Every single location in Chinatown is paid parking only. Sometimes the parking can be free for the first hour or so, but rarely here. The parking is paid for only and not cheap. It normally starts around $20.00 / €18.49 for the day, but there can be some structures that offer per-hour parking located around the perimeter of Chinatown. Spaces should be abundant, but the prices will make it a bigger headache. There is also metered parking on the streets with varying prices.
Best Things to Do in Chinatown
There are a pretty good amount of things to do in and around Chinatown. From Elysian Park to Chinatown’s Central Plaza, there are things to keep you occupied for a couple of days. This is by no means a complete list but rather highlights I recommend. In no particular order, these are the top things I recommend you do in and around Chinatown.
Chinatown Central Plaza
The Chinatown Central Plaza is the main plaza in Chinatown. There are shops, bakeries, restaurants, and points of interest in this central part of town. During certain celebrations like Chinese New Year, this area can become very crowded, but throughout most of the year, it is not overly busy.
Bruce Lee Statue
Located in the Chinatown Central Plaza lies a statue to commemorate one of the most recognizable actors and martial artists, Bruce Lee. Debuted in 2013, this was the first statue in North America to commemorate the Hong Kong-American actor and now stands as one of the “must-see” things in Chinatown. The statue is made of bronze and stands seven feet / 2.1 meters tall. There is a plaque that explains the statue and its significance and cannot be missed on your trip to Chinatown.
Visit Downtown Los Angeles
Downtown is one of the most up-and-coming places to visit in Los Angeles. There are world-renowned museums (like the Broad and Grammy Museum L.A. Live), great restaurants, relaxing parks, and breathtaking observation decks. Downtown Los Angeles is the most walkable part of the city since most things are located so close together. The city does have a reputation for being a little dangerous and homeless-ridden, but the area is improving dramatically.
Visit Elysian Park
Elysian Park is located north of Chinatown and is a 45-minute walk from with location. Elysian Park is home to recreational areas, playgrounds, hiking trails, and its main attraction, Dodger Stadium. If you drive to Chinatown, there are free parking areas around Elysian Park in case you want to go for an afternoon hike or picnic. If you are staying in Chinatown it makes a great location for an early morning hike, as you can watch the sun rise over Downtown Los Angeles.
Visit El Pueblo de Los Angeles
El Pueblo de Los Angeles is a historical area south of Chinatown and in front of Union Station. This region is home to interesting points of interst like the El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument, the Chinese American Museum, and Olvera Street. You can also find the oldest house in Los Angeles built in 1818, the Avila Adobe. Located a short 10 minute walk from Chinatown this makes a great little trip.
Walk Around and Enjoy the Chinese Architecture
As you could’ve probably guessed, the area is adorned with ornate buildings and Chinese culture. Since the area is rather small and very walkable, it’s nice to get a cup of coffee or green tea and just walk around taking in all the Chinese-inspired architecture and the surroundings. There are also plaques and information cards that highlight important historical events and fun facts.
Visit Los Angeles State Historic Park
Located right next to Chinatown is Los Angeles State Historic Park. This park is part of the Califronia State Park system and features 32 acres / 12.9 hectares of green space. This park is much calmer than other parks and offers relaxing walks with great views of the Downtown Los Angeles skyscrapers. The park is a short 10 minute walk from Chinatown and worth a visit to get away from the city.
Little Tokyo
Little Tokyo is another smaller cultural area within Los Angeles. Located in Downtown Los Angeles, Little Tokyo is a small section that is home to Japanese-inspired restaurants, shops, architecture, and culture. The area is smaller than Chinatown, but not lacking in terms of culture, cuisine, or things to do. There is a lot to eat and a couple of museums (The Geffen Contemporary at MOCA and the Japanese American National Museum) to check out in the area. This area is definitely worth a visit.
Go See a Dodger Game / Visit Dodger Stadium
Dodger Stadium is about a 30-minute walk away from Chinatown and is an excellent option if you are attending an event or Dodger Game as parking can be a little expensive at the stadium. The Dodgers are very popular among Angelinos, and if you get the chance to experience a game, the energy will be unmatched. I highly recommend you try and catch a game. If you go on a non-game day you can visit the official gift shop and even go and see a viewpoint overlooking the stadium. If you would like to purchase a ticket, click here.
What and Where to Eat in Chinatown
Chinatown is known for two things, Chinese food and their bakeries. The former is a given as it is Chinatown, but the ladder is always surprising. There are two bakeries (discussed below) that offer tasty pastries and are well worth visiting. Alongside these, there are also local breweries to explore and give a taste of L.A. life. In no particular order, these are the locations I recommend you eat in Chinatown.
Howlin’ Ray’s (Chicken and Waffles)
Howlin’ Ray’s is one of the best restaurants in Los Angeles. This place is known for its chicken and waffles. Just as it sounds, the dish is only composed of fried chicken and Belgian waffles but is to die for. The chicken has a succulent dry rub and the waffle is fluffy and not too sweet. The original restaurant opened in Chinatown, but there is another one in Pasadena.
Foo Chow Restaurant (Chinese)
Foo Chow Restaurant is one of if not the most visited eating establishments in Chinatown. One of the main reasons why this area is so popular is because of the movie Rush Hour. The popular action movie starring Jackie Chan was filmed here and has since become a popular place to eat. Although the food is good, it is not the best place in Chinatown to eat. its status as a film location has proceeded its food reputation. But still a good place to eat.
