Chinatown Travel Guide

Los Angeles

Chinatown featuring signage
Chinatown featuring heritage architecture
Chinatown which includes heritage architecture, religious elements and a temple or place of worship
Chinatown
Chinatown

Spend an afternoon wandering around this historic ethnic neighborhood, 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


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 ₹11,343 per night from 10 Nov to 11 Nov
₹11,343
₹13,180 total
10 Nov - 11 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (3,876 reviews)
Clean room

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025

citizenM Los Angeles Downtown
Loews Hollywood Hotel

Loews Hollywood Hotel

4 out of 5
1755 North Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, CA
The price is ₹19,965 per night from 26 Oct to 27 Oct
₹19,965
₹26,276 total
26 Oct - 27 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
9/10 Wonderful! (4,629 reviews)
It was very clean. The staff was great and helpful. Enjoyed my stay

Reviewed on 19 Oct 2025

Loews Hollywood Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn LAX Los Angeles Airport

Hilton Garden Inn LAX Los Angeles Airport

3 out of 5
5249 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is ₹9,411 per night from 29 Oct to 30 Oct
₹9,411
₹10,936 total
29 Oct - 30 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a free airport shuttle and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the clean ...
7.8/10 Good! (968 reviews)
Shuttle was quick and easy. (Make sure you specify Hilton Garden Inn.) Clean room.

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025

Hilton Garden Inn LAX Los Angeles Airport
Hotel Burbank

Hotel Burbank

3 out of 5
150 E Angeleno Ave, Burbank, CA
The price is ₹12,072 per night from 23 Nov to 24 Nov
₹12,072
₹13,466 total
23 Nov - 24 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Burbank. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the pool and the restaurant in their ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (5,166 reviews)
It was an older property. The location was great. The rate was low.

Reviewed on 21 Oct 2025

Hotel Burbank
Freehand Los Angeles

Freehand Los Angeles

4 out of 5
416 W 8th St, Los Angeles, CA
The price is ₹8,230 per night from 2 Nov to 3 Nov
₹8,230
₹12,424 total
2 Nov - 3 Nov
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 3 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the pool and the bar in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (2,947 reviews)
Water pressure was AMAZING. However, Wifi was down during my entire stay, which was CRITICAL. I spoke to one of the staffs, and it seemed like frequent occurence. I felt like it should've been addressed beforehand.

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025

Freehand Los Angeles
Hilton Los Angeles Airport

Hilton Los Angeles Airport

4 out of 5
5711 W Century Blvd, Los Angeles, CA
The price is ₹10,427 per night from 29 Oct to 30 Oct
₹10,427
₹12,126 total
29 Oct - 30 Oct
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in Los Angeles. Enjoy 5 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge) and a free airport shuttle. Our guests praise the bar and the ...
8/10 Very Good! (4,915 reviews)
If you don’t choose to upgrade upon arrival, you’ll be in one of the non-renovated rooms, which weren’t bad by any means, just not aligned with their new aesthetic that you see throughout the lobby/first few floors. Room was fairly kept, but the windows were peeling and our fridge was on the floor ...

Reviewed on 20 Oct 2025

Hilton Los Angeles Airport
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.

Other neighbourhoods around Chinatown

Downtown Los Angeles featuring a city

Downtown Los Angeles

4/5(134 area reviews)

Crypto.com Arena and L.A. Live are top sights in Downtown Los Angeles, and you should be sure to explore the great live music. Hop aboard the metro at Pershing Square Station or Little Tokyo/Arts District Station to see more sights in the area.

Downtown Los Angeles
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Silver Lake

4.5/5(2 area reviews)

Lake views, live music and theatres are just a few things travellers enjoy about Silver Lake. Check out Melrose Avenue or Virgil Avenue while you're exploring the area.

Silver Lake
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Koreatown

Travellers choose Koreatown for its abundant dining options. Hop aboard the metro at Wilshire - Western Station or Wilshire - Normandie Station and check out top sights like Wiltern Theatre.

Koreatown
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Los Feliz

You'll enjoy the coffee shops and architecture in Los Feliz. You might want to make time for a stop at Pohono Bridge or John Marshall High School.

Los Feliz
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Eagle Rock

4/5(1 area review)

Eagle Rock is noteworthy for its coffee shops, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Forest Lawn Memorial Park and Eagle Rock Plaza.

Eagle Rock
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Commerce

Commerce is popular for its abundant dining options, and if you're looking for more to see and do, you might think about a trip to Citadel Outlets or Commerce Casino.

Commerce


Chinatown Travel Guide