Chinatown located in Lower East Side Manhattan New York is one of the oldest and most populous cultural and ethnic areas in the city. During the world wars, this section of New York became a place of refuge for all Chinese as it was self sufficient. It is a place with endless sights, smells, tastes and sounds combining both residential and commercial establishments.
See Chinatown Through
Blue Panda Tours.
Blue Panda Tours is the best way to really see Chinatown. The guide's family has three generations of history in the area, making them so of the most knowledgeable in the area. The tour will include places of worship, shopping, galleries and end with a lunch at one of the best local restaurant. The tour lasts two hours and is reasonably priced.
Eat in Chinatown at
Dim Sum Restaurant.
The Dim Sum Restaurant is one of the truly great Chinese eating establishments in all of Chinatown. Some of the items on the menu include shrimp or pork dumplings, turnip cake and porridge with meat and onions. The meal is prepared of fresh meats and produce purchased at the local market.
Visit the
Church of the Transfiguration.
The Church of the Transfiguration which was constructed in 1815 is still holding services in the middle of bustling Chinatown. At the time of construction it was known as the Zion Protestant Episcopal Church, but was sold to the Roman Catholic church in 1853. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest Catholic church in the city. Tours are conducted every day except Sundays.
Visit an
Open Air Market on Canal Street.
Canal Street is a busy, wide and loud area known for its open air markets selling everything from imported exotic products to knock-off handbags to cheap sunglasses. The Pearl Paint store prides itself on having the world's largest inventory of art supplies. This section of Chinatown is not for the faint of heart but if you want to get in on some bargains this is the place to be.
Visit
Columbus Park.
After all the touring, eating and shopping Columbus Park is a quiet oasis in an otherwise noisy, bustling part of New York City. Lately the park has undergone renovations which include new landscaping and upgrades on the walking tracks. This is one of the city's best people watching spots. Chinatown is definitely one of the busiest sections of New York but it boast some of the most unique features in the city and it is a good example of how different cultures can coexist within a city like New York City.