Yang Chow Restaurant (Chinese)
Yang Chow Restaurant is the best place to eat in Chinatown. The food is superb, and the location is central to the main area. The portions (as many Chinese places around Los Angeles) are large as they tend to be family style. Meaning they have larger portions with the intention you will share with others. There are two other location in Long Beach and Pasadena, but I believe that the one in Chinatown is the original. The szechuan chicken was my favorite and highly recommend it.
Phoenix Bakery (Café)
Phoenix Bakery is the best bakery in Chinatown, and they are known for one specific thing, strawberry cake. The strawberry cake is the most ordered thing on the menu and their specialty. The cake is not overly sweet and offers a wonderful, refreshing treat on a hot day. The cake is divine and a must-eat in Chinatown.
Wonder Bakery (Café)
Wonder Bakery is located in the Chinatown Central Plaza and is a great spot for anyone wandering around the main part of Chinatown. This bakery has the best moon cakes I’ve ever had. The lotus seed flavor is my favorite but bean paste is also a good flavor.
Highland Park Brewery (Beer and Bar Food)
Highland Park Brewery is a brewery in Chinatown that showcases its regional and local beers. The location also serves some pretty good food so it makes for a great place for you to relax, try some local beer, and eat some pretty good food. The prices are on par with most others in the area and are not overly expensive.
General Tips About Visiting Chinatown
Chinatown is a small section of Los Angeles, one of the many distinct areas that make up the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area. Although some of the information overlaps, some are unique to different areas. In no particular order, here is a list of tips I’d recommend on your trip to Chinatown.
Don’t Expect a Lot of People
I was surprised at how empty the area was on my first visit. I feel as if Chinatown is always discussed and built up to be this insanely popular area of Los Angeles. However, my first visit and proceeding discussions with locals disproved that idea. Unless you are visiting during Chinese New Year or another local holiday, you will not encounter too many people in this area. Even though it’s not that busy, it doesn’t mean it’s not worth visiting. I like Chinatown, and it offers much more calm vibes when compared to the rest of the city.
Bring Water And Snacks
If you are walking and get a little peckish or thirsty, you can find it a little pricey and difficult to find something to keep you refreshed and full. There are street vendors on certain days that have cold water or drinks ready to purchase, but in general, you may need to go into a convenience store to pick something up. Just be prepared with snacks and refreshments because you will be walking around a lot admiring the gorgeous Chinese-inspired architecture.
Traffic
Los Angeles has some pretty bad traffic, and I feel that the geographic location of Chinatown means it always has traffic. It is not on the same level as other places on Earth, but for the United States, it’s pretty bad. It can add up to 30 minutes of diving time. The worst time to drive is from 6 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. / 06:00–10:30 and from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. / 15:00–18:30. These times are the busiest for traffic (rush hour), but the weekends do see less traffic as many people do not work, so the hours can narrow on the weekends.
A safe piece of advice would be to start driving to your destination an hour before you want to arrive if you are driving within the above times. I use an app called Waze, which is a good way to check for traffic in the city. Click here to download the app on either the Apple Play Store or the Google Play Store.
Wildlife in Elysian Park
Among the beautiful fauna that calls Elysian Park home, there are a few that you should be aware of while waking. It is worth noting that since the park is relatively small and very busy, the wildlife is pretty tame, but that doesn’t mean nonexistent. Here are flora and fauna to be aware of while in Elysian Park.
– Insects
Insects exist everywhere on Earth, except Antarctica. There are three that are best known for their ability to transmit some nasty diseases: fleas, mosquitoes, and ticks. All three are in and/or around Elysian Park but the diseases they transmit are not common in the area.
– Rattlesnakes
The most common animal that can cause harm while hiking in Los Angeles in general is rattlesnakes. They are most commonly found in shaded areas. There are seven different species of rattlesnakes in southern California. Although they can be fatal if bitten, the good news is that they have a rattle to let you know you are getting too close. They also hide during the day to avoid the sun. If you are bitten, do not constrict the area or try and suck out the venom.
Remain calm and call 911. Rattlesnakes are not the only snakes in the area but are the only deadly ones in the area. One piece of advice I can give you is to stick to the trails. Rattlesnakes only go on the trail to cross from one side to the other since there is no shade. For more information, click here to go to the official University of California, Davis Health website.
– Coyotes
Coyotes are small canines related to dogs and wolves. They rarely approach, let alone, attack humans. They are often found in groups and can be seen all around the city. Coyotes do not pose a threat but in some instances, transit rabies, so keep a safe distance and you will be fine.
– Poison Oak
Poison oak can be found all around Elysian Park and can ruin your trip. Poison oak contains an oily resin (urushiol oil) that causes an allergic reaction when exposed to human skin. It is not life-threatening, but the rash can last days and ruin your trip. If you come into contact with poison oak, rinse the affected area with soap and cold water and remove any clothes that may have come into contact with the oak. If you want to learn more about prevention and treatment, click here to go to the FDA’s official website.
– Bobcats
Bobcats are a species of feline that resembles a large house cat. They are much bigger than your average house cat and can be territorial, and aggressive. However, they stick to themselves, rarely confront humans, and are rare in Elysian Park. If you see one, clap loudly and create noise to scare them off.
For more broad tips about traveling to Los Angeles, click here to go to the “Traveling To Los Angeles General Tips” blog post.
Conclusion
This has been a comprehensive and detailed list of everything regarding Chinatown including where to stay, how to get around, what and where to eat, safety, and what to do. What has been your experience in Chinatown? What is your favorite thing to do in Chinatown? If you have any questions, suggestions, or comments, feel free to post them below. Also, please check out blog posts related to Los Angeles below, or go back to the Los Angeles page to learn more about traveling to L.A.
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